Russ Amott tries out Limonene Cement from Tamiya, an option for those irritated by the odor of conventional model cement.

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Thanks!

Thanks for the review. I was looking at it at the hobby shop just couple hours ago while searching for some glue. I wasn't sure if it was thin type or thick type so I didn't end up picking it up.

Thanks Russ I'll try it too. Knowing how the powers that be everywhere are concerned with our health and safety normal styrene cement will probably be outlawed soon anyway

Thanks for the review Russ. I didn't know that the Limonene ingredient has been around for that long. I've used the Tamiya Limonene for about a year now -- I recall the LHS convinced me to shift to it when they ran out the older, more familar Tamiya cement. Its good stuff, better odor -- can work longer sans the heady feeling. I'd say its between the older Tamiya and Tamiya Thin in terms of consistency. And yes, you can get so much of it on the supplied brush so best to use a thinner one. Cheers -- Tat

If anyone is thinking of using this, please note that although limonene is a "natural" material, "natural" does not necessarily mean "safe." Limonene is a known skin irritant and can in some cases, cause skin sensitisation and contact dermatitis. Its main industrial uses are as a degreasing solvent and paint stripper, so I'm not sure how effective it would be as an adhesive. I'm guessing that in this case, it is simply being used in its other role as an odoriser to mask the familiar "glue" smell that some find objectionable. Still, best not to get it on your skin.

Limonene is essential oil from citrus (orange peel) so, yes some people are sensitive to it (less than 3% with 100% pure limonene contact).
The sensitive reaction is dermatic allergy. If you not use it, then the problem is gone. It's not a big deal, not dangerous to. If you are allergic to it, you will notice it easily. You will feel a burn sensation.
When you use cement, you usually use a brush so no contact with the cement and if you get a few drops on your skin, believe me, it won't hurt you.
A very good benefit to use limonene is it's properties. http://www.aromaweb.com/essentialoils/citrusessentialoils.asp

I prefer the green one. It's much thinner, has a fine brush too and a much shorter hardening time. Once hardened the bond is very strong indeed. I also use it as a thinner for Tamiya putty; both before I apply it, and after to smoth things out. This combination makes a very good filling.
I only use the yellow one when I have to glue big parts, like upper and lower half of a hull, when I like the longer hardening time to make adjustments and such.

You might want to look closely at the date in the top right corner of your and Davids posts