Glues

[Paglesham]

Hi all, just wondering what glues you all use when doing repairs to your boats or what the professionals use around the yards. Any one for instance still use Cascamite?
Martin

 

[Poignard]

I use moisture curing polyurethane glue [e.g. Balcotan, but there are plenty of others available] when I can, otherwise I use epoxies.

 

[ccscott49]

I use epoxies. But cascamite, cascophen are still in use.

 

[alan006]

There are 3 types I use most depending on the application.
a) A foaming polyurethane glue (moisture curing) very good if there are any slight gaps to fill ( but you have to clamp it while setting).
b) A two part glue which sets on impact. Its like superglue you put the glue on one surface and spray the other surface with an aerosol give it a moment then make the conection. Its very good because the joint is set almost straight away so no waiting for it to set.
c) epoxies with either colidal silica or micro ballons depending on the job.
I've forgotten the name of the superglue one, sorry.

 

[sailorman]

[I've forgotten the name of the superglue one, sorry.]

mitre-mate, screwfix do one called no-nonsence

 

[swampthing]

Another one is Aerolite which is similar looking to Cascamite powder but also has a formic acid activator which you brush on one surface.

 

[oldsaltoz]

If using an epoxy you should avoid micro balloons, "Q" Cells and Microspheres unless you are not too concerned about the strength of the joint.

For a very strong joint using an epoxy you need:

Very dry material. Any moisture may get sealed inside the joint and cause it to fail.

A temperature above 20 degrees centigrade for 24 hours during and after application.

Humidity below 73% for 24 hours as above.

Preparation:

Joint area must be dry, dust free and no trace of oil, so avoid oily timbers. You can wash the timber with Acetone and apply the first coat of resin as soon as the Acetone dries (minutes only).

Penetration:

You can thin epoxy resin with up to 40% by weight with Methylated Spirits, being thinner it will travel faster and further into the timber. Applying a thinned coat before the glue mix will improve the joint strength.

Glue:

By mixing Microfibres with epoxy resin to a peanut butter consistency you can make a very strong joint or even a fillet, very small particles of fibreglass cloth can be also be used but are not as easy to work as microfibres.

Note:
The above mixture cures very hard and is a pig to sand off, so make sure you remove any excess before it cures.

I hope this helps.

Avagoodweekend......