sherm172k

is there any special trick you guys use to mix your epoxy in equal amounts? i usually end up spending a rediculous amount of time trying to make sure i have the perfect amount of the epoxy and hardener, then mix it up reeeeeeeal good. however, it NEVER CURES! it's always sort of hard, but not completely set. it's still sticky and mushy. any tips to get the perfect mixture?

thanks,
bill

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

Maybe your fussing with it too much? I just give a sqeeze.

In R/C Report this month they described a very simple scale you can make out of a yard stick to get the weights equal.

johngzwart

My Feedback: (105)

I count the time(seconds) to get equal amounts! e.g. I add 5 seconds of resin and then add 5 seconds of hardener, mix..works perfectly every time!

Tall Paul

For small amounts, I use old photographs for their impervious front surface for the mix.
I draw the outlines of a 25 cent piece about a 1/2 inch apart on the photo.
Mark one R for the red bottle, the other K for the black bottle.
Squeeze enough red bottle stuff into the red circle to fill it.
Then squeeze an equal amount of black black stuff into its circle to fill that the same.
Mix and apply.

The Raven

Can you get your epoxy in the syringe packs? Part A and B come in separate syringes that are siamesed together and use a common plunger arm. No more measuring, just squeeze out the amount you need and mix.

blikseme300

My Feedback: (118)

Bill

Are you sure the epoxy is still OK? Sometimes if epoxy gets old it will not cure. When I use laminating epoxy that is mixed 70%/30%, I always weigh it. Some epoxies must be accurately mixed by weight to cure properly. Some others are 50/50 by volume.

Safe Flying!

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

I was thinking the same thing.

eaglelope

I use small disposable plastic measuring cups with good success. ABout 6 months after opened the epoxy bottles the first time it started setting with more of an amber color than clear and didn't quite harden all the way. I bought new epoxy (same brand) and all was weel again. I'd say try some new glue.

exeter_acres

My Feedback: (2)

I just squeeze onto a post it note for small amounts. dixie cup for larger..

How old is your epoxy? What kind is it? and How humid is your weather?

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

I have also had some old epoxy that would never fully harden. I say replace it.

piper_chuck

My Feedback: (12)

For most gluing jobs I squeeze the epoxy out into equal length and width lines. Has never failed to cure fully, even some I have that's about 20 years old. I've also read on several epoxy manufacturers web sites that if old epoxy starts to crystalize all you need to do is heat it up. I believe they suggested a hot water bath.

ecmiller

Mixing epoxy is not rocket science. You do not have to have exact equal amounts for it to harden. If you spend any more than 15 seconds measuring it out you're spending to much time. It sounds as if the epoxy you are using is no good. Maybe one or both components had frozen at one time, or maybe it's just old.

Richard L.

My Feedback: (24)

I just count the number of drops for each part. The epoxy should still cure even if the drops are not exactly the same size.

blikseme300

My Feedback: (118)

Have to chip in again - always mix epoxy as directed, obvious but important. If you are planning to laminate wing skins or glass aircraft using epoxy and the epoxy has been sitting on a shelf for a while, test a small batch first. Don't ask how I found this out, the hard way...[]

Some epoxies will break down if not stored correctly.

Safe Flying!