Is there a big difference between West System and System Three epoxy glues. I noticed that Woodcraft carried System Three and the resin was about $15.00 less than West System resin sold at Rockler. Just wondering if I could save some money.
Thanks Mike
Replies
Both companies serve a wide variety of customers with many epoxy products, consumer to industrial.They are pretty much head to head competition. With the commonly available West System and System Three products that are sold to woodworkers for glue, I don't think there is much, if any, difference in performance between the two. I prefer the small plastic bottles you can get with System 3. I don't use enough epoxy for the quarts with the pumps. I had to toss my West Systems stuff, the hardener ate through the bottom of the can.
Thanks that's what I was wondering. I doubt I would use the bigger cans of hardeners that West System have before it went bad.
Epoxy does have a long shelf life before it does go bad. You would probably have a couple of years time to use it.
Costs also depend on the ratios
When looking at costs make sure that you are comparing the same mixing ratios of catlyst to resin. If is strickly an issue of costs you need to consider the total costs of the two componets. I agree that the System 3 comes in more convenient sizes for the occasional user.
comparing epoxys
I have used a lot of epoxy over the last 25 or so years. I started out using West, before switching to S-3, but since then to FGCI. West leaves an amine blush, which is sort of a waxy glaze that I didn't like. Also, the pumps and the 5 - 1 ratio is OK as long as everything is new, but those pumps start getting stiff, and will suck in a bubble part way through pumping X # of pumps, throwing off the critical mix ratio. System 3 is a little better, but I like the 1 - 1 ratio of the one I use now at half the price of the others.
To mix the 1-1 ratio of the epoxy I get from Fiber-Glass Coatings Inc. I keep an assortment of size plastic cups. I usually set two side by side, and pour equal amounts in each, then mix them together. This may not seem like much of a deal, unless you plan to use large quantities, while mixing many small batches. Not to mention that the ratio is very forgiving, and the viscosity is a lot thicker to begin with, which makes it better for using as an adhesive, as oppose to wetting out glass or other composite fiber.
Here is a link to the source that I use, and I have no connection to them. www.fgci.com/
If you are using it as an adhesive, I suggest that you get some collodial silica to mix in for thickness. Because of the slow setting, it can run or be squeezed out of the joint if it is too thin, or too much pressure is used.
With any epoxy brand, ask for their books or technical sheet if you are new to using the product.
Epoxy
I use System-3 epoxies exclusively, but that's because I can get them from Lee Valley here in Ottawa in just the size I need for a given job rather buying in batch quantities. While I have a great fondness for Cold Cure, I've also used both G-1 and G-2. My go to" is the QuickCure 5 for non-critical jobs.
I've found that I get my best success at mixing by using a scale. For larger batches I use an old Ohaus beam scale that I found at a church bazaar for $5. For small batches I use a digital scale (another LV find). For both scales I put on the mixing cup I'll use, zero the scale and then add the epoxy and hardener. It's easy to keep track of the mix, whether it's 1:1. 2:1 or 3:1. Certainly easier than trying to judge mix ratios by reading marks on the side of the mixing container.
Regards,
Ron
Scales
Great idea, Ron
Taigert
Just to throw another wrench into these works, I've recently switched to MAS F.L.A.G. (Filleting, Laminating And Gluing) epoxy. It leaves no blush and can be used for glue without thickening. My only gripe is that the solids settle out in my cold basement and then it won't pump. Those is quickly remedied however by putting the container in some hot water.
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