Fasteners and glues

[wudenbote]

Well, as long as I'm at the keyboard I might as well ask some more questions. It looks like the consensus on screws is square drive, silicon bronze and cut thread. What would be a recommended size for fastening 3/8 or maybe 1/2" marine ply to 2.5" x 1.5" frames? Also, I'm much interested in your thoughts on the best epoxy based glues. Thanks much!!!

[alan white]

1 1/2" length, #8 should be fine. A good rule of thumb would be to triple the thickness of the material or part being attached.
Over 1/2", I would begin to consider #10 screws depending on the stresses anticipated.
Regarding epoxy for use on boats, West System is a tried and true group of epoxy products so I've stuck with them through the years. I've had no failures yet. Your term "epoxy-based" would lead one to suppose that epoxy is the basis for certain boat glues, but in fact epoxy normally comes pure as a laminating resin and the builder adds any number of customizing thickeners to suit different applications such as joining, shaping, and filling.

Alan

[the1much]

Originally Posted by wudenbote

Thanks much!!!

Your welcome hehe

[wudenbote]

Thank you Alan and all others who have been so helpful. In the future I will continue to tap the wellspring of your minds.

[mongo75]

West System is a good epoxy, IF YOU'RE RICH- I buy my epoxy in bulk from USCOMPOSITES.com. For thickener you could use cabosil or milled fibers. Either way, be careful not to breath any of that stuff in it'll cause lung problems with enough exposure. OR you could even use finely screened sawdust for really uneven areas or just as a cheap (though not as strong) filler.

[the1much]

Originally Posted by mongo75

Either way, be careful not to breath any of that stuff in it'll cause lung problems with enough exposure.

soooo,,, what your trying to say is that i shouldnt stick my head in the 50 gal. barrel when i scoop that cabosil out?,,huhmph,,, hehe

[mongo75]

maybe that explains your excessive use of commas LOL. Not that I haven't inhaled my fair share, I can only hold my breath while stirring so long...