Ready Steady Eddy

**EddyCurrent** · 28-01-2014

Originally Posted by silyavski

Eddy,why experiment if you know what works for sure? West System Epoxy 105/209.

I know but it's one of those times when I feel an equivalent can be found at much lower cost, I'll think about it today.

**njhussey** · 28-01-2014

Originally Posted by EddyCurrent

I know but it's one of those times when I feel an equivalent can be found at much lower cost, I'll think about it today.

I'll be looking with interest then.....

**EddyCurrent** · 28-01-2014

What about this ?

Epoxy Resin ideal for fibreglass repair and general use
Syntac EPAFD Slow Cure Epoxy Resin Pack

**Wobblycogs** · 28-01-2014

In terms of pot time it looks fine but it doesn't mention anything about the viscosity of the mix. My guess is that the viscosity would be ok but do you really want to risk it for about £20? We know from others experience that West System is almost like water when mixed and will self level in the time it takes to set. Last thing you want is to mix up a big batch of this stuff, pour it on and then watch at it slowly sets with a dirty great lump where you poured it in. Other than that I'd say go for it, I'd certainly be very interested to see if there was a cheaper alternative.

As a side note, if you don't have them a cheap set of scales is well worth it, the density of the two components is different enough that by volume measurements won't cut it (unless you are going to do the calculation to figure out the correct volumes of course).

**njhussey** · 28-01-2014

It does say low viscosity, but as you say is it really worth it? Does look like it'll fit the bill mind! I'm just drawing fences on my frame to see what volume I'll need...I've emailed them to see if it's equivalent to the Wests System!

**njhussey** · 28-01-2014

Oh feck it....rush of blood to the head.....should have some winging it's way to me shortly. £33.36 inc P&P for 1.5kg of resin and 0.5kg of slow cure hardner. Will have a play and let you know how it pours. I reckon that I'll need 0.63 litres of mixed epoxy for 5mm depth so the standard pack should do nicely!

**EddyCurrent** · 28-01-2014

Now I feel responsible if it's shit so I'll have to order some as well

I was going to anyway, I like to live on the edge sometimes

Anyway just compared viscosity, West = 650 cps, Syntac 650-750 mPas, (1 cps = 1 mPas)

I'm thinking the main thing here with both of them is to get a good temperature going before pouring, it needs to be string vest only temperature minimum in the shed.

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/...%20105_209.pdf
http://www.reactiveresins.com/syntac...poxyresins.pdf

**njhussey** · 28-01-2014

Originally Posted by EddyCurrent

Now I feel responsible if it's shit so I'll have to order some as well

I was going to anyway, I like to live on the edge sometimes

Anyway just compared viscosity, West = 650 cps, Syntac 650-750 mPas, (1 cps = 1 mPas)

I'm thinking the main thing here with both of them is to get a good temperature going before pouring, it needs to be string vest only temperature minimum in the shed.

http://www.westsystem.com/ss/assets/...%20105_209.pdf
http://www.reactiveresins.com/syntac...poxyresins.pdf

Don't worry about it Eddy...I compared and they looked pretty identical...so in a rush of blood to the head bought some. You'll probably be using it before I do anyway as I've got 44 x M5 holes to drill and tap for the rails and before I can do that I've got to make a plate so I can get the linear carriages mounted to get the rails in the correct position on the box section. At the rate I'm going at the moment it will be summer by the time I've done that

**Wobblycogs** · 28-01-2014

It's interesting you say you'll make it hot in the shed as I was just wondering whether it would be better to make the environment warmer or cooler. The mixture will certainly start of with a lower viscosity if it's warmer but it will also set faster as well (a rule of thumb from chemistry is a reaction will go twice as fast for every 10 deg C warmer) which means there is less time for it to find a level everywhere. I can't help feeling you'd be better off working with it as cold as you can to give it time to spread out before it sets. It says it'll cure down to 8 deg C if you are willing to accept a reduction in mechanical strength. Might be worth an experiment, make up a small amount cold and pour it onto a piece of scrap, see how far it spreads then repeat with a warm batch / environment.

**njhussey** · 28-01-2014

Originally Posted by Wobblycogs

It's interesting you say you'll make it hot in the shed as I was just wondering whether it would be better to make the environment warmer or cooler. The mixture will certainly start of with a lower viscosity if it's warmer but it will also set faster as well (a rule of thumb from chemistry is a reaction will go twice as fast for every 10 deg C warmer) which means there is less time for it to find a level everywhere.

See the Chemistry did come in useful!!

I can't help feeling you'd be better off working with it as cold as you can to give it time to spread out before it sets. It says it'll cure down to 8 deg C if you are willing to accept a reduction in mechanical strength.

My shed will be ideal then as it's bl***y freezing in there at the moment!!!
I'll do mine in the test bay at work, there's one bay used for storage that's colder than the rest but still above 10°C I'd guess.

Might be worth an experiment, make up a small amount cold and pour it onto a piece of scrap, see how far it spreads then repeat with a warm batch / environment.

I'll be doing that for sure before committing to the real thing. I wonder if you can gradually increase the ambient temperature once it's had 12 hours or so to find the level so that you get the best of both worlds?!