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Due to the fact that the nozzle of my CA (Cyano Acrilate) glue bottle would constantly become clogged from the glue, which collected in it, I have been able to devise a solution to my problem.
I took a piece of flat 1/4" thick plastic, 2 1/2" by 3 1/2", such as Plexiglas, or Lucite, and drilled five 1/8" holes in it to form a "U" pattern. I also bored a .500" hole in the plate to accommodate a ball bearing. Five brass pins 1/8" diameter by 1 1/4" long were pressed into the previously drilled holes. The ball bearing was pressed into the .500" bore.
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The brass pins that were pressed into the plastic plate face the front of the plate, opposite to the support pin that was pressed into the ball bearing.
Then, a .156" hole was bored into a 1/2" diameter by 6" long aluminum rod, near the top, to accept the support pin. The support pin was pressed into the aluminum rod, along with the assembled ball bearing and plate, so that the plastic plate is free to rotate about the center of the ball bearing.
This assembly was placed into a commercial bracket (clamp) that allows me to fasten it to my workbench.
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In use, I grasp the lower corner of the plate and rotate it until the bottle is inverted enough to have a drop of glue transferred to my applicator, which can be a toothpick, a needle, or whatever I choose to use to apply the drop of glue.
As soon as I let go of the corner of the plastic plate, gravity takes over, and the plate and bottle immediately return to an upright position, and the remainder of the glue flows toward the bottom of the bottle, out of the nozzle, thereby preventing clogs.
It is possible to rotate the plate clockwise or counterclockwise, since the ball bearing can turn 360 degrees. This allows my device to be used by left or right handed people.
Also, since the unit is clamped to the workbench, it is possible, and sometimes advantageous to rotate the assembly within the clamp's 1/2" hole that is supporting the aluminum rod, that is carrying the plate, in order to get a more comfortable position for my hands when I use the unit.
Another plus is that I always know where the glue bottle is, and do not have to search for it, or be concerned about where I put it. I just let go of the corner of the plate, and that's it.
It is a simple matter to construct other plates that will carry different size glue bottles, with pin configurations to suit, and use the same ball bearing.
As always, it is advisable to wipe the nozzle after use, and before you put the cap back on.
The position of the "U", and the bearing, and the resultant center of gravity
of the plate are offset to insure that the plate is always vertical, and
upright while at rest.
{Jerry Glickstein}
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