Fun with Epoxy

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Square

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Jun 9, 2004
23
Hunter H40 Hampton, VA
Not an on the water story, but funny none the less: I am starting a project to upgrade my mainsheet and traveller on my 1981 Hunter 30'. I have acquired the hardware and have just bought some West System resin and hardner(With pumps). I read the instructions quickly and with little attention (as I am prone to do), and began experimenting with the epoxy on some 4"X4" blocks of wood using the 5:1 ratio of Resin to hardner that the West system specified. I set up some screw holes and filled them with epoxy, and checked on them the next day. To my surprise, I found the epoxy to still be in "gel" form, and quite soft. Upon re-reading the instructions, I realized that if you use the West System pumps, then the 5:1 ratio is already set up, and you only need one pump of resin to one pump of hardner. Thus, the reason my epoxy wasn't hardening was because I had used 5 pumps of resin to one pump of hardner, thereby establishing a 25:1 ratio! Live and learn!
 
Feb 4, 2004
29
- - La Mirada
Thank you, for the story

I would bet there have been so many "views" but no responses becuase we all have done silly things like that. I am glad (for you) it happened on a block of wood and not your boat, but then I would bet you are too.
 

Square

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Jun 9, 2004
23
Hunter H40 Hampton, VA
I am wise about my foolishness!

Thanks for the replys guys! Yeah, I am happy I only screwed up on the blocks of wood! In my younger days I would have started drilling holes in the boat straight away, but I have become "wise" about my foolishness, and try to set it up so that when I fall (when, not if), I don't tear up anything too important. I will be taking photos of the project (even the screw ups), and I will post them in the project forum when I am done. :)
 
May 23, 2004
117
Catalina 30 Stockton, CA
I did it, too

But after figuring it out, I realize now that the West System pumps are the best ever. It takes out all of the guesswork and most of the mess.
 
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