On Sun, 9 Oct 2005 10:11:19 -0400, "Ed Edelenbos"
wrote:

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:KJ82f.215$Kp4.88@lakeread08...


"Ed Edelenbos" wrote

Hmmm.... I guess it must be different for working people. I've known
several boat yard operators and pile drivers who use this method (for
their own boats). Actually, the most common way is to use regular epoxy
resin and thin it with acetone to the right consistency. I know of a
couple rib repairs that are about 25 years old and still in place.


Well, I am making observations from experience. The family company
manages a number (like over 1,000) older single family and duplex rentals,
many of which have wood porches. We use a variety of epoxies to restore
rotten porch columns where the local Historic Preservation committee
insists that restoration match the original. We have found that it works
fine for trim and column bases but will not hold up on railings, floor
planks and other parts than may be loaded in bending.

Epoxy stabilizes the wood and prevents further rotting but it has much
lower tensile strength than the wood and is considerably less resiliant.
Unless the part is reinforced with carefully aligned glass fiber it will
not be up to the task.

--
Glenn Ashmore

Our experiential data conflicts. In the end, we'll each go with what works
for us... probably with equal confidence. Your last statement above is
nonsense in the real world though. It looks nice in type.

Huh? If you have any proof whatsoever that epoxy treated rotten wood
regains strength please share it. This certainly goes against 30 years
of experience as a boatwright spcializing in restoration.

We'll wait right here.