Thread: West Systems HELP Please

I think Carba-tec usually stock that product

Quokka,

If epoxy is not going off, it's usually because it hasn't been mixed properly, or in the correct ratio.

How careful were you in the process?

Just curious.

P
:confused:

I got some from Carbatec brissie, so I guess Carbatec WA will have some also. I also bought the pump packs which deliver a 5:1 ratio quickly and easily so no rocket science needed to get a good mix

Originally Posted by Dean

I got some from Carbatec brissie, so I guess Carbatec WA will have some also. I also bought the pump packs which deliver a 5:1 ratio quickly and easily so no rocket science needed to get a good mix

Definitely buy the pumps. It takes all the guess work out of it.

I much prefer Techniglue epoxy because it is a gel, and so not nearly as messy as West system. The two parts are mixed in a 2:1 ratio, which is simple to do, using a set of kitchen spoon measures. It is also available from Carbatec.

Rocker

I have bought a lot of WEST products from this place in Welshpool
http://www.fibreglass-resin-sales.com.au/resins.html
They have a really good range and lots of other products, thats all they sell so the prices are usually the best.
I have started using an "International" product in the last year or so,
HT 9000. Great product will do all that WEST will do the only reason I changed product was 'cause the supplier was closer to me.......Boat Paints on South Terrace in Freo.
I have struggled to tell the difference between these products.
I would recomend getting a set of pumps as mentioned earlier. (both these suppliers stock these, though be careful HT 9000 and WEST are not the same mix)
I like using the runny suff like the above products for a few reasons;
I mix it in a tin can as a liquid which you can use for coating if you wish. If you want to use it for high strength gluing then add the glue powder. If you want to use it for filling, and post sanding then add the fillier/microballoons powder.
I love the stuff, couldnt work with out it.
WEST or HT 9000 you choose but these are the best I've used.
Scotty

Oh yeah and if you are having trouble getting a product to set, look into the route cause of this first.

Originally Posted by scottyk

HT 9000. Great product

Scotty apart from the advantages buying it from where you do and popping into the seaview for a coldie is their any difference, as in, does the HT900 have micro fillers and how dose the price compare

Like Midge said, if it isn't going off it's most probably incorrect rein/hardener ratio. You can use pump dispensers or cooking measures. I use a set of digital scales as they let me make up a batch of glue that's right for the job and not just how many scoops/spoons/cups/pumps is close to the required quantity. (less waste) Whatever you decide on accuracy os paramount.

Mick

They only offer two powders; light weight fillier powder (microballoons) and high strength glue powder (cotton fibre and colodial silica blend)
The prices are much the same per quantities as WEST.
I have used WEST filler blends with HT 9000, no problems.
Can be an expensive trip if you stop at the Sea View!......good pub.
I like the idea of weighing the glues but if I did that boat building would be a slow process indeed.
Scotty

Thanks for the comments and advice from everyone. Been trying to find west systems for a while on the net. Now I can take a trip up to Perth and hopefully fix this nasty little finishing problem. A bit more back ground on the Burl. Since starting this project 18 monthe ago I have filled all the cracks with casting resin went off perfectly. Tried same said casting resin on clear finish top would not go off. To cut a long story short 2 litres of Polly eurathane and a litre of casting resin countless hours of sanding and still on result. I have been using resins all my life and have never had any trouble like this even the excess of each batch went off in the container Just cant figure it out.:confused: :confused: :confused:

ATL Composites are the Australian manufacturers/ distributors of WEST system products:

http://www.atlcomposites.com/

Cheers,

P