Traditional 2-part epoxy vs "ready to use" epoxy

[jtsai]

For many years, I used the traditional WEST System 2-part epoxy with resin and hardener in separate cans. It requires precise mixing ration, thorough mixing and applied in a defined temperature range.

Hardware stores carry epoxy delivered in mixing cartridges under JB Weld, Loctite, and Gorilla brands. WEST System's Six-Zero and TotalBoat's THIXO have their versions of thicken epoxy in larger cartridges delivered in proprietary static mixers.

Are those "ready to use" products as good as the traditional 2-part epoxy? The product descriptions seem to favor their quick and easy "adhesive" properties rather than permanent bonding of the traditional 2-part epoxy.

 

[Prairie Schooner]

For many years, I used the traditional WEST System 2-part epoxy with resin and hardener in separate cans. It requires precise mixing ration, thorough mixing and applied in a defined temperature range.

Hardware stores carry epoxy delivered in mixing cartridges under JB Weld, Loctite, and Gorilla brands. WEST System's Six-Zero and TotalBoat's THIXO have their versions of thicken epoxy in larger cartridges delivered in proprietary static mixers.

Are those "ready to use" products as good as the traditional 2-part epoxy? The product descriptions seem to favor their quick and easy "adhesive" properties rather than permanent bonding of the traditional 2-part epoxy.

I think chemically they're every bit as good as the company's bottled products. They probably aren't thin enough for fiberglass layup. I've used some of the cartridges for specific applications with good results. It's possible some formulas actually need the precise mixing of these devices for maximum performance.

 

[gabriel]

I’ve mixed by eye the west systems 3:1 recommended ratio for a long time now and haven’t had anything come apart. Preparation, design and technique are more important than the glue itself for good adhesion IMHO.

That being said, without test data there’s really no way to know. I’ve used west six10 and it was pleasure to work with though. Very convenient.

 

[shard7]

Thixio is great for jobs requiring a thicker consistency. I needed to attach plastic wiring mounts high along the inside of the hull (a vertical surface) and with thixio, could just apply a small blob, place the mount, and done. No need to tape it in place, didn't slide down, and all incredibly strong after 24 hours.

The mixing nozzles are great if you need a lot or need to pump it into holes etc., but you also have the option of removing the nozzle to dispense the two parts and mix by hand (less waste, great for small quantities)

 

[jtsai]

FWIW, I experimented with JB Weld 2-part epoxy thicken with cut-up fiberglass cloth and was pleased with its holding strength. The application is to enforce the anchor locking bracket screws that are subjected to constant vertical load from the head-heavy 15 kg Rocna anchor. 3M 4200 will be added for additional holding power.

 

[Jim Picerno]

I've used West System 610 for mounting deck hardware, using the over-drill epoxy fill method, and it worked well. I'm thinking about doing some re-wiring on my new boat, and I'm going to try the weld mount products which consists of a quick drying adhesive along with wire mounts and bolts.

https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/product/fasteners/weld-mount-fastening-system

 

[southofvictor]

Weld-Mount wire mounts are a lifesaver! I can't believe I'd never heard of them until a year ago. How many times had I nervously drilled into a laminate or wood piece for a wire mount screw fingers crossed that I don't drill through it? Or that I had to patch up the times I did drill through something?

I find the tubes of G-Flex really helpful too, but I mostly use it for small repairs, it's pretty expensive for anything requiring more material.

610 is a handy way to store thickened epoxy and I skip the mixing spout and just mix it in a cup or on a piece of cardboard with a popsicle stick most of the time. The ratio is pre-measured either way.

Still it's hard to beat the look and feel of mixing epoxy from the big cans. It feels like alchemy.

 

[Prairie Schooner]

The Weld Mounts seemed expensive so I made my own.



But for the time involved making them it probably is well within the penny-wise-pound-foolish zone.

 

[shard7]

The Weld Mounts seemed expensive so I made my own.

View attachment 53062

But for the time involved making them it probably is well within the penny-wise-pound-foolish zone.

Yes, they do seem a bit exorbitant for what they are! But then again isn't everything that has the word 'marine' somewhere on it?

 

[Kenneth K]

Hardware stores carry epoxy delivered in mixing cartridges under JB Weld, Loctite, and Gorilla brands. WEST System's Six-Zero and TotalBoat's THIXO have their versions of thicken epoxy in larger cartridges delivered in proprietary static mixers.

Are those "ready to use" products as good as the traditional 2-part epoxy? The product descriptions seem to favor their quick and easy "adhesive" properties rather than permanent bonding of the traditional 2-part epoxy.

The "mixing cartridge" products are still 2-part epoxies, just like West Systems. The sellers are just more than happy to charge you exorbitant prices for the convenience of having a tube that does the mixing for you. But mixing tubes are single-use, which I think is pretty silly.

If you buy the pumps for the West system cans, you can't mess up the mix ratio--the pumps automatically supply the proper proportions.

 

[bigd14]

If you buy the pumps for the West system cans, you can't mess up the mix ratio--the pumps automatically supply the proper proportions.

Unless you are like me and sometimes forget how many pumps you did!