West systems epoxy

[Andris Golts]

I have some west systems epoxy left over from a full size boat project i was involved in last winter. I need info if i could use this stuff for rc boat building . I have # 105 resin 32 oz size #205 fast hardener 7 oz size with proper dispensing pumps due to working in bellow 55 ' f conditions also # 404 high density filler . My first concern is that 1 stroke of each pump gives me just over 1 oz of glue which is more than i can usualy use in model building in 1 shot 2nd what sort of pot life would i have with 1 oz of resin at 68'f which is shop temp. Does this epoxy cure over dried ca glue 5 min -3 hr NHP epoxies? What about over cured Pacer finishing resin which i use to lay up all my fiberglass cowlings ? Could it be used as a finishing resin to fill in wood grain for priming would i have to mix 404 filler in it i was told this stuff produces amine blush which requires thorough washing with soap and water is this true?What about glueing deck sheeting i would guess that filler would be a must would adding to much filler weaken the bond how does the bond strength of west systems compare NHP 3 HR epoxy? I realize there are a lot of questions here any info would be good.

 

[Kevin Whitehead]

Instead of using the full stroke of the pumps as measurement, use a scale to weigh out partial pump strokes.

The correct measurements are 5 parts resin to one part hardener.(with 205 hardener)

See here for more info on pot life etc.:

http://www.westsystem.com/index.htm

KW

 

[Guest]

i have been using medicine cups, they have small calibrations on the side. Use 1 cup for resin and 1 for the hardener

 

[Terry Keeley]

Hey Andris:

Best general purpose epoxy available IMHO. I like the 206 slow hardener 'cause I'm kinda slow anyway, but the 205 works well too. It'll harden over anything I can think of including the stuff you asked about.

If you can find or have a small scale it's great for measuring out epoxy, I got a triple beam surplus somewhere and I typically mix 5g of resin to the 1g of hardener, makes about 1/4 oz. If you check the literature it's supposed to be mixed by weight anyway.

A lot of guys use it to seal wood just as it is, think some common methods are to squeegee it on with playing cars etc. then scrape it with a blade when hard. Personally I always though this added too much weight and just used primer.

Never heard of "NHP 3 HR epoxy", who makes it? Don't think you'll find a stronger epoxy than West though. Never heard of problems with "amine blush", or even know what it is?

 

[Andris Golts]

Thanks gentlemen for your replys the info will definatly be usefull. Terry NHP Epoxy is sold by Hobby wholesale and Aeromarine laminates the 3 hr is awsome just over 1 hr pot life great for sheeting.As far as i know amine blush is the waxy film left by epoxy curing although i maybe wrong saying this thanks once again.