Epoxy glue.

[sak]

Was wondering what kind of epoxy glue is the best and are they all two part style. And also what consistency is it when mixed. How do you apply it? with a brush or is it thicker than that?

Thanks

Jeff

[Chas SCR]

I use NHP from great plains. I learn from a few guys at the GSL 09 to use a brush so it can lay down thinner and also use tooth picks. It's mix 1 to 1..

I was also told to use paint thinner with it to thin with but I have not try'ed this.

[Steve Keck]

Jeff, to give you an answer as to which is best would require me to have tried them all. Short of that, stick with a brand name that you find at national chain stores. Stay away from the all-in-one dispenser. I prefer seperate tubes for the resin and hardener.

All epoxies I am aware of are two-part, mixed 1:1. The consistency will be similar to honey but it may thicken as the product ages. I buy clear one ounce cups at Smart N Final. Add equal parts and mix with a tooth pick for a minute or so. Then I use another tooth pick to apply it - sparingly. Be careful as it tends to separate from itself in strings or threads that can track across your model in the most undesirable locations.

[MikeMc]

Jeff, to give you an answer as to which is best would require me to have tried them all. Short of that, stick with a brand name that you find at national chain stores. Stay away from the all-in-one dispenser. I prefer seperate tubes for the resin and hardener.

All epoxies I am aware of are two-part, mixed 1:1. The consistency will be similar to honey but it may thicken as the product ages. I buy clear one ounce cups at Smart N Final. Add equal parts and mix with a tooth pick for a minute or so. Then I use another tooth pick to apply it - sparingly. Be careful as it tends to separate from itself in strings or threads that can track across your model in the most undesirable locations.

Steve put it straight up....one thing to add is about those strings.....LET THEM DRY>>>DO NOT MESS WITH them until they are dry as they can be rolled or rubbed off (Novis 2 or 3) .

You do really have to wait.....or... Be MORE carefull!!

You can also mix it on Post it notes..stir slowly, no air bubbles or heat then apply with what works best !!

[Mike Kucaba]

I'd like to add that I prefer the 30 minute set as it seems to have a longer shelf life and dries clearer.If 5 minute is your preferred choice,I'd suggest small quantities so that it might be fresher.

Also,epoxy makes a great filler when mixed with Micro-balloons.I can't remember who gave me this tip,but it sure does a nice job in certain situations.

[Ddms]

I had trouble with the Devcon tubes leaking, so I just switched to Harbor Freight Supply Quick Drying epoxy. I like the HFS just fine; a pair of small tubes cost only 99 cents.

When I started using Devcon, I had a hard time getting the stuff to harden. Mixed in some Viagra, but that didn't work. Turns out that you need to mix the epoxy and the hardener for AT LEAST a minute, maybe two or three. The manufacturer says that the smaller the quantity, the longer the mixing time. Go figure.

I will stick with (heh heh) the separate tubes.

[Jon Cole]

I suggest you avoid anything that is in a clear plastic one-piece syringe style container with two barrels. When you squeeze down on the plunger, it is supposed to come out in equal parts. It rarely did for me. But then again, Lady Luck hates me.

I prefer to buy the small Devcon 2-part squeeze tubes. Just stir it up real good... you should have about 4 minutes working time before it starts to set.

That is true about not touching unwanted glue excess. If any were to ooze out of the edges of a windshield after positioning, just let it sit until it is about 50% cured... then use a toothpick to peel it up and out.

[Chuck Most]

I suggest you avoid anything that is in a clear plastic one-piece syringe style container with two barrels. When you squeeze down on the plunger, it is supposed to come out in equal parts. It rarely did for me. But then again, Lady Luck hates me.

I use Permatex syringes exclusively, and I like them. Sometimes you just need to push just a little bit harder on one side or another to get equal amounts, though.

[Harry P.]

Was wondering what kind of epoxy glue is the best and are they all two part style. And also what consistency is it when mixed. How do you apply it? with a brush or is it thicker than that?

Thanks

Jeff

All epoxies are 2-part, resin and hardener. You can buy it in packages that have the resin and hardener in separate tubes, or in dispensers that mix the resin and hardener at the tip. Either way works fine.

You can get epoxy in different setting speeds... 30 minute, 10 minute, 5 minute, even 1 minute set times. Pick the one that's most appropriate to your building style. All brands of epoxy are basically the same... I shop for price. No sense paying big bucks when you can get a cheaper alternative. They all work the exact same way, by chemical reaction between the resin and the hardener.

I use plastic sandwich bags to mix the epoxy on, but you can use anything... scrap styrene, cardboard, a piece of glass... literally anything. I apply it with a toothpick. Don't use a brush unless you're willing to throw it out after you use it!

[High octane]

Jeff,

I have used the Devcon 5-minute epoxy for years and it works good for me. I'm also able to glue different materials together with epoxy such as detailing wires, photo-etched parts, clear parts, etc.. Before I used epoxy, I used to bring a "repair kit" to shows and contest but no need to when you use epoxy as it holds really well.