Jo Ann,
The epoxy is brittle. However, I've used the West additives for fairing and
bonding. I have to say, what I've bonded with epoxy is unbelievably strong.
I had to remove part of a cap rail from my boat after I bonded it with West
System and it actually broke the wood and not the epoxy.
The West System is a two part epoxy and will come in cans. Measuring is simple
and clean using the West System pumps. One pump of epoxy to one pump of hardener.
There are three different hardeners I use here in the San Francisco Bay Area. One
is for normal setup time, one is for a longer setup time and the other is for UV
protection on bright work. There is one other hardener available for hotter
climates that slows the curing time down. I have never had to use it here.
If you live near a West Marine, go there and buy the little book they have for
$3.00 and it explains more of this or visit www.westsystem.com. There is a lot of
information there.
Regards,
Brett
> First, thank you for all the effort in documenting that repair
> technique - very clear and precise. I have never worked with marine
> epoxy so I have a couple questions. Is it brittle at all once it's set
> up? I'm thinking of all the body/frame flex as the AS goes down the
> road. Also, is it a two-part material that is mixed just before using
> and if so, how much time do you have to "work" it? Thanks again - sure
> sounds good.
> Jo Ann