Date: Wed, 14 Aug 1996 22:00:05 -0400 From: william l kleb Subject: COZY: epoxy and parts scale(s) what are the make and model of scales people are using for mixing epoxy and finished parts? also, if you recall, where did you get them? what range and accuracy is typically most useful? or would i like two different scales; one for mixing epoxy (accurate, with small range) and one for weighing components (not-necessarily-so-accurate, with a much larger range)? thanks in advance, --- bill kleb (w.l.kleb@larc.nasa.gov) 72 bellanca 7gcbc 9! cz4 -> aerocanard Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 08:11:24 -0400 From: Jim Hocut Subject: Re: COZY: epoxy and parts scale(s) >what are the make and model of scales people are using for mixing epoxy >and finished parts? also, if you recall, where did you get them? > I'm using the electronic postal scale which I got from Alexander (now Aircraft Spruce East of course) for about $65. I think it's available from Aircraft Spruce and Wicks, but just a minute ago couldn't find it in either one of the catalogs, so can't say for sure. It's brand name is Pelouze (or something close to that), displays weight to 2 grams, and can handle up to about 5 pounds. Works great for weighing out epoxy. For weighing finished parts that are only somewhat beyond the capacity of the postal scale I've supported the part at 4 corners with scrap pieces of 2 X 4, moved the scale from corner to corner to corner and added the weights. For heavier stuff (like the fuselage) I've just very carefully stood it up on end and balanced it on bathroom scales. Jim Hocut jhocut@mindspring.com Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 08:33:42 -0400 From: CheckPilot@aol.com Subject: Re: COZY: epoxy and parts scale(s) In a message dated 96-08-14 23:15:58 EDT, you write: << what are the make and model of scales people are using for mixing epoxy and finished parts? also, if you recall, where did you get them? >> Don't know make and model, but I saw an electronic scale being used by a Defiant builder, accurate to 1/10th of a gram. If you want I can try to call him and ask where he got it/what the brand is. Jim Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 11:04:33 -0400 (EDT) From: "George A. Graham" Subject: COZY: Epoxy Pumps I use the West System plastic pumps. Cost about $ 10 a set. You can modify the resin/hardner ratio by cutting the stop sleeve in the hardner pump. I have a set for each epoxy I use, plus a spare. Note: these look just exactly like the ketchup pumps at Wendy's. Modified E-Racer #206 Strakes and Mazda Engine next George Graham {ca266@freenet.buffalo.edu} Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 11:04:33 -0400 (EDT) From: "George A. Graham" Subject: COZY: Epoxy Pumps I use the West System plastic pumps. Cost about $ 10 a set. You can modify the resin/hardner ratio by cutting the stop sleeve in the hardner pump. I have a set for each epoxy I use, plus a spare. Note: these look just exactly like the ketchup pumps at Wendy's. Modified E-Racer #206 Strakes and Mazda Engine next George Graham {ca266@freenet.buffalo.edu} Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 12:14:29 -0400 From: william l kleb Organization: NASA Langley Research Center Subject: Re: COZY: epoxy and parts scale(s) Jim Hocut wrote: Jim Hocut wrote: > > For weighing finished parts that are only somewhat beyond the > capacity of the postal scale I've supported the part at 4 corners > with scrap pieces of 2 X 4, moved the scale from corner to corner > to corner and added the weights. nice idea, although it seems like it would be better to use only three points, since three points form a plane--not four (?) --- bill kleb (w.l.kleb@larc.nasa.gov) 72 bellanca 7gcbc 9! cz4 -> aerocanard Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 18:02:14 -0400 From: SBLANKDDS@aol.com Subject: COZY: Epoxy Pump and Epolite 2427/8 Resin I just returned my borrowed "Sticky Stuff Dispenser" and purchased a new pump called an AR-100. It is advertised in Sport Aviation. This pump has a few nice features: Adjustable Ratio - allows for future changes in reisn formulas Clear tubing to the output side lets you see bubbles or voids, and is easily replaceble. Machined very nicely - seems durable. Stable Base for easy one hand operation with out tipping. Price is similar to some non-adjustable models on the market. Best wishes to any new builders looking for epoxy pumps. Note: I wrapped the base of the pump in saran wrap to keep the any unmixed epoxy drops off the wood and easy to clean up. The hardner side seem to drip a little on all pumps I have used. As per Resin systems, I am switching back to Safe-T-Poxy, the Epolite 2427-2428 resin seems to separate into layers in the hardner container, possibly absorbing water. I don't trust it here in Florida with 100% humidity. It is also harder to see if a layup is wetted out, in certain