Many years ago, I took a rod off the dryer too soon and returned to find big drips hardened on the bottom. Ever since, I've been gunshy and leave a rod turning until the epoxy is no longer tacky. I get nervous to leave the motor on when I leave or go to bed though. Do you all wait that long, or is there some Rule-of-Thumb you use to quit turning?

Rich,
I turn on the dryer and generally leave it on for about 8 hours.
Roger

I pour my epoxy on aluminun foil. when I'm done coating the wraps with that batch I set aside the foil and epoxy with the throw away brush in the epoxy near by not in the trash . I periodically check the foil and use it as an indicator the amount of cure. If I cant leave a finger print on the puddle on the foil or it is hard to flex I figure the epoxy is dry enough to stop the dryer motor. The finish on the rod should not be flowable enough to unlevel or start dripping . What I find it takes about 6 to 8 hours like Roger says. I use DII finish now after using Flexcoat. About the same time for either one. Normal room temp is around 70 degrees. I don't try to rush it. Rather give it more time than have to clean up a screwup due to my impatience. Thats just me.

Overnight or all day depending on when I apply. Overnight mostly.

DR

Yeah, thanks fellas. That's about how long I go too. I like that fingerprint rule of thumb, that makes sense. I've never had a problem with a motor, but they get hot and make me nervous if I'm not there to check on it periodically.

Mine is set up on a timer and I set it in the evening before I hit the sack for 3-31/2 hours when I get up its usually dry to a lite touch and I just let be for another 4 or 5 hours. The room temp is set at 72 in the winter and 78 in the summer.

Ron Weber

Gentlemen, I put on my timer for 3 hours and it turns off.........never had a problem with threadmaster or flexcoat..............Gene R.

Ron,
If your dryer motors get hot, it is not a bad idea to have a few small fans and put a fan next to each motor to keep it cool. There is a big difference in the temperature of the motor if there is no fan, compared to having a fan to keep it cool.

Roger


[www.buyextras.com]

[www.surplustraders.net]
You could buy a few of these 12 volt fans for $1.50 each and than a 12 volt transformer to power them for $1.50 each.

Threadmaster Lite at 66 degrees at least 6 hrs.

I have a small block of wood with a hole drilled in it and I stick the brush handle in the hole. I test the tackiness off the brush. I then save the old brush and use as a mixing stick

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Mine runs warm to hot depending on the rod weight , the heavier rod the more "drag" on the motor . Unless you blister your fingers on the motor , worrying about it is un- necessary ! Just keep "flamables" away ie. paper products , oils , paints , etc. You should have no problem . the dryer has got to run 6 to 8 hr deprnding on the epoxy. Larry

Thanks for all the info fellas.