what kind of epoxy do you guys use?

Nathan the Machinist said:
I use the fast set Locktite epoxy very frequently, but never for knife handles. I like it for fixturing because it sets up fast, is never sticky after hardening and it has poor bond strength, so you can count on it to release cleanly when you're ready to pry your work off the fixture. I'll be using some of it tomorrow, I'll do a thread about fixturing with it.

I use Acraglas for knife scales.
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Nathan, which Loctite are you using for fixturing? I look forward to your thread.
 
Epoxy is a part of the equation. The other part is knowing there are simple mechanical fasteners that are stronger than ANY epoxy. Instead of agonizing over epoxy brand and if your design can accommodate them, ALWAYS use mechanical fasteners: bolts, rivets and flared tubing are all stronger than the best epoxy...whatever that is. Mental anguish is not good for your health.

Take a full tang knife that has the scales epoxied and bolted on, clamp it in a vise, place a wood chisel between the tang and epoxy, start hammering. Let me know what happens when you approach the bolt, rivet or flared tubing:-)

CAVEAT: I know it's much more complicated than this.
 
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alb1k said:
Nathan, which Loctite are you using for fixturing? I look forward to your thread.
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It is a fast set "heavy duty" Loctite , 1:1, from Lowes. I originally got it to try it for knife scales, but it didn't work. (The one hour version also didn't work.) That was many tubes of it ago. It actually works better than mighty grip fixturing compound specifically made for the purpose and it has become an integral part of my process. It is also better than two sided tape and superglue.

I also tried the Devcon fast set for this purpose and found it didn't release as cleanly or machine as well, I think it is more rubbery.

I took the pictures yesterday and meant to start the thread last night but an old friend stopped by. I have some shipments to get out today so it will probably be tomorrow. I'll be showing a universal sacrificial threaded and doweled sub plate that I also use with epoxy, a very handy vacuum fixture, and perhaps some more conventional stuff.
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
It is a fast set "heavy duty" Loctite , 1:1, from Lowes. I originally got it to try it for knife scales, but it didn't work. (The one hour version also didn't work.) That was many tubes of it ago. It actually works better than mighty grip fixturing compound specifically made for the purpose and it has become an integral part of my process. It is also better than two sided tape and superglue.
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OK, now it's becoming more clear. I thought you were talking about the Speedbonder 324, 325, 326 series with 7075? activator. I didn't know you were talking about a 1:1 epoxy. I use the 324 which is an anaerobic structural adhesive. It sets fast, but I can finish the handles the same day, and it was the highest recommended (or up there) "glue wars" epoxy for metal to man made. At $25-30 dollars for 2 ounces, plus $15 for activator, It better be good. If I wasn't using it, I would most likely use West Systems or Devcon 2.

I look forward to your structuring thread.

EA
 
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