Epon epoxy

[stillhunter]

I have used smooth on for bow building for 35 years but while researching cane rod construction they talk of Epon epoxies a lot and one guy says He gets his from Bingham. Is it the same epoxy as Smooth on. Also it comes in many different numbers. Maybe looks to be different viscosities. Does anyone on here understand this and which one if any numbered Epon is the Smooth on? Thank you for your wealth of information.

[Roy from Pa]

All I've ever used was Smooth On EA-40.

Never heard of Epon, maybe someone else has.

KennyM is a sponsor here and he sells EA40.

https://www.kennysarchery.com/

[kennym]

I used epon versamid for awhile. It is thinner and soaks in some lams . Had a fail with red elm and was told that wood was “ thirsty” and ea40 would be better. I switched and never looked back.

[EvilDogBeast]

We have the option to use Epon 828 on some of the fiberglass components for the F-16.  I personally hate the stuff, it fails pretty consistently.  By that, I mean I can usually peel an overlay repair right back off the part with my hands.  Luckily we have alternatives that are authorized for use.  Does this apply to all Epon products?  Probably not, but I wouldn't risk it.

[Longcruise]

I too used the Epon Versamid and prefer the EA40.  It's thin and makes more of a mess than EA40.  It's the reason I'm a bit leary of trying the Huntsman.

[stillhunter]

That settles that. Thank you for your answers. I will keep looking at alternatives for cane. I like working with e40 for bows and can not see why it would not work on cane rods. Again thank you.

[willi]

By that, I mean I can usually peel an overlay repair right back off the part with my hands.  Luckily we have alternatives that are authorized for use. 

But your alternatives are not EA-40. Are there any consumer readily available products you use that you could recommend which might help bring us into the 21st century?
The peel test is a pretty challenging test, and you have products that wont?

[EvilDogBeast]

When I peel them off I can basically pull it up like tape.  It fails in the bond line every time, minimal effort pulling.  All of our alternatives are aero grade adhesives though.  I haven't found any for sale from a non-industrial supplier yet, but I will start looking and get back to you.  The one downside is almost all of them have some kind of color to them.  Amber, green, red, purple...

[willi]

I will start looking and get back to you.  The one downside is almost all of them have some kind of color to them.  Amber, green, red, purple...

Thanks, color is not an issue if they can pass your peel test

[EvilDogBeast]

It's not very scientific.  just grab an edge and give it a light tug.  It shouldn't be enough of a pull to rip even the lightest cloth.  A good bond does nothing, where a bad one will literally peel up like blue painters tape

[willi]

Do you use any products that would rip glass if pulled while folded back?

[EvilDogBeast]

During flight, the airstream can grab an edge and do something similar.