DIY CA glue accelerator?

I have seen write ups …forget where, on those and for the amount I use it doesn’t seem worth the effort. A spray can of accelerator last me a couple of years.

-- Les B, Oregon

I don’t see the minimal savings being worth it compared to project failure down the line.

I used to sell CA glue and the accelerator and even then I knew all it takes is a mist of water. Your breath is moist enough to “accelerate” it.

-- No PHD just a DD214 Lubbock Texas

Any strong base with excess hydroxyl group will help catalyze the Cyanoacrylate reaction.

One DIY formula is one teaspoon sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) dissolved in 1/4-1/2 cup water. If your water has high mineral content and high pH, water alone works too.

Would not recommend sodium bicarbonate spray as part of finishing process for turning. Once the water dries you will find white residue in pores that does not turn clear with more CA on top. So, Stick to commercial sprays when finishing as they are usually colorless.

Commercial accelerators use an 1-3% of an simple aromatic amine (like Trimethylaniline) in a solvent (acetone, naphtha , or alcohol). Aromatic amines are expensive to buy in small quantities, and only trained chemistry geeks should attempt to play with them DIY due Health and Safety issues (known cancer causing).

Cheers!

-- If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all, - Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign released 1967