Attaching elwire to sheet metal
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Attaching elwire to sheet metal
Im looking for tips on how to attach elwire to metal on an MV. I'd like to create clean sharp lines.
I want to outline the claws and teeth of the Rat in light. Some of the sheet metal is very thin and some is quite thick and is a pain to drill through. The thin stuff, I can maybe drill out and tie down with wire. My concern is that the tie-wire may abrade the plastic coating of the elwire and damage the innards. I have a bag full of small clips, for wiring, but they are metal and will interrupt the flow of light, giving a dot/dash effect. They will also look lousy on the teeth.
Any suggestions? Thanks.
Irony
I want to outline the claws and teeth of the Rat in light. Some of the sheet metal is very thin and some is quite thick and is a pain to drill through. The thin stuff, I can maybe drill out and tie down with wire. My concern is that the tie-wire may abrade the plastic coating of the elwire and damage the innards. I have a bag full of small clips, for wiring, but they are metal and will interrupt the flow of light, giving a dot/dash effect. They will also look lousy on the teeth.
Any suggestions? Thanks.
Irony
- junglesmacks
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
2 part clear epoxy?
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- moltensteelman
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
This year we used clear vinyl fish tank tubing (my girlfreinds idea) and 3m body molding tape (my idea). The tubing gives the el wire a larger and shiny look. The double stick body molding tape works really well for adhering it to almost any surface and follows curves well. We used 1/32nd inch thick tape 1/2" wide and cut it to 1/4" wide strips. If you can find it in 1/4" rolls it would work better. The tape is almost as expensive as the el wire, but it works well.
Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
I've used plastic wire clips for wire on metal, but they aren't clear.
- Just_Joe
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
I have EL wire outlining a 4' high pair of Penguins. They're made of 1/4" steel and had 6 years of patina (rust) on them when I GLUED EL wire to them at BM in 2010 with GOOP. I placed a drop of GOOP every 8" or so, set the wire into it, and taped it down with masking tape until it dry. Since then, the penguins have been in my yard, exposed to the Nevada sun and the EL wire is still well attached.Rusted Iron wrote:Im looking for tips on how to attach elwire to metal on an MV. I'd like to create clean sharp lines.
Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
GO GO Goop!!!!!! 

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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
There is that clear version of goop.
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
I will try the goop. Thanks.
Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
If you are drilling holes, you could use fishing line instead of wire to tie it down. It shouldn't be abrasive, and it's clear, so any interruptions in the light will be minimal.Rusted Iron wrote:My concern is that the tie-wire may abrade the plastic coating of the elwire and damage the innards. I have a bag full of small clips, for wiring, but they are metal and will interrupt the flow of light, giving a dot/dash effect. They will also look lousy on the teeth.
(Also works well if you are sewing ewire onto clothing)
Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
As observed, GOOP is the Fritz Schnitzel for EL projects...but I'll vouch for the fishline method too- Three square knots keeps it from untying. UV light rapidly degrades fishline, zipstrips and other plasticky things, so put your knots where shade is maximal and check for MOOP. Although it costs more than the Household GOOP (usually), the Outdoor or RV GOOP supposedly has a UV stabilizer in it. I have yet to see a pronounced difference.
...got to use MOOP and GOOP in the same post! My work here is done.
*flying away*
...got to use MOOP and GOOP in the same post! My work here is done.
*flying away*
Howdy From Kalamazoo
Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
GOOP THE MOOP!!!!!!! 

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- some seeing eye
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
You might look at clear silicone calk. Easy to lay down a small bead and it is commonly used in vehicles. Cheap.
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
Corrosive to metal, so test it.
- Drawingablank
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
If you are willing to drill holes there are quite a few suitable styles of cable tie mount that should work. I am partial to the push mount style (they resemble a circuit board stand off). The adhesive type mounts fail quickly in sun / heat.
Google "cable tie mount" and look at the images - there are many possibilities. They even make cable ties with a built in push mount.
Google "cable tie mount" and look at the images - there are many possibilities. They even make cable ties with a built in push mount.
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- BBadger
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
Could you zip-tie/wire over some foam sheathing? It would also provide some friction to keep things taut.
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
I think i'll try goop for the bulk of the the wire and tie it down at the beginning, middle and ends, for extra security. Less holes to drill and less time with my hands inside the Rat getting sheet metal cuts.
I've used fishing line for other projects and i have a hard time getting the knots tight enough. I've gone so far as to use an old suture set to do instrument ties. Wimpy fingers.
I've used fishing line for other projects and i have a hard time getting the knots tight enough. I've gone so far as to use an old suture set to do instrument ties. Wimpy fingers.
Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
If you need serious metal adhesives, I recommend Schnee-morehead.
They have a polyurethane made for vehicle vibration.
I'll be using it to glue aluminum to steel and wood.
They have a polyurethane made for vehicle vibration.
I'll be using it to glue aluminum to steel and wood.
- Sail Man
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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
Yes, where is Robotland?!?FIGJAM wrote:GO GO Goop!!!!!!
The Cybernetic Organism does like his goop..


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Re: Attaching elwire to sheet metal
Wasn't there a goop thread?