delaminating frames-what to do?

[SCOTTY]

have a problem, frames were laminated in epoxy about 6 years ago and the deck ends were left to weather and the joints have come apart at the ends, rest of the frames are fine. just the ends exposed to the sun. CAN I just try to re-epoxy the area that has delaminated? Also I have used West System with great results, how are the others like System Three or MAS?

[Hugh Paterson]

Scotty, what size is the mighty vessel, is it all the frames, or just a few. Whats the dimensions of the suspect frames, how do you intend to clamp them if you go for quick fix?
Shug.

[Hugh Paterson]

SCOTTY, u still with us or have you been beamed up?

[SCOTTY]

Sorry for not being around for a little bit. But here it is. Looking at 5 lamanations with 1 3/4 width White oak the top three-five inches on the frames that were in the weather and sunlight show the delam. below the deck and out of the weather it looks good. I was looking at trying to re epoxy and see if it holds. What do you think??

[Chadd Hamilton]

Scotty, I think that if you decide to reglue, you might want to use a more oak-friendly glue like resorcinol. Another possibility is to clamp, glue, and then rivet the frames near the top. This might prevent future delaminations.

Hope this helps,

[Hugh Paterson]

Scotty, does not seem too bad a delamination, suggest u stick with the epoxy glue, clamp then fix through the lot by riveting like Chad suggests, were the frames protected against u.v. exposure? There could be a few reasons why the delamination started, resin starvation, sunlight overclamping bad mix! etc etc :(
Shug.

[SCOTTY]

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION!! We have tried resealing a couple for the frames today and they seamed to work well we will let them sit overnight, but look good at this time, again thanks for the info. I have a large project here!