Best Epoxy for *Hand* Layup??

[rasorinc]

contact these people with that question. They will not lead you astray and they have many mixes. also sell heavy cloth.
http://www.raka.com/

[CatBuilder]

I talked to Raka before.

Those guys don't have high quality epoxy, or if they do, they don't publish information on any of the physical properties. I'd be quite nervous to use them (I am not only the builder, but the owner of this boat). I'm not interested in getting bargain epoxy, but rather in getting good epoxy for the job.

They also were all about making substitutions on my materials list and not about finding the materials I needed.

I'm sorry, but I didn't really like their business style (or lack of one).

[rberrey]

Fiberglass Supply had the lowest price I could find on silvertip epoxy and slow hardner, their 15 gl price was same per gl as their 30gl . I bought it in 30 gl orders, you should be able to get a better deal on a drum, even with shipping to Mobile their prices were way lower than other suppliers. rick

[CatBuilder]

Thanks, Rick.

I'll give them a try. What boat are you building?

[rberrey]

Horstman tristar31

[CatBuilder]

Originally Posted by rberrey

Horstman tristar31

That's a fun boat!

[rberrey]

I hope so,if you contact fiberglass supply email Matthew.I was going to blend in some cheep epoxy from us composites into the build but the silver tip price was so low that for the cost differance and saveing from going with H80 in place of core cell. I've bought all silver tip for the build . rick

[CatBuilder]

Talking with Matthew now on a quote from Fiberglass Supply. I have several companies bidding right now and we'll see how it goes. Pretty much settled on System Three Silver Tip, I think. Ampreg 21 doesn't come out until mid January. I need to get started now.

[Steve W]

rberry, im curious about the thought process that led you to choosing epoxy rather than vinylester for a foam core build.
Steve

[CatBuilder]

Originally Posted by Steve W

rberry, im curious about the thought process that led you to choosing epoxy rather than vinylester for a foam core build.
Steve

When he answers, can you let us know why you asked this? Mine is also core cell, epoxy and glass.

[rberrey]

Steve W , it will stick well to foam and I dont need mat . The epoxy is maybe more forgiving for an amature like myself, elongation is same as vinylester,tensile strength (e) 20000,(V) 12000 stiffness,(E) .80 (V) .51 (E) a bit heaver . From all the web surffing I did I came to the conclusion epoxy made for a stronger and better build. Also those who will help have experance with epoxy. rick

[Brian2009]

Regarding epoxy, anyone have any thoughts or comments on "resinresearch.net"? I've been using it and it works well - bought a 55 gallon drum and I'm quite pleased.

I spoke to the guys at Fiberglass Supply and they recommend it as well.

The material properties specifications appear similar to West and System 3, but at substantially less cost.

Any comments?

[rberrey]

I went with silver tip because of it,s known track record, The difference in cost saveings in the whole scheme of things is not that much. I want the hulls to be the strongest part of my boat, I may have to skimp on the stove and many other items but not the structure. Most any epoxy will be fine for a boat build, I spent a little extra , I may not get a better product or need one, but then again I might. My thought process may be off but the hulls are like the foundation of a house. rick