Is 1/8+ gap between adapter and pipe fine ?

Is 1/8"- 3/16" gap between pipe and fittings fine or are they supposed to be sitting FLUSH ?

Have not worked on PVC in awhiles and just a 11/2 - 2" adapter to pipe. There is a slight gap .....Dunno what's correct.

If you can find one not yet used, you can check the depth of socket and length of spigot on the reducing bushing. The bushing should be to the bottom of the socket. I have seen some recently where the sockets are shallow (spec minimum) and the flange of the bushing doesn't seat fully on the fitting.

The pipe should extend into the fitting as far as possible. A coupler has a ridge in the center, in all other, the pipe basically bottoms out. In the real world, if you came up an 1/8" short here and there everything would work just fine, but try to bottom the pipe into the fitting. You need to hold the fitting for a few seconds to prevent the hydralic action of the liquid solvent from pushing the fitting out a fraction.

WHat cements do you guys use ? Is there one that sets up a lil slower so I can can fudge it in so that it bottoms out.

I am currently using Oatey purple primer Oatey Regular Clear Cement.

You do not need to "fudge" PVC assemblies. When you apply primer and cement to both piece, they go together easily with just a firm push. If you are needing to apply excessive pressure, something is wrong with the picture.

PVC slips together very easily when the solvent is still liquid. Wipe solvent on the pipe and in the fitting and then give a slight twist as you push the pieces together. This isn't really necessary, but it can make insertion a tad easier. Again, hold the connection together for a few seconds to give the solvent a chance to set. (Don't twist the joint when doing this)