Bubbles- Can they cause structural issues or just a cosmetic problem?

Discussion in 'Boatbuilding' started by mariobrothers88, Dec 11, 2020.

  1. mariobrothers88
    Joined: Sep 2020
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    Location: San Diego, CA

    mariobrothers88 Senior Member

    Hi guys, I don't like mixing the epoxy with a stick so I built a little jig to mix it with a drill. Even on the lowest speed it causes a lot of bubbles in the epoxy. When I apply the epoxy to the wood surface with a paintbrush, they all seem to have gone away. But it leads me to wonder...can bubbles cause structural issues? Or are they mainly a cosmetic problem? Is it worth it to mix by hand instead of a with a drill to avoid bubbles?

    Thanks for any advice or tips, I really appreciate all the amazing members of this forum!
     
  2. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    Location: usa

    fallguy Senior Member

    All okay. Bubbles are trouble for infusion. I don't like mixing with power tools because there is too much cleanup/loss.
     
  3. mariobrothers88
    Joined: Sep 2020
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    Location: San Diego, CA

    mariobrothers88 Senior Member

    Thanks fallguy! I'm a little confused how mixing with power tools causes more cleanup/loss?
     

  4. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    fallguy Senior Member

    Well, not sure what kind of tool you are using, but a popsickle stick or tongue depresser cleans up with almost zero epoxy loss.

    You will find yourself making lots of batches of epoxy 3-12 ounces in a build and using a power tool is simply not needed.

    Most epoxies are easily made airborne with vigorous stirring. Be careful about ingesting or inhaling any epoxy bubbles. They float in the air. I am not fully against mechanical stirring. Many polyester resins really require it, but with epoxy; you can generally see the mixing happening in the bucket.

    My hands get sore mixing fillers into epoxy of the sticks are so small my whole hand can't grab. I also get sore hands waxing and dewaxing the vac table. I am now using a waxing machine to dewax.
     
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