Thread: Epoxy ???s...

Gidday Schtoo

I'd be checking the specs on the Data sheet of whatever Epoxy your using...............this i'll give the temp range for a good cure.

Might find it worthwhile to re-do the Join and toast up the cure environment second time round to ensure a rock solid bond.

Good luck with it!

Regards Lou

Uhh, yeah...

I'll do just that with the nonexistant data sheet, which if it were there, would be in full blown Japanese. Not the 'soft' stuff I can read.

Hence why I am asking here.

I won't get back to it for another couple days, and I'll see how it goes. Still no cure, Not sure wether to pull it apart and re-glue warm or just warm it up.

And order some different epoxy...

Schtoo,
Just warming it gently will usually help.

I don't have a lot of experience in those sorts of temperatures.. my problem is usually the opposite, but I understand that it will go off eventually once it has been properly catalyzed, but it could take quite some time, and probably not at 0°.

I often throw my rollers and brushes in the fridge or freezer for a few hours (or overnight) to save throwing them out between coats on a project. The epoxy goes off in an hour or two, but the brushes are still usable the next day so that gives you an idea!

Cheers,

P

Schtoo, bit of heat will work wonders, I sometimes apply a heat gun, gently around the joins.

Also, whilst I know its not Koshe, a little more hardener in the 1:1 ration also helps in cold weather.

Originally Posted by Schtoo

Uhh, yeah...

I'll do just that with the nonexistant data sheet, which if it were there, would be in full blown Japanese. Not the 'soft' stuff I can read.

Hence why I am asking here.

LOL........................hope you realise you'll easily be able to get it of the internet.

I'll bet theres even an english version or alternatively do a translation through google!!!

Regards Lou

just put a piece of canvas over it and place an electric blanket over the canvas on the lowest setting for a few hours. eleci blankets are great in the workshop except for in victoria where they wear em round the workshop

Originally Posted by Bodgy

Also, whilst I know its not Koshe, a little more hardener in the 1:1 ration also helps in cold weather.

No, it's not kosher, and it will help to get a joint that isn't as strong as it needs to be!! :eek: :eek:

Epoxy is not polyester, and relies on EXACT mixing to catalyze properly.
:eek:

cheers,

P

Schtoo, I used some epoxy last week (im in Japan too) I used the 30min stuff on a bloody cold day. Its rock hard now. I mixed it with a touch more hardner.
It could be that the 90min stuff isnt curing so well in the cold:confused:
Cheers. Gary.

Originally Posted by redwood

just put a piece of canvas over it and place an electric blanket over the canvas on the lowest setting for a few hours. eleci blankets are great in the workshop except for in victoria where they wear em round the workshop

What a good idea!

Is it possible to bring your glue-up inside to cure?

Originally Posted by underused

I mixed it with a touch more hardner.

Guys, I don't want to sound like a cracked record, BUT: in a brief other life which involved a bit of work with this stuff, the ONLY product complaints I ever dealt with were as a result of incorrect mixing.

This from the West Epoxy website:

DO NOT attempt to adjust the epoxy cure time by altering the mix ratio. An accurate ratio is essential for a proper cure and full development of physical properties.

There is a wealth of information on cold weather curing and other things at http://www.westsystem.com/ . Follow the tabs "Using West System Epoxy" then click user manual.

Go ahead and do what works for you by all means, just realise that the manufacturer's don't recommend it, and I've seen enough jobs which needed re-doing to know you won't get away with it always!

Cheers,

P

Follow Midges advice, dont mess with the ratios.

If anyone in Vic is interested, give West systems Epoxy at 97b Argus St, Cheltenham 3192. a ring on 03-95843089. and get user manual sent out to have in the workshop as a brilliant 30 page reference and how to on epoxying. It realy is worth the phone call

Excellent, thanks Lignum. I think they're hiding, as the number rings to a fax line.

Greg

Thanks for the advise.
My problem's the same as schtoo when it comes to reading the advise on the back. Its all in kanji. I just have to wing it sometimes.
Cheers. Gary.