Best Epoxy for *Hand* Layup??

Discussion in 'Materials' started by CatBuilder, Nov 25, 2010.

  1. rasorinc
    Joined: Nov 2007
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    Location: OREGON

    rasorinc Senior Member

    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/
     
  2. CatBuilder

    CatBuilder Previous Member

    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).
     
  3. rberrey
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    Location: AL gulf coast

    rberrey Senior Member

    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
     
  4. CatBuilder

    CatBuilder Previous Member

    Thanks, Rick.

    I'll give them a try. What boat are you building?
     
  5. rberrey
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    rberrey Senior Member

    Horstman tristar31
     
  6. CatBuilder

    CatBuilder Previous Member

    That's a fun boat!
     
  7. rberrey
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    rberrey Senior Member

    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
     
  8. CatBuilder

    CatBuilder Previous Member

    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.
     
  9. Steve W
    Joined: Jul 2004
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    Steve W Senior Member

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

    CatBuilder Previous Member

    When he answers, can you let us know why you asked this? Mine is also core cell, epoxy and glass.
     
  11. rberrey
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    rberrey Senior Member

    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
     
  12. Brian2009
    Joined: Jan 2011
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    Location: Sun Valley, Idaho

    Brian2009 Junior Member

    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?
     

  13. rberrey
    Joined: Oct 2010
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    Location: AL gulf coast

    rberrey Senior Member

    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
     
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