Thread: Suggested epoxies for inlays?

I use West System 205/206. Works really well. If I need extra working time, I use 207.

Originally Posted by lewisc

I use West System 205/206. Works really well. If I need extra working time, I use 207.

Cheers! Any tips or techniques etc? Do you use a heat gun to pop bubbles?

Don’t mix up too much at once in a deep container (of west system). It can starting curing quickly and you’ll soon have a smoking, hot mess. Yep, heat gun or blow torch to pop a few bubbles.

Originally Posted by lewisc

I use West System 205/206. Works really well. If I need extra working time, I use 207.

I use Hardener 207 virtually all the time, as I am not fast enough to use 206.

After mixing the epoxy, I put a small amount in a separate container and then dilute it with an equal amount of acetone or MEK. I then paint that on as a "soaking coat", it soaks in almost immediately, and then put the actual glue coat on about 10 minutes later. This eliminates risk of dry joints.

It's been awhile since I used it but LuciClear cures hard and and very clear. I only did a 6mm deep pour but I didn't worry about popping any bubbles and it came out bubble free. It can take over 24 hours to cure, so there is trade off between ease of use and cure time.

Many thanks for all the replies - might give Luciclear a go for this project and see how I go.

Originally Posted by RSD

I found some 400mm round x 26mm thick merbau discs on clearance at Bunnings and want to router a 25mm wide x 10mm deep channel just in from the edge and then inlay some paua shell - what clear epoxy does everyone recommend for the inlay? And any other tips?

I did a lazy-susan a couple of years back , I used the West system.

Originally Posted by dusteater

I did a lazy-susan a couple of years back , I used the West system.

Very nice!

Originally Posted by dusteater

I did a lazy-susan a couple of years back , I used the West system.

Delightful work. I particularly like the interplay of Celtic and Maori motifs.

A further question - I want the inlay channel to be black to show off the paua shell better - is the best option to paint it black before gluing the paua shell into place and then pouring the epoxy or...?