West System Epoxy?

bjansen · October 29, 2008, 09:36:00 AM

Has anyone had any luck with West System Epoxy? If so could you recommend me a product (I am assuming the 209 hardener would work best or maybe even the G/Flex epoxy).

Any other suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks

The Ursus · October 29, 2008, 05:44:00 PM

I've heard of it being used. There was a fella from Alaska (further north than me) that had a build-along posted either here or on the other archery site who liked using West System epoxy. Not sure if he used 209 hardener.

rainman · October 29, 2008, 06:44:00 PM

I used on a about 8 bows when I was working at Woodcraft. I have switched to Urac-185 it is thicker and won't run if you are using a hotbox. If you add thickeners it should work fine. Use the slow set hardener.

Dan

rkmnt2 · October 29, 2008, 07:52:00 PM

I haven't made a bow....yet....but I'm going to. Got a question that I haven't heard before. What if I don't use heat? Does the glue not set properly or just take longer or????

Holm-Made · October 29, 2008, 08:10:00 PM

Smooth on will set without heat. Just take longer. Chad

bjansen · October 29, 2008, 08:53:00 PM

I have used Bowgrip 100 with good results in the past. Bowgrip will also set just fine as long as the temp is above 75 degrees. However, no matter how careful I am I always seem to get at least a few small air bubbles between the glass and the wood. I am trying smooth this weekend.

On an aside, Chad I checked out your website and I am very impressed. Excellent work! I especially like the thumb rests you put on your bows. When you do that do you glue on the rests before you shape the riser?

Jimikinz · October 30, 2008, 03:50:00 PM

West System will set without heat. It is pretty runny though.

SIXFOOTER · October 31, 2008, 10:37:00 AM

From what I read when researching bowbuilding the epoxy will setup without heat, but the joint will be some 40% stronger with the heat and in addition its remelt point will be much higher. So if your bow gets left in the car in the sun it will not soften up any if it is cooked in.
No personal expierience yet, but it was enough to make me build a heat box. I think I got that info from either Rudderbow or Bowstick

rkmnt2 · October 31, 2008, 12:29:00 PM

sounds like a heat box is about to be built!
thanks!