what does everyone use for Epoxy when building??

[bikergreen]

Just wonder what people like to use - Is the 30min Z-poxy the right one for gluing down motor mounts etc when building? What I used on my last build works fine but its not clear..

Thanks

[tlandauer]

Just wonder what people like to use - Is the 30min Z-poxy the right one for gluing down motor mounts etc when building? What I used on my last build works fine but its not clear..

Thanks

30 min. Epoxy all the way, the slower cure the stronger in the long run, there was a thread recently explained this thoroughly, do a search.
When you said "not clear" do you mean cured the Epoxy not clear or you are not clear which epoxy to use? I ask because if you use 30 min. Z-Poxy, the resin is not a clear formular, as opposed to their brownish but clear Finishing Epoxy ( 30 min. ) . I now use West System 205/206, it is clear as crystal. But this is not important. HERE IS THE LINK/DISSCUSION:http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...-Slow-Hardener
Cheers!

[Rocstar]

West System G/Flex works well and comes in 4oz bottles and mix 50/50.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=11151&partNumber=9223132&langId=-1#.USaycKWr-So

[longballlumber]

I now use West System 205/206, it is clear as crystal. But this is not important.

Just an FYI, West Systems hardners will bronze or red-en over time. The older they get the more the color will change. Don't be alarmed, the changing of color it will cure just fine. I have some hardners that are several 4+ years old that are red-ish in color but still cure fine...

Later,
Mike

[tlandauer]

Just an FYI, West Systems hardners will bronze or red-en over time. The older they get the more the color will change. Don't be alarmed, the changing of color it will cure just fine. I have some hardners that are several 4+ years old that are red-ish in color but still cure fine...

Later,
Mike

Thanks Mike, for the heads up. I am relatively new to all this, so the reason why I haven't observed any color change, but it is really good for me to know this.

[iridebikes247]

I also use West Systems epoxy. They have a ton of additives available so one can epoxy an area then sand it, or use microfiller to bulk up an area. Really good stuff and takes awhile to dry.

[JimClark]

System 3

[bikergreen]

Thanks guys - I do search but skipped that step this time for what ever reason. Just looking to find a better epoxy for next time.

[Richie the shipwright]

Best ive ever used was a brand called "SP systems" although im not sure if its still available.
All the epoxies ive ever used discolour over time. West have a 207 slow cure hardener that is designed to give best results when coating and sheathing wood. :-)

[T.S.Davis]

West systems. Worth the premium I pay for it too.

I use all three hardners too. Fast, slow, and special clear.

[longballlumber]

West systems. Worth the premium I pay for it too.

I use all three hardners too. Fast, slow, and special clear.

Ha! I think it's safe to say that I've made you a believer!

Later,
Ball

[T.S.Davis]

Yes sir. That would be your fault.

[jcald2000]

I have used US Composites for years vacuum molding my boats, with fast and medium hardners. Do not use Slow hardner unless you want to post cure at 120 degrees for 12 hours.

http://www.uscomposites.com/epoxy.html

[T.S.Davis]

I did too Jim. My first Whip 40 was all US Composite. Now I'm spoiled.

[Richie the shipwright]

Man that threw me!! Sounded superhot until i realized you meant 120°f . (We use °celcius down under.) I've got that sort of heat happening in my shed at the moment WITHOUT AN OVEN!! No kidding...45°C in there today.... saw 52°C last week... Phew!!