Epoxy Mix Temp

[gshamr]

After Glue Wars I've been careful to put a heating pad around my handle after I epoxy and clamp up. It works great in hardening the epoxy in a couple of hours. I use K&G kit epoxy and since my place is never 80 degrees, I've been putting the epoxy containers ion the heating pad for 20 min before mixing so they warm up. Do you think I am shortening the life span of the epoxy and hardener by doing this? These kits are 8 ounces and last me a long time.

Tracy made it clear that the epoxy needs to be up to temp when mixed for best results. I suppose I could put some tin foil on a heating pad and mix it on top of that instead of heating the epoxy and hardener containers each time.

Also, does anyone have an estimate on the shelf life of the K&G epoxy. Since this is supposed to be an industrial epoxy, I would think it would have a shelf life of several years. Thanks.

Gerry Hamrick
Everett, WA

 

[Patrickknives]

For the best results I place the bottles, knife and handles in front of a 60w shop light for a short while just to warm up. I glue and use very light clamping, dont squeeze out too much. I then place back under the light over night. I check a couple of times to make sure is warm but not hot.