Slow Cure Epoxy

[Chad Hill]

What brand of slow cure epoxy is recommended for woodworking? In the past I used Hobbypoxy (great stuff but no longer available) Devcon (ok stuff) and Great Plains (short shelf life stuff).

Thanks.

[Mike Griffin]

What brand of slow cure epoxy is recommended for woodworking? In the past I used Hobbypoxy (great stuff but no longer available) Devcon (ok stuff) and Great Plains (short shelf life stuff).

Thanks.

Chad, I used West Systems Hardner and Resin from Aircraft spruce. 

Mike

[Lauri Malila]

You can’t go wrong with West G-Flex or UHU Endfest 300.

[Robert Zambelli]

Chad - I have had very good results with the Brodak epoxy - both fast (5 min) and slow (30 min).
They also sell a finish coat epoxy. It's brushable but can be thinned for spraying.

Bob Z.

[Dave_Trible]

I don't think I've ever seen a slow cure epoxy of any brand that didn't work OK.   The company Bob Smith private labels epoxy for many hobby shops etc. that works just fine.   Even Hobby Lobby sells this.   I also like the epoxy that Balsa USA sells.   The 12 and 30 minute types are what I have now.  The five minute types can vary some as to how brittle they become.   I'm too slow to use them in building anyway.   I might carry some in the flight box for contest repairs.  I'm disappointed that most hardwares,  Walmart and home improvement stores just sell the five minute varieties.   

Dave

[Paul Taylor]

Yeah just about all 15-30 minute epoxy works well when mixed correctly.
For longer life store all glues, dope, and such in the refrigerator.

[Massimo Rimoldi]

For longer life store all glues, dope, and such in the refrigerator.

NEVER store epoxy resin in the refrigerator. The only problem you can have when storing epoxy resin is crystallization (usually of the hardener) at low temperatures. If this happens DO NOT throw it away, simply heat the product to about 140-180 °F (for a time that can vary from a few minutes to an hour depending on the degree of crystallization) to make it return to its original transparent state.

Massimo

[Dave_Trible]

For making carbon props and pipes I use laminating epoxy that takes overnight to set but really, heat cycles in a large oven I made to fully cure.   That resin will solidify in the can into a solid white chunk over a little time while stored at room temperatures.   When it first occurred I was sort of disgusted with the manufacturer as that resin is about $200.00 a gallon.  I called them to complain but they explained to me it is pretty normal for that to happen.  They said to just place the whole gallon can it hot water for a while and the resin will return to liquid form.   Sure enough it works and is something I have to do anytime I'm ready to do some molding.   Not sure what refrigeration would do to it.  I do know in the old days when we used Eveready or other 1 1/2 volt dry cell hobby batteries to start our airplanes if you put them in the fridge when not in use they could last for years.   At least 10 years I know in one case.

Dave

[Paul Taylor]

NEVER store epoxy resin in the refrigerator. The only problem you can have when storing epoxy resin is crystallization (usually of the hardener) at low temperatures. If this happens DO NOT throw it away, simply heat the product to about 140-180 °F (for a time that can vary from a few minutes to an hour depending on the degree of crystallization) to make it return to its original transparent state.

Massimo

I live in a very humid climate.
I have been storing it in my garage refrigerator for 8 yrs. No problems.
If I don’t the stuff dries out in a few months.

Granted there is nothing but water and a few beers in it.

[Massimo Rimoldi]

Catalyzed resins are usually stored in the refrigerator to block the chemical reaction and use them later after appropriate heating. If in the future your resin should crystallize, remember not to throw it away...

Massimo