so I am preparing for my first big push into epoxy, watched some youtube, been browsing the files, went and watched a demo at sacred craft today. I am stoked. Hoping I could fire off my unanswered questions for some responses?
Ok.
#1 - is there any thing different when using epoxy over pu blnks I should take into consideration?
#2 - shaping eps…what are the basic tools you guys find work best, what spackles are working best?
#3 - I plan to use resin research, start with basic epoxy builds…maybe graduate to some vacuum bamboo veneer stuff eventually. Which resin research formula is best for high performance surfboards? ’
#4 - in the demo today they said that after laminating its easy to sand your laps so that after hot coating you have a minimum of sanding. I didn’t write down what they said…so use a small disk to grind it down? something like 80 grit? Tips?
Love this site. I read at least an hours worth a day…thnx guys.
1: i've never used epoxy over PU. i've read (here at sways) that there is no problem. i've also read that *some* (read "very few") PU blanks will shrink after being glassed in epoxy. i don't remember why or how people had this problem.
2: mostly the same tools as PU. i found after doing 1 PU and then shaping my first EPS that a sanding block had the tendency to skip across the foam instead of cut in. just have to go slower. Benny1 introduced me to these. and they cut through EPS like butter. my tools for EPS foam usually go in this order: planer, pleskunas block, then sanding block.
3: as far as Resin Research, i've only used the standard stuff. 2000? maybe? works fine for me. make sure you read, print out, study and highlight for future reference, this and this. Stingrays step by step is great. so are everyone else's comments.
4: 80 grit will work. take it easy when grinding the laps so you don't hit the foam. remeber, you are only smoothing out the transition between the fiberglass lap and the foam so that when you lam the other side, the glass doesn't 'bridge' the transition and give you bubbles along your lap line.
there's much, much, more info in the archives. type whatever you are looking for in the search box at the top right hand corner of your screen and hit enter. enjoy reading. things to search for, grinding laps, spackle, epoxy problems, etc, etc, etc. sometimes reading the archives can be too much info. bottom line, you gotta try and see what works for you.
Great advice ChrisP, Id like to add a few things I have learned about epoxy. The “Epxoy Primer” you linked to is a great resource.
Dont try to work it into the glass like you would PE resin. Merely move the epoxy to where the glass is not saturated, it will saturate by itself without needing to be “worked” into the glass. Excessive squeegy-ing of the epoxy will cause it foam up and you risk getting lots of air bubbles in the lam.
Be very conscious of your mix ratios with Epoxy. It is not like PE resin where you can adjust the catalyst ratio, with epoxy the Resin/Hardner ratio needs to be as close to what is specified as possible. Also, mix ratios are different if you are measuring with a scale, or by volume. I believe RR is 45:100 by weight and 1:2 by volume. Check up on that and be confident in what you are doing before you start. Make sure you mix very thoroughly, and when pouring the epoxy out of the cup, DO NOT scrape the sides of the cup or your mixing stick to get every last drop. There will always be some unmixed epoxy/hardner on the sides of your cup/stir stick that you dont want getting on your board. The better you mix, and scrape the sides of the cup/stir stick as you mix, the less you have to worry about this.
Thanks guys, I have been reading those resources and appreciate your tips, duly noted. I think I am ready to go. Have a batch of 4 boards to start with and will make a thread to show the process. Can’t wait, look for it to start this week, still finishing up the shaping/glassing room. Stoked! Been a couple years since I was building my own.
Thanks guys, I have been reading those resources and appreciate your tips, duly noted. I think I am ready to go. Have a batch of 4 boards to start with and will make a thread to show the process. Can't wait, look for it to start this week, still finishing up the shaping/glassing room. Stoked! Been a couple years since I was building my own.
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Put three boards away...far far away from the glassing area...
....Glass one board using the links Chris posted....read the coments from Durbs.....take that first board all the way to finished product. Fins installed ,glossed ready to ride...Ask questions......Then go back and glass the other boards...The first one is a prototype........the rest are production.......You can do it! I talked to Dave Daum today....Good Guy.....