I'm working on my first rod and am using Andy's new Ultimate Gel to attach the reel seat and handle to the rod. Has anyone else used this stuff? I was wondering because I made a total mess trying to measure it out and ended up with it spread all over everything.

What is the easiest way to measure out equal parts?

I haven't used it yet, but from talking to Andy, I understand it's mixed like Rod Bond. Just use a couple popsicle sticks, eyeball it and fold together/blend on a piece of cardboard and put it where you want it. Precise measurement is not critical

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Thanks Mike. That's basically how I did it but since this is my first rod build and I had never worked with any of this stuff before I wasn't really sure if that's the way to go. I also had some problems with getting it all over everything. I'm not a very neat person to begin with but by the time I was done it felt like I, the rod, and my entire work area were covered in the stuff. The good news is that it seemed to clean up fairly easily with alcohol. Hopefully on my next build I'll be able to figure out how to do this without covering myself in it.

Good thing you didnt use a liquid epoxy or you would have a bigger mess!!!

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Use a popsicle stick and scoop it out directly onto a piece of cardboard....mix as usual. Measuring is not critical on this product. Obvioulsy get as close as possible, but there's no need to use any easuring spoons or anything, just get close, and it will cure just fine.


Andy Dear
Lamar Fishing

Here is something you might try. I have not done yet, but the idea came to me while at the show this week end.
Take two syringes, like you use with thinner epoxies. Cut the very ends off so that the barrels’ opening is the same size as the barrel. As you gently push the syringe into the epoxy pull back on the plunger to what ever amount you want. Then remove and scrape off the edge of barrel on the jar edge like you do when trying to make a level teaspoon. Do that with each part and you should be able to have exact equals to mix. Just remember to use same plunger in same jar each time. Also Ralf Quinn said in his seminar that as long as you are with in about 5% of equal parts you would be okay

Ralph is speaking for his product not mine. Our margin for mixing error is much more forgiving than 5%. Additionally, if you're going to off, be off in favor of the resin, as it will eventually dry....the hardener will stay sticky forever.


Andy Dear
Lamar Fishing

Thanks Andy for th info!

To apply the epoxy to the rod when gluing grips and reel seat arbors up, I use a piece of rubber screen door's weatherstrip. It's available at a hardware store.

It's a piece of rubber attached to an aluminum backing. I cut about an inch of it off with a heavy tin snip and use it like a spatula. Works really good for me and keeps the mess to a minimum, too.

Putter
Williston, ND

I like that weather strip idea Putter. I just stick my finger in a plastic bag and spread it around.

Steve,

That is a great idea and since I've been doing it with ALL epoxy's for over a year now, I can tell everyone it WORKS and workd GREAT. Everything 2 part I have in the rod room has a syringe in it!

DR

Ooops, I meant to say measuring and mixing error in my last post.


Andy Dear
Lamar Fishing

you can also wear latex gloves, similarly along the lines of using a plastic bag. i use gloves when i apply thread finish as well. it helps keep a lot of things clean.

eric
fresno, ca.

I think what Burton is referring to is the fact that UG in it's unmixed individual parts is a bit "stickier" than other Gels. This is because we use gelling agents instead of "fillers" to achieve a thick consistecy. Sometimes fillers like fumed silica, microballoons, wood flour can decrease certain performance characteristics of an epoxy, so we chose to use gelling agents instead which give a different consistency but do not alter the performance characteristics. However, once the two parts are mixed together, UG changes consistency a bit...it's very slippery, wets out very well, and is easy to work with and mixes together very quickly.

Andy Dear
Lamar Fishing

Andy Dear Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think what Burton is referring to is the fact
> that UG in it's unmixed individual parts is a bit
> "stickier" than other Gels.
> Andy Dear
> Lamar Fishing


Andy, that's exactly what I was talking about. Unmixed the stuff really is sticky, but like you said when it was mixed it did become nice and slick. I was initially concerned that I wouldn't be able to get my cork grip on but after the gel is mixed it slipped on really easily.

The good news is I did something right and the reel seat and handle are both on the rod.

Thanks for the Gel Andy. My first attempt with it was messy but it was successful. Now it's time to try and see if I can avoid covering everything with Threadmaster.

Hey, look at it this way....whatever you happen to cover with ThreadMaster, at least it will stay clear.

Andy Dear
Lamar Fishing

Andy,

What are the stats on the 5 min U gel? I know it sets in 5 min, but what is the real cure/ready to use/abuse time?

DR

5 minutes, and you're ready to rock....no waiting.