Glen-L.com

I messed up a small batch early on in my learning curve and I threw those pumps away. I told myself from then on that I would rely on measuring cups. The pumps, to me anyway, are just more trouble than they're worth.

_________________
Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

The only reason I like the pumps is that it makes it pretty idiot proof. (Not that i'm an idiot.... )

Steve

Thanks guys,
If, Idiot that I may well be, I don't have the pumps; do I use the same 5/1 ratio for West system epoxy, as I did for the Glen L.?

Gregg

_________________
Jolly Roger 30'(Extended)
Marshall Islands, R. M. I.

Depends which Wests System you got. Some of theirs is one to one i believe, and some is five to one...should say on the can actually..iif it is 105 it is five parts 105 to one part 206 (or whatever the hardener is that you are using)



Steve

West System's Special Hardener (designed for brightwork) is 3:1. There is a special pump for that.

Make sure you don't get your 5:1 and 3:1 pumps mixed up.

_________________
Bruce.

~~ Do what you love, and love what you do. ~~
~~ To me - only my boat is not yet perfect. Everybody else's is to be admired for I know the path they have walked (Dave Lott, 2010) ~~
Dow's Monaco Project

Gregg,

Here's a link to West's Epoxy product guide :
http://westsystem.com/frames/tier1/productinfo.htm
Scroll down to Epoxy hardeners for the mix ratios.

I haven't had much luck with the pumps either.
For mixing very small batches, I use the high tech 'spoon' method :
- Pour epoxy and hardener into separate plastic cups or soup cans
- Insert a plastic spoon into each cup
- Count spoons (5 of these, 1 of those or was that 3 of these and 1 of those ? . . . ) into your mixing cup
- Return spoons to their respective cups
- When you're done for the day, return any remaining epoxy and hardener into their original containers.
Don't mess up the last step or you'll have an expensive chemistry lesson
__________________
Paul Kane Chelsea, PQ

Building the Glen-L Hot Rod : http://www.boats.chelseacoachworks.com

Paul, I was using your method originally until I ran out of epoxy and had to buy a small batch...bought the west with the pumps and now I am spoiled it really works great for me...when i place another Glen-L order I am going to still try and use these pumps. its like putting Ketchup on my burger ...I love it ...

Steve

I have used more than 45 gal of West 105, and have used only two sets of pumps. West pumps are modified at the factory to work properly. I saw them working on them during a plant tour, but couldn't tell just what the mods were.
I have put aside several batches that I lost pump count on, but all of them went off properly anyway. West also has a mimi scale kit if you want to make small batches.

Carl

_________________
Carl
If not now......When?
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/gashog7/boat/
http://www.epoxyworks.com/26/index.html Number26

You read the directions on the brand that you are using; and mix the ratio according to their specs.

I always start with the resin (big can), and then alternate: big, small, big, small.

as long as I start with a big pump, and end with a small one, I know I'll have the right mix.


But.. as you say, it does not appear to require an exact mix. For tiny batches (way less than a full pump), I just eyeball my 5:1, and it seems to work fine.

_________________
Bruce.

~~ Do what you love, and love what you do. ~~
~~ To me - only my boat is not yet perfect. Everybody else's is to be admired for I know the path they have walked (Dave Lott, 2010) ~~
Dow's Monaco Project

Bruce,
I never tryed that, but sounds like a good idea. The next time I need a 20 stroke batch I will try it. With 1 stroke batches I can usually keep count.

Carl

_________________
Carl
If not now......When?
http://s270.photobucket.com/albums/jj94/gashog7/boat/
http://www.epoxyworks.com/26/index.html Number26

there are still some tertiary variables that are tangential to thermodynamic set when establishing proper ratios to avoid premature coagulation caused by accelerated catalyzation.

Steve

You got it RIGHT leakcheck, FOR SURE. I couldn't have said it better.

Merry Christmas.

Dale in Indy

I'm looking EVERY one of those words up in the dictionary RIGHT now! I say, you had better be right on them.

_________________
Isn't it amazing!! The person that never has the fortitude to pursue his own dreams, will be the first to try and discourage you from pursuing yours.

Wow,
Thanks for all the help, I've gotten more than my share of responses on this one. I've got West systems 105, with the 209 (?) hardener for hot temps.
There are no directions on the bottles except pump one to one.
but with no pumps it doesn't help if the pumps are supposed to provide different amounts to start with. I've yet to read through their web site again, to see what Gougen Bros. and west Systems say in the matter.

Thanks again, Merry you know,

Gregg

_________________
Jolly Roger 30'(Extended)
Marshall Islands, R. M. I.