Where to get epoxy?

I'm about to start building a one sheet skiff. I have everything planned out but I'm just not sure where to get the best deal on some epoxy, or the right kind.

I've been reading and researching alot, and I know that I need to find some epoxy without organic compounds, but aside from that I'm not sure what to get.

Where do you guys get your epoxy? and what brand/type would you recomend?

And how much do you think I'll need for a one sheet skiff? I'm thinking 1/2 gal to do the joints and seal the hull inside and out. Is that in the ballpark?


I'm probably going to go with this design:
http://www.simplicityboats.com/minisharpie.html

 

You'd better get a whole gallon plus a quart of hardener because smaller sizes cost much more per unit of volume. You don't want to get almost done and realize you need another pint.
I've used West System 5:1 mix ratio and it hasn't ever let me down. About$130 for the gallon plus the quart.
Try West Marine, Hamilton Marine, Defender, and other catalog companies. They tend to compete for price better than the small marine supplies located next to marinas.

 

Great, thanks for the names of the manufacturers. I don't have a marina, or really even a boat store around here. So I'll have to get something online.

It looks like it might be cheaper to use fiberglass and resin though if I'll have to spend $130 just to seal it with epoxy. Plus you have to coat the epoxy with paint to protect it from the UV right?

 

Look up Polymer Products on e-Bay. Good stuff, I've used their epoxies. Good prices but the shipping can be the deciding factor.

 

I doubt you'd use a whole gallon if you only intend to seal the plywood.
One sheet is only 64 square feet, both sides. In case you feel a quart or two would do, use epoxy instead of polyester. The cost difference is nothing compared to the poor moisture protection and adhesion of polyester resin.
Also, epoxy is less smelly and it wets out better if you intend (and you should) to fg tape the seams.
I hadn't looked at the design in the link but after having seen it I'd say I was way over with the epoxy estimate. You do have to paint over epoxy, yes, but once you've faired the seams you'll want to paint anyway to hide the fairing putty and whatever else.

 

Do´nt forget you have to "primer" the ply with a neat film of Epoxy (prior to glueing), to make sure the seams will not develop dry spots! If ever possible, work in one go. Do not let the applied layer completely cure before you lay on the next! You otherwise MUST sand the surface to get a proper (but not perfect) bond.
You can calculate some 160 gram per m² for a sarturating "primer" film on medium dense wood (ply), and the equivalent of the glass weight you apply in resin + 10%, to get a rough figure about your consumption.
Go for Epoxy instead of poly anyway!

Search for "Raka" Epoxy, they are way cheaper than West and at least as good! But even the cheapest Eopxy will be several times better than the most expensive ...esther.

Regards
Richard

 

System Three also makes a nice line of epoxy. Their general purpose resin would be appropriate here. I like System Three's 2:1 ratio over West's 5:1. Make sure whatever resin you buy that you get a proper hardener. Many people make a mistake, I think, by purchasing a "fast" hardener. I prefer a medium speed hardener. It takes a bit longer to cure, but gives you the luxury of time when you're fitting parts. That time is especially helpful when you are doing your first project.

MIA

 

Uk

Does anyone in the UK know where a good source of epoxy is?

 

We had that enquiry several times here.

My recommendation was:

http://www.shop.r-g.de/

I know there are some suppliers in GB, coming near their prices meanwhile, but don´t remember them.

Regards
Richard

 

What about using the stuff that comes in the syrenge type tubes that you can find at any hardware store? If I'm just doing the seams would that work just as well?

 

I think you'd find the price per gallon on those to be formidable.

 

the glen L site has system 3 in these larger tubes.
http://www.boatdesigns.com/U-Tah-Cartridge-w_tip/productinfo/S3-528/

 

I don't really understand what you're saying? Are you saying that if I calculated the cost per gallon when buying small tubes of epoxy then I'd be spending more per gallon? I can't disagree with you there.

But these are $4. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhm/R-100371815/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

A gallon of epoxy would probably be cheaper per ounce or whatever, but for a few seams I don't see how a gallon would be needed. But the $4 one says water resistant, so I'm still a bit skeptical.

 

Dont mess with that stuff, it is more or less a glue, and not the best one. find yourself some laminating epoxy.

In the UK, try:

Matrix Composite Materials CO.LTD
Unit E Paintworks
Bath Road
Bristol
BS4 3EH
England
Tel : + 44 (0) 117 971 5145
Fax : + 44 (0) 117 977 8388
info@mcmc-uk.com
www.mcmc-uk.com

And ask for epoxy for wood. they will probably come up with Sicomin SR5550 and SD550x curing agent.