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Author Topic: Epoxy Resin - How to make it neat  (Read 1093 times)

Offline Chris Gilbert IRL-1638

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Epoxy Resin - How to make it neat
« on: December 08, 2006, 06:24:27 AM »
Hi Guys,

The more I build the better I get at building. I've a long way to go yet, but, practice makes perfect.

It's getting close to time to mate the wing and fuselage of my Trophy Trainer (Enya 40 providing the grunt).
My flying buddy ordered plans and gave them top me to have a look at......

What I was wondering was how best to ensure I have a really neat and clean wing fuse joint. What I'm really interested in is how others tidy up the epoxy mess that I invariably seem to leave adjacent to the joint in this case, as I'm not particularly partial to sanding epoxy.

I've tried spatulas and wipes, but I always seem to end up with some streaks left. I haven't seen Acetone in a shop in years, and I'm fairly sure my sisters old stocks of nail varnish remover are long gone.

I've read about taping up one side and using the heatgun, but it's tidying up afterwards that I need advice on.

Thanks in advance,
IRL-1638

Offline Jim Oliver

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Re: Epoxy Resin - How to make it neat
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2006, 09:11:40 AM »
I use thick CA to tack the wing into the profile fuse, with the wing/fuse jigged to get the wing straight/square.  Tack the wing in 2 or 3 spots on the top side--after CA has FULLY cured, turn the assembly over and tack on the bottom side.

This may not work for you, but I use 1/2 in. wide electrical tape to seal one side of the wing/fuse joint (profile model), with the tape applied as tight into the corner as I can get it.  Take extra pains  to get the tape very snug into the wing/fuse joint.

I then support the model with the fuse horizontal and the wing at about a 45* angle to the vertical.  I want the wing/fuse joint to be the "down in the valley".  The taped joints are towards the floor.

I use 30 min. epoxy and carefully apply the epoxy only to the very bottom of the valley.  I use a spatula with a small rounded tip, about 1/8 in. radius, to get the epoxy only into the valley.

Apply the epoxy very slowly along the joint, allow it to seep into the joint.  If you are patient, the joint will eventually fill up and if you are careful the epoxy will actually make a small fillet without your help.  Just don't put so much epoxy into the valley that it puddles.

I only do one valley at the time--come back in 2 or 3 hours, reposition the fuse and do the other valley.  After the second valley has cured, pull the electrical tape off and inspect the taped valley--most times you will need to apply just a little epoxy into the previously taped valleys to get them completely filled.  Again, use something with a small point to apply the epoxy, (I have used a round toothpick point) and go slow.  Of course you won't need to do the tape operation again.

If you don't put more epoxy than needed, you will find that the epoxy will stop flowing at the trailing edge. With care, you can get the epoxy to flow into the corner at the leading edge of the wing--the "secret" is to use very little epoxy.  If you use too much epoxy, it flows every where that you don't want it.

When I am finished, I will have an even bead of epoxy along the wing/fuse joint, top and bottom.  There will be a small, natural fillet (about 3/32 inch) due to the surface tension of the epoxy when it was "wet".  This process only works if the minimum amount of epoxy is applied--too much epoxy, and you have a mess.

I have used this technique for profiles with doped fuselage and iron-on covering on the wing/stab.  I trim the iron-on covering at the wing/fuse joint so that the covering ends right at the fuse side--ideally, you want no wood showing.  The epoxy fillet seals the edge of the covering.

Hope this helps a little.

Jim
Jim Oliver
AMA 18475

Offline Ralph Wenzel (d)

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Re: Epoxy Resin - How to make it neat
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2006, 09:42:34 AM »
I do it almost exactly as Jim does - same procedure - except that I use modeler's clay to make the "dam" rather than electrical tape. When the joint is cured, most of the clay can be readily removed with a fingertip; the residue comes off with a little soap, water, and a toothbrush.
(Too many irons; not enough fire)

Ralph Wenzel
AMA 495785 League City, TX

Offline Jim Thomerson

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Re: Epoxy Resin - How to make it neat
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2006, 05:36:00 PM »
I do something similar, except that I seal the outside wing to fuselage joint with Sigment.  Being careful to leave no holes, else epoxy runs down the outside wing.  I apply epoxy from the inside as described, but heat the joint from the outside(down side) which makes the epoxy runnier and drives out air bubbles.  In preparation I make a bunch of pinholes into the center section of the wing and into the fuselage.


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