A min. of 3 cc is what the experts have come up with that will give you the least chance of problems. The less cc's used the greater error possible. I don't think using a different bottle of epoxy is going to make any difference but if it makes you feel better then by all means do it. The more positive attitude you have the better off you'll be. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Mix a minimum of 3 cc's of each component because that is what it takes to get a good batch every time.

I used to try to save a little by not mixing 3 of each, and some batches stayed tacky.

Since I started mixing at least 3 cc's of each, never a tacky batch since.

I would rather waste a little epoxy than all the time and effort it takes to do the job over, but practice does make perfect.......

On the other hand, you are not really wasting any at all. Keep the cup you applied it from and use it to test for hardness instead of making fingerprints in your wraps.

(of course, this is only my 3 cc's worth of opinion, others may vary)

That's the key - the larger the overall mix, the less percentage difference on a small error. One tiny drop on a total 2cc mix is going to be much more likely to cause problems than that same one drop error on a total 6cc mix.

Epoxy finish is cheap. Which costs more - to mix up 6ccs total and have a job turn out properly, or mixing up 2 or 3 ccs total and then having to recoat, or worse, rewrap.

Yes you can mix up 1cc of each and if you're extremely careful all will be well. But why take the chance? Finish just isn't that expensive. We're talking a few dimes per batch, if that. I'm very careful measuring and mixing my epoxy, but I just go ahead and use 3ccs of each out of habit. I'm still careful, but don't have to worry much about that tiny drop that might not come out of the nozzle, or that little bit on the outside of the syringe.

Again, not to give anyone a hard time, but don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

.....................

Take the extra finish and add some pigment and marble anything that dont move.It can be a lot of fun!!!

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Brad
The amount of time you have spent trying to find out what went wrong would have paid for the extra 1 1/2 cc of epoxy. You are talking about a 100 - 300 dollar rod and you are worried about 50cents worth of epoxy.

I think you should just follow directions and get over it.

IMHO

Rolly

OK ...........the 3cc's vs 1-1/2cc's makes sense now.
I could see how the margin of error is reduced in using the 3cc's. I generally don't like to waste it not necessarily of cost or penny pinching, it's just that my wife is an environmental engineer managing multi million dollar clean ups of superfund sites for the EPA. She has a cow when she sees mini superfund sites / chemical spills / waste of any kind around our house. Just seems easier on the DTI (Domestic Tranquility Index) to mix less ...........if'n ya know what I mean..
I'll try it though and just go over the wraps again and figure out something for the waste besides the garbage can.
Very good campers.
You are all very helpful.
BjR

I understand completely. Good luck, let us know how the next application turns out.

............

DTI....
I like that one :)

OK............ I dispensed the suggested 3cc of each part of A & B bottles as you all recommended and re-coated the wraps and it worked like a champ.
Notes to self for next time:
1. Follow recommended mixing amounts.
2. Don't forget # 1

Additionally, just a heads up for you all, from the "Rod Wrapping Finish Tips" section on Flex Coats website :

"TIP #12: For the rod builder who likes an extra thin coating on rod wraps, there are three ways to get a thin finish. Use a stiff brush which will spread the Flex Coat evenly and thinly over the wrap. Heating will also thin the finish. Thinning with a solvent such as acetone or epoxy thinner also works. Between 1 and 4 drops of solvent per 6cc mix of epoxy is recommended."

I was pretty sure I had read this somewhere before.

Thanks for all your input. I love this site.
BjR

Thanks for the update Brad !

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..