Smooth-on curing question

[skeaterbait]

I have heard it said that realistically you don't need an oven to make a glass/laminated bow. That the epoxy will cure over time without the addition of heat. Since I have been sitting on these materials for about 2 years now anyway, maybe even 3, I have decided I have enough patience to go ahead and do it that way.

My question is, does the omission of heat for curing affect the Smooth On properties or does it end up the same either way?

[Crooked Stic]

When in doubt--------------
  web page
The thing I dont do is wipe the wood parts with acetone.

[skeaterbait]

Thank you, never really dawned on me to check there.

[Mad Max]

If the epoxy is 3 years old it may not be any good.

You can put it in your car in the summer if it's hot where you live.

[macbow]

I just glued up a tri-lam wood bow with epoxy.
I don't have a heat box. I still prefer some heat on it though.

I use a wire basket with a couple of 100 watt clip on lights under it. Set it on my table next to my form.
Cover the whole bow, form, and lights with a sleeping bag.
Wait 24 hours.

[BMorv]

I don't use Smooth On but from reading on their website you will get a better cure with heat.  I would do like Macbow suggest or make a simple heat box.  Here's the one I use to dry wood.  1 sheet of rigid insulation, some hvac tape, and (2) 100 watt light bulbs.  It gets to 125 degrees.  
   

[skeaterbait]

I threw together a hot box today. I just need to get the light fixtures mounted and wired. I was surprised that, so far, I haven't had to run and buy anything for it.

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by BMorv:
I don't use Smooth On but from reading on their website you will get a better cure with heat.  I would do like Macbow suggest or make a simple heat box.  Here's the one I use to dry wood.  1 sheet of rigid insulation, some hvac tape, and (2) 100 watt light bulbs.  It gets to 125 degrees.  
   

I did that too, when I started.

[skeaterbait]

I wondered about the age of the EA-40, not to mention that it's been through the full gambit of our MO weather swings.

Probably better to replace the epoxy than the lambs and glass.

[Al Dean]

Their web site covers their butts totally.  It is not quite that sensitive or no one would use it.  I do however use a hot box.

[JamesV]

I found a two quart unit of E40 on a back shelf that was over 5 years old. The cans had rusted and it smelled strong but it still got hard as the fresh stuff. I crossed my fingers on the first build but after that I just let it rip. Maybe a little darker than the fresh E40 but did the job.

James

[die_dunkelheit]

Epoxy doesn't usually "go bad." Normally what happens is some of the mixture may crystallize and it may look cloudy because of that. Apply a little heat to warm up the unmixed epoxy and it will dissolve those crystals and you're good to go. Be sure to let it fully cool before using or it'll set incredibly fast and probably catch on fire