Originally Posted by
Pylonracr
Dennis
Do you believe everything you read? You obviously have no experience in the composite industry, yet you choose to attempt to discredit those of us who do. We are here to assist the OP and anyone with the willingness and ability to learn. I guess that counts you out. Fine, do what you do and leave us alone. For those that are interested in quality, there are many laminating resin systems that are much more suited to our aircraft use for about the same money as West. Do a little research and choose one you like. Or settle for ninth or tenth best and be happy. I don't care, but I obviously have much higher standards than you.
Not trying to discredit anyone and is not about me. The op asked about a problem he had with a 30 min epoxy he purchased from Great Planes.
To me it’s obvious by his post he’s not designing competitive pylon racers. Like thousands of others the hobby epoxy is going to do a fine job for him.
You could have said that he should not take a chance and get a fresh product.
Better yet you could suggest that just about any commercial brand would be better than the hobby brands.
Remember he probably builds one or two models a year he mentions stuff sometimes stays on the shelf months at a time. That being a consideration his purchases will probably be no more than set of 4 oz bottles every couple of years.
Of all the commercial brands available that sell small lots the West System seems to be the easiest to lay hands on. Maybe you would choose not to use it but many do with great success. I believe it can be had in pints and half pints. It is a great deal better than the hobby epoxies.
If there is a different brand available in small quantities that to is a viable choice.
Are there better products? No doubt. For the use the op intends will he notice a difference in performance? He probably at this time wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the hobby epoxy and a commercial brand.
So it comes down to cost and availability. Last I looked an 8 oz pack of 30 min Z-poxy was under 15 bucks. The smallest West System was about 35 bucks but was near 3 times the volume. It might take him 5 or 6 years to make use of that much epoxy. If he’s like most of the guys I know he’s using it to join wing halves, join firewalls and maybe fuel proof. If he’s into electrics that may last him 10 years or more.
So what are the smallest quantity, cost and availability of your choice? Shelf life?
Instead of attempting to help the op you want to make everything an argument. At this stage the op isn’t going to run out and buy your recommendation to fasten some wings together and fuel proof the firewall. I didn’t see this topic have anything to do with discussing composites you are the only one trying to hijack the topic in that direction.