robotfan

My Feedback: (14)

I have a 9oz. 5min Kwik Bond epoxy set (Hobby People) and Part A has gotten hard, even though Part B is just fine. It is not all that old, maybe 5 months. I used a small portion for a project then put the caps back on and the bottles in the bag and set it on the shelf until needed again. Is there any way to soften up or hopefully liquify Part A back to its original syrupy consistency? How does everyone avoid spending $10 ($8 plus tax plus gas...) every time they need to glue in a firewall or some other teeny-tiny job?

Thanks in advance...

Warbird Man

My Feedback: (95)

Kinda sounds like you got hardener in the resin maybe? If not, put it in the micro wave for 10 - 20 secs. If it doesn't liquify, throw it out.

Ron S

My Feedback: (2)

I agree with Warbird (except it may not have been in contact with the hardener necessarily)- hit the hardened bottle with either a heatgun until it starts flowing again. I've had resins appear to crystallize somewhat - warming the resin up will allow it to be used again (it hasn't been mixed with hardener yet). I have no info regarding if it affects strength or not, but I've never witnessed anything adverse.

A microwave will do it too - just monitor it - better to heat it in shorter times to prevent overheating, and possibly causing a mess.

If you can't get it to flow again, you're probably going to have to head back to the hobby shop...

DavidAgar

My Feedback: (108)

You might have only had it for 5 months, but who knows how long it has been sitting on someone else's shelf. I personally would toss it and get some more. I have used the Bob Smith line of epoxy for years with no issu's at all. Good Luck, Dave

WhiteRook

My Feedback: (38)

something i found out is that the resin reacts to temperature . in a cold room it will solidify , store it in a warm place.
the hardner is not efected by temperature

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

I no longer keep mine sitting in front of the window, not that it seems to make any difference. I have never had any get hard and I have kept it there for a couple of years sometimes. It does sound like some of the other part got into your bottle. Doesn't take much!! Like David said, you never know how old a product really is unless it has a borne on date. I have had people bring me over filler to use on a plane I'm building for them and opened the little tub and it was hard. That's a product I always open the lid and take a feel before I buy. Epoxy????