I bought my first batch of Gen 4 epoxy (low build) from a forum sponsor, but it arrived without syringes. I read a prior post stating they had a tacky cure when they didn’t use the correct syringes with Gen 4.

I have always used syringes to measure epoxy (FlexCoat, LS Supreme, Threadmaster) and have often done small quantities as low as 0.5 mL very successfully.

Any suggestions for how to measure small precise quantities of epoxy without the syringes? I am repairing individual guides on several rods and don’t need a big batch.

Get some syringes

Back in '92 when I started my fly rod building hobby, I used syringes, and had several mixing failures the first couple years. So in frustration, I raided the kitchen a found a 1/4 TSP/1.2 mil stainless steel measuring spoon. I've been using it since, and to date I've NEVER had a failure on at least 100 rods. I probably just jinxed myself!. I do receive syringes when I purchase certain epoxies, but I don't use them. They do appear to be of higher quality, and accuracy than those I used 30 years ago. I also believe today's finish mixes aren't quite as critical as back then.

Nevertheless, if you're stuck, head for the kitchen and find a measuring spoon.

Jack

I have never used the syringes that came with G4 . Generation 4 like many others out there work perfectly as long as you're close just mix it thoroughly . Never experienced tackiness of any kind.

Syringes are the best and easiest way to measure finish epoxy, use them in conjunction with the self sealing bottle cap insert. I just leave the syringe in the cap insert. I’ve used the same syringes for years. Don’t get medical syringes, they are silicon coated and create problems with the epoxy.
Norm

Use the same syringes you've been using.

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

Good one Tom!

Steve,
Syringes and bottle stops for me! Combined, they are the most accurate, easy, no mess, no fuss method to measure thread epoxy. While I will certainly use old syringes for a new batch of the same type and viscosity, I would be very hesitant to mix different brands, even viscosities of the same brand. Although it is acknowledged that most of the 1-to-1 epoxies may be quite similar, none of us know for sure just how similar the actual chemistry makeup is. Why take a chance? I would much rather spend a couple of bucks to avoid a possible epoxy disaster.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Thanks all for the input. I emailed Andy at Gen 4 who verified that they no longer supply syringes with “kits” as a way to keep costs down. Bummer. I would’ve just bought syringes with my order, except the product was advertised as “Generation 4 Low Build Rod Finish Kit with Syringes 8oz Kit”

Suck up a little DNA or acetone (or U-40 brush cleaner) and expel it before switching. How clean do they have to be? I wouldn't switch between resin and hardener however, bad Juju!

Similar issue here having ordered Gen 4 but there's no syringes, I have some flex coat filled syringes though - once those are empty can they be cleaned and used for the Gen 4?

Lynn and El,
See my original reply above.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

@MARK- I had read that and value your thoughts and experience, but it's at least $10 for shipping if I don't need $100-$150 worth of stuff right now (already ended up dropping way more cake on these building supplies/tools than I realized I would need to getting into this - but I expect the value to be exponential with more bulds).

I just happened to not know at the time the little details of builders backup and extra supplies they've learned to keep handy (syringes seemingly being on the list of worth have a few extra just in case).

So I ask about cleaning and using to avoid spending 14 bucks on 2 syringes or ordering h I ndreds of dollars worth of stuff to make it worth paying for shipping.

Ed,

Check VooDoo rods (site sponsor). They have syringes (and the bottle stops Mark mentioned) for 2-3 dollars. In addition their shipping is reasonably priced, and they almost always ship my orders the same day they're placed.

I use these 5ml syringes for thread finish measuring.
I use them for other types of epoxy as well.

No issues of any kind using these syringes.

Very inexpensive and easy to use:

[www.amazon.com]

@ROGER thank you very much for sharing, I was inspired to search the term epoxy in the amazon reviews for a number of similar syringes (because the one you linked doesn't have tips) and I think I am narrowing it down.

How could I test if there was an silicone coating issue? would just applying a coat and letting it dry over night reveal the issue if there was a coating?

If you have any craft or hobby shops nearby sometimes they have syringes. I like the type that do not have rubber plungers. If you get syringes with rubber end plungers make sure to pull the plunger and wipe off the smear of silicon grease they sometimes put on those.

The best place to get syringes for epoxy finish is at one of the rod building supply stores. Don’t get syringes with a rubber plunger end, they will eventually break down and discolor the epoxy. Also don’t get syringes with a luer lock end, they are designed to lock a needle in place and will not fit into the self sealing bottle cap inserts. Need to get luer slip syringes, with out a rubber plunger end.
Norm

chris c nash Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I have never used the syringes that came with G4 .
> Generation 4 like many others out there work
> perfectly as long as you're close just mix it
> thoroughly . Never experienced tackiness of any
> kind.


That is not good advice.

Lance Dupre Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> chris c nash Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I have never used the syringes that came with G4
> .
> > Generation 4 like many others out there work
> > perfectly as long as you're close just mix it
> > thoroughly . Never experienced tackiness of
> any
> > kind.
>
>
> That is not good advice.


Never said it was just my personal experience . I used to use syringes but stopped using them . I just use a certain type of clear plastic cup sold by a certain supply company with the measurements already clearly identified on the OUTSIDE . I have found them to be exceedingly accurate . I realized that over time whether I used the syringes to add finish to the cups or added finish to the cups without the syringes the measurements were always exactly the same in the end so I decided to eliminate the syringes all together as they just added an unnecessary extra step to the process. Of course the resin and hardener are warmed before adding it to the measuring/mixing cup as it helps settle the resin and hardener much more quickly which allows more precise accuracy. I add the warmed resin or hardener until you get very close to the measurement line on the cup and then you add a single drop at a time until you're dead on with that first measurement .

This is usually at the 5ml mark on the cup since I'm working on long surf rods after one part of the mix is dead on accurate I add the other part until it is perfectly aligned with the 10ml mark and then I mix for 2 + minutes. Never ever had any issues whatsoever of any kind.