Sorry for not checking in
Quote:
Originally Posted by mbd
Since no one else has chirped in, I'm maybe good for some questions. Is there a contaminant that will make epoxy not stick? Like wax or silicone? What do you use when you create a mold to keep it ffrom sticking? Any chance some contaminants could have been introduced in either of your mixes that could keep the batch from adhering? (Where's Mike Goodwin when you need him?)
Been sick, recuring "jungle fever" from my days of 'wearing of the green' and we ain't talking Irish here , anyway fever is gone and I can stay awake for more than 2 hours now.
Yes, silicone and epoxy do not mix , also wax , and the epoxy itself can blush and cause it not to adhere. When making a mold, you use a mold release agent , which is a wax and/or a latex liquid release agent or parting agent .
Hint, don't wipe down with acetone, use pure white vinegar then denatured alcohol , I have seen acetone 'soften' resins . Or use Prepsol or a mix made for glass prepping . And use a hell of a lot of rags , if you see something on the rag , it is contaminated, CHANGE IT ! or you are just spreading it around .
I sure hope this is the last of the blasa left in this deck........
Having tackled the starboard side earlier this year, I went into the port side today.
It was not to have been too bad of a job, as most of the foredeck core had been replaced by the prior owner (Herb Tucker) and his dad about 5 years ago. Apparently they had found some good balsa along the plywood strip that runs down the center of the deck, but unfortunately it has since found water and now fails the old 'acoustic coin tap test'.
So I set the circular saw to 1/4" and ripped down the center of the deck, a couple inches on either side of the strip of core that sounded soft.
The bond on the plywood strip was good, but I was surprised... no amazed, to find that there was very little bond at all to the closed cell foam!
I could see the edges of the air bubble that had apparently formed when the old skins were refitted.
Both Tim, and Mike caution against allowing any bubbles to remain under the skins if they are re-used.... I experienced problems on the starboard side where the old skin had been reused and the seam had allowed a minor leak.
I did not re-use the old skins when I re-repaired the starboard side, and will by no means consider re-using them when I close the port side back in. The stress point created along the seam, the possibility of bubbles (voids), and the less reliable bond between the old skin (that once was lined with rotten balsa core) argue against re-using the old pieces in my mind. More then any theory, the main reason I will not re-use them is that I believe they have contributed to my having to re-visit this job that the prior owner had done before me.
I sure hope this is the last of the balsa left in this deck........ :o
also
Quote:
Ebb said;
Silicone spray must be illegal.
Amen....