I've used, almost, exclusively Flexcoat for 20 yrs, tried some others but always went back to FC. Been reading about some newer epoxies that claim to have extended pot life. Any one have any experience that they would care to share?

Thanks, John

JLS Custom Rods
Cassadaga, NY

John,
For years there have been families of epoxy wtih various pot life.
Back some years ago, when I was active in modeling we used 5 minute, 15 minute, 30 minute, 60 minute and 2 hour epoxy.

Today, depending on the brand, such pot lifes are available.

Essentially any of the liquid style - as opposed to the gel style epoxies, will work just fine for rod building. Do your research and make your choices.

Good luck
Roger

i would recommend staying with what works for you unless you are disatisfied. I have tried most of the epoxies out there and can't say that one had a substantially longer pot life than any other. this was not scientific, just my observations. I have found that staying with one particular finish and knowing how to work around the issues with it give me better results than switching all the time.

I have always found that cooler temperatures helped with longer pot life - But you only get so much !

Bill - willierods.com

John,
I assume that you are really referring to thread finish and not structural epoxy.
I use Diamond II mostly and the pot life is not that great but it has other qualities I like. But I solved MY pot life problem with it by pouring a little of my 3cc into 3 small aluminum trays and leaving the balance in the mixing cup. I start with using the finish in the mixing cup and the other 3 trays go into the freezer. I take them out as I need them. It only takes a few minutes at room temp for it to be soft enough to use. I have used it from the freezer after 2 days for touch-ups.
Herb

John -
I don't think that there is a SIGNIFICANT difference in epoxy pot life (after it's mixed / how long does it last). I believe that working temperature has much more influence "untampered" (no additives like DNA or Acetone) on pot life than the component mixes. It's a chemical reaction and the only way to influence it is to break the cycle

Hi John,

I have found that using an electric mixer rather than beating the mixture with a stick not only reduces bubbles BUT does not heat up the finish as much and i got extended pot life, even with Flex Coat. I usually set the timer from 5-7 minutes dependent upon room temperature. Summer time means less time.

Capt Neil Faulkner

You can extend the pot life of FC by mixing in 4 eye dropper drops of Acetone to a 1oz mix while mixing. This also means a longer cure time. This info can be found in a pamphlet by FC

Good Wraps Bob