MAS epoxy

[Baldur]

I have recently considered switching to MAS epoxy on my new project, mostly because of cost. West system is so darn expensive.
It is a stitcher and uses lots of goop.

Has anyone here had any bad experiences with MAS epoxies

Thanks

[nero]

No experience with MAS. Started out with West System. Now using EPON resin from uscomposits.com. The thin epoxy is excellent ... except that in hot humid weather it will blush. Forget about the slow hardner with it. The fast and medium hardners give plenty of time to mix and spread it over glass fabrics.

Do not try the thick stuff. It dries hard, goes thru a brittle stage, kicks off fast ... really fast, it is hard to mix in powders. Works well for a coating epoxy if you put alot on at a time. Doesn't seam to blush.

They also have a wide selection of A/B foam. Had good results with that product also.

[boatbuilder.org]

Just curious, what design are you going to build.
---Joel---

[Baldur]

Originally Posted by boatbuilder.org

Just curious, what design are you going to build.
---Joel---

21' Nexus dory w/cabin and splashell.
Also, I'm building a little 8 foot stitch-and-glue pram for a friend.

I just ordered a little MAS for testing from Joel @ boatbuilder.org.
I am assuming this is you??

[boatbuilder.org]

Yep, that be me. If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call eves and weekend at 360-790-0577.
---Joel---

[lprimina]

MAS works good. It is suppose to be the best out there for environmental reasons (less off gassing).

[lewisboats]

Originally Posted by lprimina

MAS works good. It is suppose to be the best out there for environmental reasons (less off gassing).

I wanna say something...I wanna say something...better not!

[Baldur]

Lewisboats,
Come on, you can say it!!!!



Joel,
I recieved the epoxy.
What is the best mixture for bonding?
Thanks.

[lewisboats]

You mean Glue? Correct mix of hardener and resin (look at the ratio of resin to hardener) plus some thickener. I generally use wood flour. Wet the joints with unthickened stuff then butter on the thickened (to about thin peanut butter). Join and clamp moderately. The thicker you make the glue, the bigger gap it will fill (to a reasonable amount). If you are talking fillets...go with thick peanut butter. My method: Wet with unthickened, fillet, smooth with unthickened, glass, wet out, then plastic film over it all with air bubbles removed. One shot deal, almost no sanding involved.

Steve.

[lewisboats]

Working on my own stitcher and you can see a couple of pics here: http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthr...?t=7981&page=2
haven't got to the goopy part yet.

Steve

[Baldur]

Nice Start!

Your shop looks as full as mine.......lol
That darn motorcycle is always in the way.

Happy building.

[boatbuilder.org]

Because MAS low viscosity resin is thinner than others you may need to add a bit more wood flour or cab-o-sil to get it thick enough not to drain. When I laminate flat smooth surfaces I use clear epoxy and if I need to fill a bit like for scarfing plywood I will add a bit of wood flour so it is a honey-like consistancy.
---Joel---

[chandler]

Baldur,
The ratio for MAS is 2:1 resin : hardener
I prefer MAS over west if for no other reason than it smells better. It's also easy to mix large batches with measuring cups instead of those silly pumps.

[LP]

Baldur,

I'm a fan of West System too, but their price just kills me. I like to use their 407 for bright finish work, but have switch to RAKA (www.raka.com) most other needs. I was wondering if we could add some more involved comparisons of the epoxy products(brands) to this thread.

I'm on boat #2 with the RAKA products. I've only used their standard slow and fast hardeners. The slow is my prefered. Even in cold weather, the fast was too fast for my needs. I don't see RAKA mentioned in the thread. Just curious if anybody else has had experience with it.

I'm going to have to look at MAS. I like a thin epoxy. It sounds like it would be great for wetting out glass. Is it good for clear coats?

[boatbuilder.org]

Learpilot

I apply a lot of biax and Dynel and the MAS is a real time saver when it comes to wetting the cloth out. I also use MAS it on brightwork like laminated beams, doors, t&g overhead etc and then spray it with a clear acrylic eurathane. It works great and have never had a problem. Let me know when you want to try it out
---Joel---