Have any of you used this? I want to use it on a balsa nose cone and was wondering how easy is it to sand?
https://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hlc/hlc209.htm
https://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hlc/hlc209.htm
I've been using the BSI 20 Min Finish Cure for a couple months now. I really like it.
I've mostly used it for doing lightweight FG Cloth layups, on BT-80, 60, and LOC 1.14, aswell as Glassing Fins.
I have also used it the way Sodmiester does, to harden Cardstock Parts like Tail Cones and Paper Hat Tips, and one Transition.
It sands down very nicely.
I mix it in the tiny plastic shot glasses that you get at the Dollar Store, for $1 for 24.
I once tried just eyeballing it when mixing up a batch in a different vessel, and I got the Ratio wrong, and it never dried, so now I make sure that I mix it precisely by volume.
I understand that there are better Epoxies out there for my uses, but I'm not using large quantities, and until I do, won't need quarts or gallons.
Do you just brush it on with epoxy brushes and let it dry? Does it leave brush marks. I use thin CA to strengthen balsa parts such as nose cones and tail cones and I already used thin CA on this tail cone, but since it might take a couple bad hits since its a tail cone just want to make sure I do everything to protect it.
I've used it on Paper parts that have already been CA soaked, and on some that have not. I can't say there is much of a difference in the end strength wise, but the epoxy is much easier to sand smooth.
As to the brushes, I use the cheapest paint brushes they sell in Bulk at the Hardware Store. The ones that have all different color Handles and are only about 3/16" wide witht the black plastic bristles. They're like $0.40 apiece.
I once tried using Foam Brushes, but the foam soaked up all the epoxy, and would not apply it to the work.
With the black plastic Bristles, the only time I've had an issue is with a bristle or two falling out, and then needing to pick it off of the work.
For spreading the 20 Minute stuff evenly into a Paper Part, I simply use my finger, while wearing my Nitrile Gloves. That definitely won't leave any brush stroke marks, but I have found the Epoxy to be thin enough that you generally don'y get them anyhow with a brush. It sands easily anyway if you did.
Now that I've been using it for awhile, I have a good feel for it, and get what by my standards are great results.
I'de recommend trying it without hesitation. I'm glad I did.
Have any of you used this? I want to use it on a balsa nose cone and was wondering how easy is it to sand?
https://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hlc/hlc209.htm
I tried it once..... Never again!
You are better off with either West Systems or Aeropoxy laminating resin kits.
US Composites has their own as well.
I like Bob Smith's 30 min for most of my builds but, never again for the their finish cure junk!
It takes 2+ hrs to set up
JD
West Systems smallest size is a quart of the resin and a pint of the hardener. The measured pumps are a great addition to the WS product line and many people use their products just for this reason alone.
How much does that cost???
Just to put some numbers on epoxy costs.
Bob Smith Industries - most varieties are $12-13 for 9 oz (Google shopping results) = $1.33 to $1.44 / oz
Aeropoxy PR2032 quart kit (Aeropoxy store site)- $40.85 for 31 oz = $1.32/oz
West 105/205 quart resin + 8oz hardener (on US Composites site store): $47.00 for 40 oz = $1.17 / oz
US Composites 635 thin system 16oz resin + 5.3 oz medium 3:1 hardener kit: $15.75 for 21.3 oz = $0.74 / oz
US Composites 635 thin system 32oz resin + 10.6 oz medium 3:1 hardener kit: $23.95 for 42.6 oz = $0.56 / oz
So (ignoring shipping and tax) on a volume basis the BSI is the most expensive, but only by a little bit. It has the advantage of being available over-the-counter in hobby shops. West System epoxies can usually be bought OTC in marine stores, but often cost more than listed above when obtained that way. The US Composites is *considerably* less costly, and can be bought in a smaller package too. The Aeropoxy, West, and USC systems can all support different cure times via different hardeners for the same resin. There are significant differences among these in working properties and strength. Short cure times give lower strength and gumminess that inhibits sanding. There are some threads here with great info on tech data and testing of various epoxies...ultimately you have to decide what works for your uses and budget.
:grin:
This is good stuff and it "currently" has free shipping.
https://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCX58&P=ML
Don't forget the set of mini-pumps to dispense it. About $15.Amazon has the West Sytems stuff for $30 for the Quart of Resin and $20 for the 1/2 Pint of Slow Hardener. Free Shipping. Hmmm...
That's more like it.
Don't forget the set of mini-pumps to dispense it. About $15.
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