Which epoxy adhesive?

[matg]

I'm looking for a convenient to use yet strong epoxy glue to bond marine ply to grp. It's for under the side decks to reinforce where the shroud u bolts are fixed.
Ideally those double syringe packs would be easiest to use, or should I be buying the SP106 pack or Plastic Paddings marine epoxy? Are there major differences between epoxy glues?
Cheers,
Mat.

 

[Bobc]

You need SP106 (or West), and some woodpulp filler (SP call it microfibres).

Mix it into a stiff paste and it'll stick like ****.

 

[nigelmercier]

You need SP106 (or West)...

I'd go for West System, but with all these epoxies you have to get the ratio exactly right. This may help:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00927BMI6/dolcetto-21

 

[VicS]

Check the specs.
I think you will find that the SP resin can only be used at >15°C, regardless of the hardener used .

The West resin however can be used down to 5°C with the fast hardener.

Loads of info in the form of "User guides" and on-line "How to" publications on the Wessex Resins website

http://www.wessex-resins.com/westsystem/how-to-use.html

 

[Tradewinds]

West Six-10 in cartridge form is pretty useful

See

http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/p-2231-west-system-six10-thickened-epoxy-adhesive.aspx

 

[oldbilbo]

I'm an enthusiast for epoxy resins where the characteristics are useful. However, there's and argument that the OP's specific task puts the joint-faces in neither 'shear' nor 'peel' modes, so any weatherproof mastic adhesive will do just fine. There's also an argument for using a non-setting 'flexible' bonding agent. There's a case for Sticks Like ****, CT10, even Sikaflex 512 (!) as well as butyl rubber tape.

 

[josephmoore]

I'm an enthusiast for epoxy resins where the characteristics are useful. However, there's and argument that the OP's specific task puts the joint-faces in neither 'shear' nor 'peel' modes, so any weatherproof mastic adhesive will do just fine. There's also an argument for using a non-setting 'flexible' bonding agent. There's a case for Sticks Like ****, CT10, even Sikaflex 512 (!) as well as butyl rubber tape.

I concur - it should be in compression so doesn't actually need to be all that well adhered. A good, even contact patch is the most important thing to spread the load.

As an aside, having used the ubiquitous West and SP, my epoxy of choice will always be Sicomin as I find it both cheaper and more forgiving to work with.

 

[TQA]

If bond strength is critical go for a slow set.

Mix the epoxy and apply a thin runny coat to joint.

Add the wood fibres and apply to the joint.

When clamping do not overtighten and squeeze all the epoxy out.

I use West system out of habit.

 

[matg]

Many thanks for all the responses. I'll look into all the products mentioned. I'm quite interested in the weatherproof mastic adhesive approach, especially for its ease of application. I've used Dow Corning 791 for a few deck fittings in the past and it has not failed, so might try that. The best test I used it for was in the outboard well to fix a new rubber pad around the bracket. I fixed that a couple of years ago and it gets exposed to weather, salt water and the odd bit of oil and petrol and it has not deteriorated at all.

Cheers,
Mat.

 

[Neil_Y]

To add another...Araldite 2011 (also known as precision, blue and white tubes or syringes) a low temperature slow set strong non brittle adhesive/filler/bedding.
To thicken if you need to you can use talcum or coloidal silica. We recommend this for bolted underwater fittings and bedding of shaft bearings to prevent movement from vibration, very sticky.