The temperature in this part of the world is getting warmer, shortening epoxy pot life. Tried something different. Lined a plastic container with aluminium foil and sat it on a freezer brick while applying the epoxy. Usually on a 7 foot rod by the time I get to the last couple of guides it's starting to get tacky. With this method the epoxy was almost as good as when I started. The finished rod turned out fine. There's always a down side, you get a lot of condensation on the aluminium foil. Don't put the container on the brick until the epoxy is in it and be sure you know where the epoxy is located in the container as you don't want to be applying water with the epoxy.
ESFNEM Col

This is interesting. I have never tried cooling epoxy before. Most people say you should warm the epoxy before mixing. In fact, I normally use a warm piece of marble under the aluminum foil when I am working with it. This seems to be a contradiction. So what are the advantages of warming vs cooling epoxy while you work with it? Have I been doing it wrong all along?

Hi,

My experience is that using an electric mixer extends the pot life time. The electric mixer does not generate the heat that vigorous hand mixing does. I mix for 7 minutes and then pour the mix onto an aluminum throw away dish. A 2 part epoxy that sets up very fast when mixed by hand is much easier to apply when electrically mixed. The pot life is definitely extended.

The electric mixer also gives a well combined mixture.

Capt Neil Faulkner

Col

If you can turn on an air conditioner and cool the room as much as you can. If it is in the room with the rod, shout it off so the air does not blow dust in the finish. If it is in another room keep it going.

But the cooler temps will help the finish stay wetter longer. I like cool temps for finish. In the winter I cool the finish room. Apply finish and when done I warm it up for drying.

Also low build finish lasts a little longer.

Bill - willierods.com

There were some interesting results from a fellow who froze his mixed epoxy about 6 or so months back.
Do a search.

Lou Auret Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> There were some interesting results from a fellow
> who froze his mixed epoxy about 6 or so months
> back.
> Do a search.


When all else fails, just follow the directions!

jeremy

Hay Lou

Got a link. Can not find it

Bill - willierods.com

Bill, email sent with link.

Gents,
The epoxy wasn't cooled before mixing , only after it was mixed. The higher the ambient temperature the quicker the stuff sets up. Bill if my workshop had an air conditioner it would be on!!! Capt Neil, I've been mixing by hand for a lot of years now, maybe one day I'll get a mixer. In the meantime I'll continue playing with this method as it definitely extended the pot life by a considerable amount.. Anyone in the States make mixers that run off 240 volts?
Thanks for the comments
ESFNEM Col

Get a small one since you need it.

Bill - willierods.com

Col
You can use a turntable motor from a microwave oven or try "Jaycar Electronics" they have small 240 v motors

regards Baz

Thanks Barry
ESFNEM Col

Hi - that was me who froze the thread finish. And, in spite of much criticism, I still do.
What I do is to mix 3cc of finish with a Pac Bay mixer and then pour it out into three separate aluminum foil trays, leaving some in the mixing cup. I place all three trays into the freezer. I use the original mixing cup for the (fly rod) stripping guide and other (two) two-footed guides and their tunnels. Then I use one of the freezer trays to do the next section. The 2nd freezer tray is for the last section. That leaves a tray in the freezer to do any touch-up. If conditions are good (cool) I will be left with two trays in the freezer and I can use it later the same day, or even the next day, for a second coat.
I start applying the "freezer" epoxy while it is still thick because it will start to flow nicely since there is very little mass.
I have done many, many blanks this way - as a matter of fact, this is the only way I do it now.
I am not rushed - and when the finish gets a little thick I am done with it and use a tray from the freezer.

I do the same for West System epoxy for grips. The grip set-up is a two part process - first I epoxy the bushing to the blank and when the epoxy is set I epoxy the seat to the bushing. Since the West system is a 5-to-1 mixture I use their pumps which dispenses too much material for one job. So I freeze it between steps. I have froze that for 3-4 days easy.
Rehards,
Herb