Epoxy Resin

Michael Black

Michael Black

Joined
Jun 29, 2014
Messages
417
Like many makers, I typically use West System's GFlex epoxy for my handles, but I have all of this stuff left over from a pool project last summer. This should work just fine for knife handles, right? I assume it's pretty much the same stuff but without the flexibility of GFlex.

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If I'm trying something new I try it out on some scrap sample pieces and see how hard it is to pull apart... I actually use blade pro epoxy from system three after tasting it against g/flex, seemed a hair more durable and it's easier to pour (for hidden tangs).
 
I use the 105 resin and 205 hardener. The pumps shown in your picture put out too much resin and hardener for my glue ups, so I weigh them out using a small scale. This stuff is pretty runny, so I add colloidal silica (West Systems 406) to thicken the epoxy as needed, and use carbon powder and wood dust for color.

You have to be patient with this epoxy. The 205 (fast) hardener I use still takes a few hours before it hardens to a point where you can take your work piece out of the clamps or alignment jig, and even longer to cure to a point where you can put stress on it. I try to leave glue ups over night. The 206 hardener takes a bit longer, but it is nice if you need more time for your glue up or work in a hot shop in the summer.
 
Am I the only idiot that just uses BSI? I have never had an issue with it in the testing I have done on their slow cure. Or the semi bs youtube video I found as I'm typing this which supports my argument.

My brain thinks from a chemical bond..you would yes want SOME flex but VERY little nothing that would be measurable by hand? Kinda standard science?

I ain't God so.. anything I'm willing to listen to.
 
CRSS/Sf said:
Am I the only idiot that just uses BSI? I have never had an issue with it in the testing I have done on their slow cure. Or the semi bs youtube video I found as I'm typing this which supports my argument.

My brain thinks from a chemical bond..you would yes want SOME flex but VERY little nothing that would be measurable by hand? Kinda standard science?

I ain't God so.. anything I'm willing to listen to.
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I've never heard of them actually. I don't like the local hardware store options by me because they only come in those little tubes that you squeeze out with the plunger, and they are very expensive for how small of a package you get. West System is local to me and I can get them in larger quantities, plus they have the added bonus of an extremely good reputation in the knifemaking community.
 
Even using the more expensive items like G/Flex, I think it might cost me $2 to do a knife? Seems like the wrong place for me to seek lower costs in my process for something that works so well. My 2 cents :)
 
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