Fcs fins

Can I use cabosil instead of fcs powder ? for fin installation

Howzit Dronai, I wouldn’t use cabosil, the FCS powder is just milled fibers which interconnect on the resin mixture for strength. If nothing else you could chop up some fiberglass and make your own. One trick I’ve learned about milled fibers is it’s best to make the resin,pigment,fibers mix the day before and put a lid on the mixture container, this will let the air that sticks to the fibers dissapate so you won’t get air bubbles in the mix when you set the plugs.Aloha,Kokua

Thanks Kokua, The kit gave me an injection bottle to dispense resin into holes. I think it’s a one time use because how would you clean the plastic out ? Maybe a syringe would work for next time. Also 100ML recommended amount of resin wasn’t enough to fill all the way to the dams ??

The FCS install manual, available at Foam-EZ in pdf format, describes how to mix your own resin for plug installation using miller fibers, pigment, and resin. HTH.

 Howzit Dronai, I don't use the squeeze bottle, instead I use a 5oz paper cup. but if you use the bottle use the leftover acetone from wiping the plugs for cleaning plastic bottle. Also you can add more mix to bring up the resin level around the plugs, no problem since you don't put SA in the mixture.Aloha,Kokua

Thanks Blake, My computer wont load a Pdf file for some reason. I have the instruction manual with the install kit, maybe same as you are referring to. Not very descriptive, trying to peddle their own mix.

Thanks Kokua, you answered several questions in one hit. Ugly circles on deck side with fcs. Thats what they recommended for strength.

Quote:
Thanks Blake, My computer wont load a Pdf file for some reason. I have the instruction manual with the install kit, maybe same as you are referring to. Not very descriptive, trying to peddle their own mix.

The FCS manual is very very clearly written with tons of diagrams, refreshing.


100 mls resin

10 mls special fiberglass powder

white pigment (not too much).

hardener (1-2% depending on conditions). The resin must be runny and set slowly

Mix thoroughly in mixing bowl


Or, by Kokua’s advice, don’t add the hardener, and let settle overnight before adding catalyst and pouring (to get the bubbles out).

Thanks Blake, Got it to download.

Howzit Dronai, If you premix the mix and let it sit over night make sure you stir it before you add catalyst since the milled fibers will settle to the bottom of the container. They gave me some of their premix quite a while ago but I didn't like it because it was so thin that to much would soak into the foam. You want the mix to kick off about 15 minutes after you pour it. Also I ream the holes a bit bigger for more strength for the plugs since people seem to pop the plugs out. Aloha,Kokua

Hey D,

Kokua’s going to hate this (sorry bro) but I’ve started using two part epoxy adhesive for my FCS plug sets…not the liquid stuff but the stuff that mixes like a very soft putty, like mayo…part one is translucent amber and the other is translucent white. The advantage being that its easier to work with…slow set so there’s no rush to set b4 kick. Plus its also stronger. I make a small fillet around the hole under the laminate and force some epoxy into it b4 I set the plugs in…that fillet tieing into the lam makes a load (no pun intended) of difference.

Btw, I havent had any reliability issues with FCS plugs…I reworked a board recently…wanted to move my fin set back…I routed around the entire plug so Im thinking ok, should pop right out…I had to use a ton of force with a pry bar inserted into the slot to break the plug off its setting…and this was on lightweight EPS. If it has a good root/anchor its going nowhere.

Good luck!

I’ve done a few installations now and started using 150ml after the first one as I also found 100 was a bit short. I have a bit left over but better that than having to mix up a second batch. At the end, I just squeeze out the leftover resin, pour in some dirty acetone, shake vigorously, squeeze out, repeat then repeat again with clean acetone (yeah, I know, the second step is probably unecessary). I know Kokua uses a cup but I like to use the squeeze bottle - I’m able to get it really close to the hole. I’d guarantee Kokua has a much steadier hand than me so the cup is no problem for him.

Kokua, if you read this, I value your wealth of information. I wil now premix my mixture - I’ve tried poking the air bubbles with thin wire many times. Of course, it didn’t work.

i’ve been installing FCS over the last 3 years, in the family and friends boards i build.

i’ve been using microballoons in poly sanding resin, and have had zero problems with the installations. of course, that’s only what, 20 or 30 boards, total.

i use the FCS installation kit tools as per instructions (video and hardcopy). wipe the cups with resin. pour the holes half full with resin/balloon mixture and set the plugs/jigs with the putty. use the foam strips supplied to “tape off” the holes, and fill with the mixture to the top of the cup. a LOT fewer bubbles this way than with the squeeze bottle, and a lot less mess and fuss. use an ice pick to pierce the few bubbles.

use a router to buzz off the tops of the cups. wet sand and gloss over the rim.

Haven’t tried any epoxy work yet. Im interested though. I want to make a few polys first. EPS seems funky stuff, I saw a blank at Keiths gathering and it didn’t seem easy to shape. I bet there is a few ways to install all this stuff that works. DR

Yeah 100 ml was shy of filling completely the last 2 plugs. I used there tools and procedures to install so I dont know why I came out short ? DR

D,

What I mean is that I use epoxy adhesive on everything including urethane/Clark blanks…its already in jelly form, no short resin kick, no stress, almost no fumes, stronger…etc etc

Howzit meecrafty, You say tomato,I say tomate, what's there to hate. Just because you do it different is no problem since in the end you have installed the system correctly and it's solid. In this crazy business we all have different ways of doing things,but the end product is what really matters. The fact that you had such a hard time removing a plug just shows how well it was installed. Aloha,Kokua