Prop Molding Compound

[Motorman]

What do you use to make propeller molds? Years ago I was able to get Hexcel Epolite 3300 in a 3.5 Lb. kit. having a hard time finding it again so I'm looking for alternatives. Lately I've been using Walmart Bondo. It's fast and gets the job done but it has many drawbacks. I've heard of guys using Devcon steel filled epoxy but I don't know how well it flows or if you can heat it to make it run better. What do you use?

Thanks,
MM

[Dennis Toth]

MM.
When Wayne Trivin and I were molding props we used "machine leveling" epoxy for the molds. This material is used for floor leveling and is very hard once cured.

Best,      DennisT

[Motorman]

I found something I'm very happy with and would recommend. EpoxAcast 655 with 101 fast hardener. I got the trial size and it looks like enough for several moulds depending on size of prop. See the link.

http://www.smooth-on.com/Castable-Epoxy-Res/c1295_1374/index.html

When I got it, some of the aluminum filler was clumped on the bottom but, I put the jar in a pot of hot tap water and it was easy to stir back in.

After mixing with hardener I just hit it with a heat gun, the bubbles all come to the top and it pours really good and thin. Cures hard as a rock no worries clamping the mould.

MM