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Epoxy question

Discussion in 'Shop Talk - BladeSmith Questions and Answers' started by R.C.Reichert, Mar 20, 2017.

  1. Mar 20, 2017 #1
    R.C.Reichert

    R.C.Reichert

    803
    Jul 26, 2008
  2. Mar 20, 2017 #2
    kuraki

    kuraki Drinks Pearl in a can. Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider

    2,431
    Jun 17, 2016
    I just check with a fingernail. If I can't make an imprint with my fingernail, it's ready to be worked on even if it's not cured to full strength. That's using T-88 epoxy, which is a 72 hour cure. I pretty much always am working on a knife after 12 hours.
     
  3. Mar 20, 2017 #3
    noseoil

    noseoil

    280
    Apr 24, 2013
    A bit of warming will speed up the curing process. Nothing extreme, but I typically leave a knife in the sun (Tucson, truck dashboard in winter) or on top of an electrical appliance which makes a small amount of heat, just to speed the cure. Doesn't take much heat to kick it off, just don't get too carried away with heating epoxy or it will fail in the bonding process.
     
  4. Mar 20, 2017 #4
    Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

    Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith ilmarinen - MODERATOR Moderator Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider

    25,633
    Aug 20, 2004
    A 24 hour cure epoxy has 30 minutes to 1 hour work time, and 1 to 3 hours set time. The full set is 6 hours, and the full cure time is 24 hours. T-88 is about the same, with the full cure time even longer because it is a structural epoxy resin.

    After 6-10 hours most 24 hour epoxies could be worked on, but you are far better to wait until the next day. Nothing good comes from rushing things.
     

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