Fin adhesive

[mundayr2]

I am in the process of building a Wildman Vindicator FG and wondering if tacking the fins with either CA or more probably 5 min epoxy is acceptable before of course filleting with slow cure epoxy inside and out. Thanks in advance for any advice. This forum has been a wealth of knowledge for me!
Bob

 

[Upsrocketman]

Totally fine. I tack all my fins with CA so if my eyes can't see straight, I can always break the fin free, sand it back down and redo my fins. CA is only there to tack the fin in place. All of the structural load will be on your filets inside and out, having CA on the root edge won't matter.

 

[mundayr2]

Thanks Upsrocketman. That's what I thought but wanted to confirm with those smarter than I as I am just getting my feet wet with FB.

 

[mundayr2]

FG

 

[Hobie1dog]

Totally fine. I tack all my fins with CA so if my eyes can't see straight, I can always break the fin free, sand it back down and redo my fins. CA is only there to tack the fin in place. All of the structural load will be on your filets inside and out, having CA on the root edge won't matter.

+1

 

[JimByrne]

I stick them on with 5 minute JB Weld & use a fin guide to keep them straight

 

[mundayr2]

I was planning on using Bob Smith 5 min epoxy. I have had pretty good luck with their products. Ut Oh. Don't want to start another glue thread.

 

[loopy]

I was planning on using Bob Smith 5 min epoxy. I have had pretty good luck with their products. Ut Oh. Don't want to start another glue thread.

Don't look now, but I think you just did...lol

 

[tsmith1315]

I was planning on using Bob Smith 5 min epoxy.

Works great! BSI 5 minute mixed with pigment for better visibility inside the can:

 

[SolarYellow]

IME, epoxy doesn't stick to cured CA worth a darn if the CA isn't sanded first. When I tried CA to hold the fins with epoxy fillets, then stressed the joint to destruction, the epoxy fillet material just popped right off the surface of the CA.

 

[Upsrocketman]

IME, epoxy doesn't stick to cured CA worth a darn if the CA isn't sanded first. When I tried CA to hold the fins with epoxy fillets, then stressed the joint to destruction, the epoxy fillet material just popped right off the surface of the CA.

Epoxy will hardly stick to any non sanded surface. Anything you plan to bond should be prepped ahead of time. If you're using CA to tack fins in place, there shouldn't be enough squeezing out to have to sand.

 

[Highpowerrocketyahoo]

I apply epoxy to the root edge of the fin and tack with a small drop of CA at the tip of the fin. Confirm alignment and hit it with accelerator. Once everything is set, start fillets. Works like a champ!

 

[JohnCoker]

Yeah, note the word "tack": just 2 or 3 drops to hold it in place. This works nicely with CRs too (really any assembly that isn't such a tight fit that you have to force the pieces together).