Hot Climate & Epoxy - A Solution!

[Shalfleet]

One of the best things about building a boat with my two sons (14 & 11) has been chatting & listening to their ideas to solve the various problem we face.

As we live in Atlanta, its getting pretty hot and we have had many frantic moments during large glue jobs with the epoxy getting hot and hardening early, especially in the mixing pot.

My 11 year old suggested using ice to keep things cool so we placed the mixing pot in a container of ice while we work and it is a beautiful thing! It seems to completely delay the curing process, allow us tons more time during gluing and clean-up. Once the glue is on the boat, it warms up and starts to cure, but as it is spread out, there is no heat build-up problem.

My only concern is that we might be weakening the glue, but I can't really see why this would be the case, everything hardens up just fine.

This might be common practice with all you experienced guys, but my son is understandably claiming this technique as his own.....

[On Vacation]

Please be mindfull of your kids with epoxy resin. Many rashes will occur and unknown problems exist with the product.

[Wiley Baggins]

Why yes, your son did invent the technique, and it's quite a fine one. Please give him my thanks! ;) Similarly, Oyster invented reasonable parental concern ;) (which you probably discovered simultaneously/independently). Hopefully your other son will have formulated some barrier cream, as well as developed gloves and good work practices for the three of you to use.

In all seriousness, it sounds like you all are having great fun. On the off chance that you are not familiar with the hazards Oyster alluded to, please make sure to read and heed the warnings on the labels and the material safety data sheet(s) (MSDS). It will help you enjoy this activity for many years to come.

By the way, I am unaware of any problems associated with your son’s technique (which, after all, is what you were asking).

[jimstitt]

I think it was a few issues back in WB, where the builder of Oregon coast fishing boats, surf launched plywood dories or something, mentioned that they put mixed epoxy in the freezer during large jobs, take it out the next day, and keep on going, so there is precedent.
Jim

[thechemist]

What you are doing is fine. The main way that sort of thing goes wrong is when the epoxy sits uncovered in the ice bath, moisture from the air condenses on the liquid epoxy surface, and gets mixed in with it when it is then taken out and warmed up and applied. Similarly, when such mixed materials are stored overnight in a freezer, they must not be opened or uncovered until they have wwarmed up, lest moist air contact the surface and the water condense on the epoxy.

The reason to avoid water getting mixed in with uncured epoxy resins is that it screws up the cure and the cured properties, without getting too technical about it.

[Shalfleet]

Well I am glad that the "Elliot" ice technique has been verified by the chemist, and we will watch out for condensation problem, great tips!

I am super careful about epoxy getting on me or my kids. I do the mixing and application, while they wield the clamps and screw driver. Lots of disposible gloves and careful washing seems to be avoiding any problems....