thin tail feathers

[jamesfa]

i read or heard that using super glue on thin wing & tail feathers to add strenth.can someone give me an idea of the procedure.

[Donna_T]

Here's my experience. After your feathers are carved and woodburned, spread a thin layer of cheap, thin superglue on them and let them completely dry. Then paint. NEVER NEVER woodburn anything that has superglue on it---it's poison--and be careful even of using power carving on wood that has been superglue coated. A wood hardener would work as well (Minwax has a good one). Other than that, it does work to give a bit more strength to delicate, thin areas such as feathers that aren't supported by other body parts, as well as the little pointy beaks.

If you want to experiment, just make one thin feather and try the superglue coating and painting.

Donna T

[David_Aaron_Sercel]

When you apply the super glue just let it soak in naturally. If you
try to brush the excess away with a paint brush, pieces of the
brush sometimes get left behind in the hardening super glue.
Although, you can get brush on super glue with a special brush
in the tube that works pretty well.

Another solution for a very thin INSERTED (carved separately) feather or beak is to use a very hard, strong wood, such as dogwood.
Look at http://www.tupelotimber.ca/

[jamesfa]

thanks for the information on using super glue for the thin areas.i would never of thought about burning after application and the toxic fumes.