Polyethylene kayak repair.

Discussion in 'Materials' started by Canracer, May 25, 2015.

  1. Canracer
    Joined: Aug 2009
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    Canracer Senior Member

    Check out this youtube video where I cut into a L.L. Bean Manatee kayak with an angle grinder.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO5MuRYwfvg

    I don't like those "melted plastic" patch jobs so I'm trying something different.


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  2. waikikin
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    waikikin Senior Member

    That's some whacked out stuff... wheel of death, dont reccomend that... no guard ...... cutting wrong side of the wheel my friend...

    Jeff
     
  3. SaltOntheBrain
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    SaltOntheBrain Senior Member

    Is this you?
    It will be if you don't stop cutting with the "push" side of the wheel.
    Grinders are great evolutionary tools.

    LF
     
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  4. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member

    You guys are right. That angle grinder is the most dangerous tool that I've owned to date. I am looking for a good full face shield.
     
  5. Steve W
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    Steve W Senior Member

    You can find good instructions for repairing PE boats using G flex epoxy in epoxyworks magazine. No need to reinvent the wheel.

    Steve.
     
  6. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member


    "I wouldn't be interested in reinventing the wheel, if those damned Cavemen didn't mess it up so bad."

    Part 2 of the kayak repair is up and running. Please stop by for a visit and see the new video.

    Click "subscribe" and experience firsthand more boat and truck and trailer maintenance infotainment! (This programming is not Caveman approved.)
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjOdoyNQokL7Ff9rmnuORiQ/videos?view_as=subscriber



    .
     
  7. SaltOntheBrain
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    SaltOntheBrain Senior Member

    I'm not sure you got our point.
    Kickbacks, caused by using the left side of the wheel in a "push-to-cut" manner, are what makes the grinder dangerous.
    Using the wheel from the 1:00 position to the 4:00 position means you'll be eating some sparks or dirt, but you won't be eating the whole blade at once.
     
  8. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member

    I get it. I got a little careless this time because it was such light work. That polyethylene cuts like butter and it felt safe working the grinder at a full arms length (no place near the face.)
     
  9. waikikin
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    waikikin Senior Member

    Hi Canracer,
    Well there's the thing, granted you didn't come to any harm with your technique but if you are posting apparently instructional videos that others might copy there rests some ethical dilemma in:
    A- demonstration of grinder/cut off disc not fitted with a guard..
    B-offering poor technique in use of the grinder, it only takes a closing cut on any material to generate a kickback, double trouble with the above, when it does go wrong it's kind of an instant oh ****, I need some help.

    I'd be interested how the polyester adheres to that substrate, was there a primer or extra surface prep over the area?

    Regards from Jeff
     
  10. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member

    Those are good points. I'll definitely remember that.

    I'm hoping that the polyester comes away from the hull easily. The plan is to make the fiberglass plate, pop it out, and reinstall it with an appropriate adhesive.

    Any ideas on the adhesive? G-flex might be nice, but no way I'm dropping 100 bucks for it.
     
  11. waikikin
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    waikikin Senior Member

    No real ideas on an adhesive, .... I've heard of primers being used on it for paint adhesion & read(on here) of some flame char technique to assist adhesion, I think an resilient/flexible adhesive may be the go.... waiting for the third installment..

    J.
     
  12. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member

    I am sure the G/Flex is fantastic stuff, and I'd love to pick up a quart. It might actually be the "go to" stuff right now (the G/Flex.) However this project is sort of following an "extra materials that I have around" type of program.

    Honestly, I am a little shocked to learn that 5200 doesn't adhere well to polyethylene. I think that something similar in stiffness would be perfect. Tomorrow is decision day on this issue.
     
  13. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member

    The 3M High Strength 90 looks very interesting.
     
  14. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member

    Earlier today I picked up some G/Flex at West marine. Hard to beat this stuff.

    This is 8 ounces and more than enough for the project. The price tag was no big thing.
    [​IMG]
     

  15. Canracer
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    Canracer Senior Member

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