Which epoxy?

Murv

Murv

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This magical epoxy stuff seems to be the answer to most of my problems so far. So, it was with a gentle naivety that I went on my quest for a decent sized bottle with "epoxy" written on it.

No such luck.

Nope, just an almost endless list of different types of epoxy, like this one:

http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/search.aspx?searchterm=epoxy

So, can anyone recommend what I need?
The primary reason is to glue two pieces of ply together to form an outboard bracket, and then pain the bracket with the stuff to seal it.
But, as it seems so universally useful, it seems to make sense to have some laying around for the next job.
Anyone recommend "some epoxy" please?

EDIT: Had to order by 13:00 for next day delivery so have bought this http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/p-2231-west-system-six10-thickened-epoxy-adhesive.aspx
I'll now await the deluge of "noooo, not that one" posts!
 
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I use West System epoxy because I liked their support and user guides which answered my questions. It is not the lowest cost epoxy by far, it is readily available in various sizes. There are other good epoxy manufacturers and lower cost suppliers.

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/
 
That is fine for adhesive - but OTT for your job!. May not be suitable for coating where you need a low viscosity type. You may find the adhesive will be OK for coating the end grain of the ply which is really all you need to do. The faces can just be painted or varnished.
 
OK, thanks both, at least it's not completely unsuitable then!
Will coat the ends of the ply as suggested and varnish the rest of it. :)
 
Murv said:
This magical epoxy stuff seems to be the answer to most of my problems so far. So, it was with a gentle naivety that I went on my quest for a decent sized bottle with "epoxy" written on it.

No such luck.

Nope, just an almost endless list of different types of epoxy, like this one:

http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/search.aspx?searchterm=epoxy

So, can anyone recommend what I need?
The primary reason is to glue two pieces of ply together to form an outboard bracket, and then pain the bracket with the stuff to seal it.
But, as it seems so universally useful, it seems to make sense to have some laying around for the next job.
Anyone recommend "some epoxy" please?

EDIT: Had to order by 13:00 for next day delivery so have bought this http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/p-2231-west-system-six10-thickened-epoxy-adhesive.aspx
I'll now await the deluge of "noooo, not that one" posts!
Click to expand...
For future reference, you might normally buy West System or equivalent. The brands have their own unique mixing ratios, so take care if you switch, and dont mix the brands. If you warm the mixed epoxy it will have two effects- it will become more liquid (good for ease of coating) and it will start to go off alot quicker (not always a good thing).
To change the use of the mixed epoxy, you add various fillers- for example micro balloons to make a very strong paste.
In your case then , you might have done better to have bought some epoxy (and hardener!) and fillers, as it would have widened your range of uses.
A good guide here:
http://www.westsystem.com/ss/use-guides/

West obviously brand their own fillers. These can be used with any epoxy, but you can also use non brand products.
As always, small quantities are very expensive.
 
And for future reference: Micro fibres as a filler are the same as the bulking material in food, so way cheaper if bought as that. The coloidal (sp?) silica is harder to sand than micro fibres or micro baloons.
Using a blow gun to heat the wood before application helps to penetrate, without the problem of premature curing if you heat the mix. Using the gun after application is liable to produce bubbles in the finish.
And don't forget, epoxy degrades badly in sunlight. So paint or blocking varnish needed.
Dw
 
I liked most a system with just plain 'low molecular' resin (no additives in it) and polyamide hardener like PAT or PAC type (whatever that is :o ) which are mixed half and half - easy to make small portions. It's more elastic and more adhesive (or soaking in?) then typical system (where there is mixing ratio like 10-20% hardener to resin) and it's still possible to use less hardener for slow work. This makes it better for a lot of uses, glueing or varnishing for example. Universal indeed. Did work OK after almost 10 years on the shelf, only spoils when frozen.

Guess the real stuff is not to be found in 'marine store' :) Such combination I only found separately - you can get several different hardeners and resins to combine; much cheaper then a "system" with company name on it an a lot of cheap 'additives' or thinners inside ;)
Can't say what brand that would be in UK, but should be possible to get. With all that marketing the hardest thing is to find out what's inside the can really...

Like this (epidian 5 + PAC hardener) http://www.c-l.pl/oferta,kategoria/9/Zywice-epoksydowe-i-utwardzacze.html
 
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Thanks guys, I've learned a bit more, will soon be an epoxy expert!
Initially I'll stick with the branded stuff though, just makes life easier for a complete beginner. If my requirements for the stuff increases then I'll look into the alternatives for cheaper solutions.

There's a guy on a fishing forum I use that made some complete new GRP "mouldings" for his boat which look fantastic.
If I ever took on something like that then I'd imagine that sourcing cheap materials would be essential!
 
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