What epoxy are you using?

J

justakniveguy

Joined
Mar 9, 2014
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18
Im tired of buying little containers of epoxy from home depot.

What is everyone using?

I would like something that has pump bottles and comes in a big container
 
Gflex by west systems. It can be found online and west marine. Maybe other places as well but those are the two I know of.
 
G-Flex is the best epoxy I've ever used! It comes in container sizes from about 4oz to 5gal. I buy the 32oz package which is two 16oz squeeze bottles.

Bob
 
West Systems two part resin and hardener systems are the pinnacle IMO. You can use a variety of hardeners to achieve a specific end result. It is great because they have the pumps that give the proper ratio per pump.

Acraglas is also ultimate bleeding edge of epoxies and carried by Brownells...

-Eric
 
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I know I am new to all that is knife building. But I have been bedding rifles for years now. I have yet to find anything tougher then acraglas. If you do not have releasing agent properly applied to your barrel and action, you can pretty much forget it, it is there to stay. Very minimal shrinkage. I have also seen guns that I have bedded years ago, and the stuff is still right there doing its job. No cracks no chips, such a tight fit that the action has to have a little squeeze to go down in.
 
jtwodogs said:
I know I am new to all that is knife building. But I have been bedding rifles for years now. I have yet to find anything tougher then acraglas. If you do not have releasing agent properly applied to your barrel and action, you can pretty much forget it, it is there to stay. Very minimal shrinkage. I have also seen guns that I have bedded years ago, and the stuff is still right there doing its job. No cracks no chips, such a tight fit that the action has to have a little squeeze to go down in.
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Does acraglass come in pump bottles?
 
I've been using West Systems 105 series with 205 and 207 hardeners for the last 7 years. I have heard good things about their G-Flex and intend to give it a go.
 
Which G-Flex formula are you folks using? ... there are a few. I imagine the 650-8 would fit the bill.
 
Rick Marchand said:
Which G-Flex formula are you folks using? ... there are a few. I imagine the 650-8 would fit the bill.
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Yep that's the one Rick - WS650. The -08 and -32 just indicate package size IIRC. Several favorite distributors carry it these days.

Best thing is these folks want their stuff to work and so include some great info as a tech insert with each batch. Handled properly, it's excellent stuff; takes a beating and moisture and heat and...carry on.:thumbup:
 
Andy Lewis said:
Yep that's the one Rick - WS650. The -08 and -32 just indicate package size IIRC. Several favorite distributors carry it these days.

Best thing is these folks want their stuff to work and so include some great info as a tech insert with each batch. Handled properly, it's excellent stuff; takes a beating and moisture and heat and...carry on.:thumbup:
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Great. If the quality is inline with the 105 Resin series, I'm sure I will like it. I have had no problems with the 105 up to date. But I think the added flexibility and shock resistance(of the G/Flex) is the icing on the cake.
 
justakniveguy said:
Does acraglass come in pump bottles?
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No , and when you ask the pharmacist for a syringe so you can measure glue they will look at you funny. I love acraglass's quality but next time I buy some epoxy I will be buying West Systems for the pump alone.
 
I got acraglas and have been very happy with it. One reason I got it was the shelf life compared to some other epoxies. I don't make that many knives and wanted something that would be good for quite a while. I had heard a lot of good things about it from makers, plus it's intended application helped me, too. Something that can put up with everything a heavy caliber rifle can throw at it for years is meaningful to me; shock/vibration, the likely potential for solvents to get on it, and other potential "problems". It's good stuff, IMHO.

Jeremy
 
Spalted said:
No , and when you ask the pharmacist for a syringe so you can measure glue they will look at you funny. I love acraglass's quality but next time I buy some epoxy I will be buying West Systems for the pump alone.
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im leaning towards west systems too the pump really makes the choice easy
 
justakniveguy said:
im leaning towards west systems too the pump really makes the choice easy
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Hey justakniveguy. The so-called convenience of dispenser pumps is a really poor reason to choose one epoxy over another IMHO.

The mixing instructions for these materials are quite specific and are there for good reason. I have both Acraglass and G/Flex on hand and can tell you that the ratios of resin to hardener with either epoxy must be precise to get optimal results.

I am suggesting from personal experience a few years ago that those handy dispenser pumps do not deliver the product uniformly. Especially in volumes < 5.0mL. I don't use them any more FWIW.

You must measure each component independently!

This can be done either by volume or, with a little homework, by weight.

Maybe they have improved the pump’s design, but are you willing to bet your reputation on it?

I expect that if you don’t have the patience and gear to properly measure the prep of these materials, then you may as well be using the “5min epoxy-like substance”. Or nothing at all...:eek:
 
Andy Lewis said:
Hey justakniveguy. The so-called convenience of dispenser pumps is a really poor reason to choose one epoxy over another IMHO.

The mixing instructions for these materials are quite specific and are there for good reason. I have both Acraglass and G/Flex on hand and can tell you that the ratios of resin to hardener with either epoxy must be precise to get optimal results.

I am suggesting from personal experience a few years ago that those handy dispenser pumps do not deliver the product uniformly. Especially in volumes < 5.0mL. I don't use them any more FWIW.

You must measure each component independently!

This can be done either by volume or, with a little homework, by weight.

Maybe they have improved the pump’s design, but are you willing to bet your reputation on it?

I expect that if you don’t have the patience and gear to properly measure the prep of these materials, then you may as well be using the “5min epoxy-like substance”. Or nothing at all...:eek:
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I was not aware that it has to be so precise. I am new to knife making and trying to figure everything out.

Between acraglass and g flex is one better than the other or are they for different things?
 
Andy Lewis said:
Hey justakniveguy. The so-called convenience of dispenser pumps is a really poor reason to choose one epoxy over another IMHO.
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Absolutely. Choose an adhesive for its working properties, not how it is dispensed.

Andy Lewis said:
I am suggesting from personal experience a few years ago that those handy dispenser pumps do not deliver the product uniformly. Especially in volumes < 5.0mL. I don't use them any more FWIW.
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The pumps work. West Systems stake their reputation on it. You have to prime the pump before you use it and don't do "half" pumps, thinking you'll nail it. Full pumps(bottomed out) or nothing. In small mixes, I use veterinary syringes. You are exactly right about properly measured quantities... but if you are using the pre-measured pumps right, there shouldn't be a problem according to the company. I am not accusing you of not reading the instructions, bud... there may have been other issues as well.
 
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