Epoxy v. Poly
Guys (and girls),
Do a search for aircraft laminating or structures, see how many are built
using polyester...and NOT crappy addon bits like fairings/wheels covers.
Normal poly can NOT be vacuumed due to residual styrene.
Poly is brilliant stuff, don't get me wrong. How many boats sail around the
world every year built from cheap poly and chopped mat? (A lot!) but for
better bond strength, and stronger laminates, epoxy is simply better. Epoxy
makes a better mold for hulls also due its' vastly lower SHRINKAGE rate.
I have heard little argument about vinylesters though. This stuff is very
good. Bonds like epoxy, laminates like epoxy, VACUUMS like epoxy (in the
right form). Quite a few aircraft flyng now using VE.
No resin system is difficult to measure or use, what is it with drops and
cups and that ****? Read a book on ratios...poly being 100:1(weight/volume)
resin catalyst (or whatever) 100 grams = 1ml of hardener...how bloody hard
is that? Go to a chemist (drug store) and buy small and medium syringes,
and/or eye droppers. MEASURE the catalyst for the correct ratio after you
WEIGH the resin and you should never have any problems.
Research what you need, research how you use your chosen material, research
the methodology...don't ever guess. Use the experience, education and
knowledge of the resin supplier. Why the hell would they say...mix ### ratio
of resin to hardener in such and such a temperature and humidity and not
really MEAN IT!
If you build a boat/plane/car/spaceship whatever and don't read the
instructions, and the structure ****s itself, you have nobody to blame other
than yourself. Just don't involve others in your foolishness, like needing
to be rescued, or generally needing your hand held because you know better
than people with doctorates in chemistry.
Enjoy
Rod.
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