Epoxy question 2

West System or woodcraft System 3? Advantages of either?

Reply to
Gramps' shop
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Save some money.

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Reply to
dadiOH

Long ago, I had used a System 3 product (don't recall which one), but had t o order it, can't find it locally. It was just as good as West System's G

-Flex 650-8, that I, now, specifically use. I started using West Systems because I can get it locally ($30 per 8 oz box). *West's Marine - West is a local name, not the same West as the epoxy folks.

I need some, now, but West's Marine is out of it. Three days ago, I ordere d 2 X 8 oz boxes from Dicsount Marine, $14.29 each box + $10 shipping.

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As to Discount Marine: I can access the order status, via their website... says it's shipped. I kinna don't like that they haven't sent an email wi th a tracking number. No tracking number on their (website) status info, either.

+1 - I'll check out dadiOH"s link, for future reference.

Sonny

Reply to
Sonny

Long ago, I had used a System 3 product (don't recall which one), but had to order it, can't find it locally. It was just as good as West System's G-Flex 650-8, that I, now, specifically use. I started using West Systems because I can get it locally ($30 per 8 oz box). *West's Marine - West is a local name, not the same West as the epoxy folks.

I need some, now, but West's Marine is out of it. Three days ago, I ordered

2 X 8 oz boxes from Dicsount Marine, $14.29 each box + $10 shipping.
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As to Discount Marine: I can access the order status, via their website... says it's shipped. I kinna don't like that they haven't sent an email with a tracking number. No tracking number on their (website) status info, either.

+1 - I'll check out dadiOH"s link, for future reference.

They have good prices (compared to others) and are easy to buy from. Like the others, they are resellers. There are only a couple of epoxy manufacturers and they sell in bulk to resellers who may - or may not - then add various ingredients to slightly modify the characteristics of the material.

One caveat, they offer a couple of viscosities, thin and thick. The thin is like most others, the thick is THICK...not so thick that it won't run but too thick to saturate glass well. One time I bought a gallon of thick for a special purpose, wish I hadn't; much easier to just use Cab-o-Sil to thicken. For top coating already in place glass, the thick is fine.

Reply to
dadiOH

to order it, can't find it locally. It was just as good as West System's G-Flex 650-8, that I, now, specifically use. I started using West System s because I can get it locally ($30 per 8 oz box). *West's Marine - West i s a local name, not the same West as the epoxy folks.

re: *West's Marine - West is a local name, not the same West as the epoxy folks.

West's Marine or West Marine? (No 's)

West Marine is not a local name in that they have over 250 stores in 41 states. Is your West's different than my West?

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Reply to
DerbyDad03

ad to order it, can't find it locally. It was just as good as West System 's G-Flex 650-8, that I, now, specifically use. I started using West Syst ems because I can get it locally ($30 per 8 oz box). *West's Marine - West is a local name, not the same West as the epoxy folks.

I believe you are correct. My find-a-store zip code is 70506. I had assu med "my" West (Marine) was a local name. I wasn't aware of West Marine be ing a franchise.

I think, what I did, back then, was to search "Where to buy", on the West S ystem's website, and just assumed my local West was local folks. I never thought to research them, as I was only concerned with buying some epoxy.

Sonny

Reply to
Sonny

had to order it, can't find it locally. It was just as good as West Syst em's G-Flex 650-8, that I, now, specifically use. I started using West Sy stems because I can get it locally ($30 per 8 oz box). *West's Marine - We st is a local name, not the same West as the epoxy folks.

sumed "my" West (Marine) was a local name. I wasn't aware of West Marine being a franchise.

System's website, and just assumed my local West was local folks. I neve r thought to research them, as I was only concerned with buying some epoxy.

I used to buy mine at the West Marine near me. They are far from the least expensive place to buy epoxy (or anything else for that matter) but they are convenient and have the full compliment of West Systems fillers, pumps, etc. One stop shopping.

I don't do much with epoxy any more, it was back in my Soap Box Derby days that I used a bunch. I still have some left over stuff, but I'm sure it's gone bad by now. I should grab the crate and go through it. Probably free up some shelf space. ;-)

Reply to
DerbyDad03

"Gramps' shop" wrote in news:e7bcf24e- snipped-for-privacy@googlegroups.com:

Short answer - use whatever's cheapest.

Longer answer - West System makes epoxies for marine construction applications, where structural strength is the important consideration. System Three does the same (altho they also make epoxies for other purposes), as does MAS, Raka, and several other companies (*).

For a structural application, I'd go with West or System Three - I think they are equivalent, and I think their catalyst chemistry (hardener - the resin is basically the same for all vendors) is more sophisticated. That said, a lot of people say they use the other brands with no issues, and they are cheaper (myself, I use West, mostly out of habit).

In your case, tho, filling a void isn't structural. The real concern you have is being able to control the appearance of the result. I do know that West System's lightest hardener will be yellowish, so possibly some other brand will give you a better color, if you need it. Other than that, for your purposes whatever is easiest to get and or cheapest should be fine.

John

(* System Three is a brand sold at many places, not just at Woodcraft).

Reply to
John McCoy

i found some generic on ebay and it is crystal clear and the price was good even with shipping

Reply to
Electric Comet

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