Glen-L.com

Hi all, finally got started on my first boat!! work tends to get in the way....
was wondering, how long after epoxy gluing can a piece be put under pressure? ( curved side panel ) although the epoxy appeared to be cured after 24 hours, when i mocked up the boat and put a curve in the joined panel, the edges came away, not good.....
thanks....

_________________
Mick

Ok, so let's see if we're on the same page.

Have you already glue the wood up and are waiting to release the clamps? If so, do the fingernail test. If you can make a mark in your epoxy with your fingernail, maybe give it a little more time. If not, then try gingerly removing the clamps a little at a time.

Epoxy cures at different rates because there are a number of variables. However, if you've mixed it properly and there is enough ambient temperature for the mix to kick, you shouldn't have any problems. Epoxy is amazingly strong stuff. It would take a lot of pressure to pull the epoxy loose. So if your epoxy has cured, you've got no problems.

I say that with nothing more to go on than your description. If there are any extenuating circumstances let us know.

_________________
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.

thanks dave,
i coated the panels with a straight epoxy mix, waited 20 mins then applied glue mix (wood fibres), clamped up, 24 hours later released clamps, then ( 1st mistake!) mocked up the panels, because i was excited to get some 3 dimensional inspiration! as the side panels bent, i heard the crack, and noticed that the edge of the "butt block" had come away slightly...... i think i may not have left it long enough as it's pretty cool here at the moment?..... all this epoxy stuff is new to me and seems a little tempremental..... trial and error i guess?
thanks again,

_________________
Mick

apolagies, just realised this thread should have been under epoxy... sorry!

_________________
Mick

Mick,

Epoxy can take a week or more to cure out. Temperature and type of hardener can make big differences. Parts under stress may need 2 or 3 days before releasing clamps.

Bill

_________________
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

thanks bill,
i am starting to think i put it under pressure way too soon, the resin did cure ( i had an awfull job getting it off!)so the mix was good, just me being too eager! i'll leave it a few days longer this time...... thanks again,

_________________
Mick

Mick... as you noted... it was cool.

temperature is a huge factor in the cure time. What would cure in half a day at 30C may take several days at 10C.

Some brands have "fast" and "slow" hardener. "Fast" is required at the cooler temperatures.

Here is a chart from the West System guide:

_________________
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