MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Epoxy or balcotan

I'm looking for some advice on the merits of the two products.

We managed to pop a joint on the plank next to the keel at the weekend and I need to carry out a repair.

If it was warm, I would probably go for the epoxy and fillers approach, but I have to do the work outside where it is damp and cold. I was thinking about using Balcotan but have not had much experience with it and wondered if I used it to repair a joint am I storing up problems?

Any advice would be welcome

Thanks


Posted: 05/12/2005 11:30:27
By: Steve
You could also ask on the CVRDA web discussion pages too as there was  a thread on this a while back I am pretty certain.  Can't remember the outcome.


Posted: 05/12/2005 11:54:47
By: Garry R
i use balcotan on exterior woodwork - excellent, but this is a boat.

any balcotan adhesive open to the elements has a foam structure, epoxy is almost impervious.

permanent solution = epoxy - every time!


Posted: 05/12/2005 12:57:14
By: john
maybe use a faster catalyst if it's a bit cold.


Posted: 05/12/2005 12:58:12
By: john
If you can reach with electric power use your mum's hairdryer to dry and pre warm the area and to set the epoxy.


Posted: 06/12/2005 13:31:39
By: Mike F
Depending upon the area/length of the split I used an anglepoise electric light directed at the area.  Low wattage and very easy to direct.  Seemed to work well in the frozen north even with the slow hardener!!


Posted: 06/12/2005 14:07:50
By: Garry R
The best way is to lay some fuse wire 2-3watt along the joint inside the adhesive to be set off and to connect to a 12v car battery as the fuse wire burns out it heats up and sets the stuff off works really well on glued clinker joints (Chippendale used it.) Whyche & Coppock and Bob Hoare used a metal strip on the outside under the clamps.


Posted: 06/12/2005 14:32:23
By: Ancient Geek
Does this mean that the wire ands up being left in the joint?


Posted: 06/12/2005 15:18:21
By: Jon
Thanks for the comments. I think i'll be using the epoxy. Not sure about moms hair drier as she's about 150 miles away, but may be easier than trying to nick the wifes!!

I think I'll be trying Garry's method rather than fuse wire as I would like to keep the boat and nowing my luck, i'd have a bonfire in the garden


Posted: 06/12/2005 16:02:37
By: Steve
Or buy a hair dryer £3.99 at Tescos npt many points but a snip!


Posted: 06/12/2005 16:14:14
By: Ancient Geek
My Outside Epoxy tip is a black bag, cut to form a seal over the job & let the Suns rays do it's best.Hairdryer over also still works.Budget oven!


Posted: 06/12/2005 16:40:12
By: Barry Watkin
Just spent all afternoon sanding a 28ft committee boat and I have to say WOT SUN?


Posted: 13/12/2005 19:36:06
By: Mike Fitz
Your to far east Mike! 
ps do you know a namesake of mine her on the Island, one MrByham?


Posted: 14/12/2005 17:42:16
By: Barry Watkin

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