lighting. I have used the Ply #9 gel to protect me from the epoxy, I apply it well up my forearms to protect the more delicate skin. As a dentist, I avoid the use of latex gloves at home. If I develop an allergy to the gloves, then I would have a big hassle at my office where I must wear gloves. Another option is to apply Ply#9 gel beforeputting on gloves. Steve Blank Port St. Lucie, Florida SBLANKDDS@AOL.COM Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1996 12:25:43 -0400 From: DFinn7971@aol.com Subject: Re: COZY: epoxy and parts scale(s) Bill Kleb writes: "what are the make and model of scales people are using for mixing epoxy and finished parts? also, if you recall, where did you get them?" I have been using an epoxy pump for the last 4.5 years. Its quick, easy and as near as I can tell it is accurate. The cost is about $200 from Wicks. Originally I tried a balance and found it way to difficult to use and my layups were of dubious quality. I threw away the first seat back as it was still tacky after four months. I know others have had good results with the scales and balances but I am quite happy with my pump. Dick Finn Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1996 15:56:22 -0700 From: Michael Antares Subject: COZY: Epoxy pumps and Wicks... Just to add a couple of cents worth to these two discussions. Scale vs pump: I ain't never used a scale (for epoxy mixing that is!) but I can tell you that I've never regretted the couple of hundred dollars I spent on the pump. Especially when there is a BIG layup in process, you really want to be able to mix FAST and often. No matter how fast you are weighing, two or three pushes on a pump handle is faster and there is no chance (or at least not much of a chance) of making an error as there is sure to be when you're tired and half gassed by epoxy fumes after umpteen hours of layup. Wicks: I haven't bought from anyone else except a couple of small orders from the old Alexander Aircraft (b.a.s.) but in a year and a half now of ordering from Wicks I have never had occasion to complain except one time and they were quick to rectify at their expense on that one. Yeah their shipping costs are high sometimes but then I think about the fact that they cut small pieces without a surcharge (I just got a $1.18 worth of .016 AL that had to cost them almost that much to shear it) and also that in general they do an excellent job of packing and I really can't complain. I use Janet, she remembers who I am, what I am building and seems very knowledgeable. (Now if she will give me the big discount she promised for saying all these good things....just kidding.). Michael 6077 Old Redwood Highway Penngrove, CA 94951 707.664.1171 Systems engineering hardware/software Date: Fri, 16 Aug 1996 19:00:55 -0400 From: SMilesCozy@aol.com Subject: Re: COZY: epoxy and parts scale(s) In a message dated 96-08-14 23:15:58 EDT, Bill Kleb writes: >what are the make and model of scales people are using for mixing epoxy >and finished parts? also, if you recall, where did you get them? > > I picked up an OHAUS portable electronic scale, model LS200, at a local scale supplier. Capacity is .1 gram to 200 grams. I don't recall the exact price, but I believe it was less than $100.00 Steve Miles Cozy MkIV 272 From: Epplin_John_A@90.deere.com Date: Wed, 21 Aug 96 08:18:46 -0500 Subject: COZY: Epoxy measuring Have used Acculab 300 electronic scale for over 6 gal of 2427 during the past year. This instrument cost about $169 if I remember. I use 1 oz jug pumps from Grainger for $2. to pump the stuff into paper cups on the scale. The pumps will pump 100g very clossly with 3 strokes. Use a small worm gear clamp as a stop for the resin pump and set it for 44 g in 3 strokes. This makes a quick and very accurate way of measuring any ratio by adjusting the clamp. The scale is to light for almost anything else, about 10 oz max. Take the cap from the resin can and cut a hole in it for the pump to fit into. The hardner cap is too small, need to find a different container. John epplin je25272@hpmail1.90.deere.com cozy Mk4 Date: Thu, 12 Sep 1996 10:20:50 -0400 From: AlWick@aol.com Subject: COZY: epoxy pump cheap Hi! The first component I bought for my kit was a half gallon of Hersheys choc syrup. I then mailed in for their offer of three epoxy (choc) pumps for $6. I built the scale shown in the plans and then placed hersh container with resin near one end, hardener near other. Squirt squirt resin, squirt squirt hardener, the cups on the scale swivel to balanced position, and I have perfect mix. As good as the $200 ratio type? no. But i am VERY pleased and have had no problems. Additionally, it was a great excuse to buy the chocolate. Al Date: Thu, 12 Sep 1996 20:23:45 -0400 From: Nigel Field Subject: Re: COZY: epoxy pump cheap At 10:20 AM 9/12/96 -0400, AlWick@aol.com wrote: >Hi! The first component I bought for my kit was a half gallon of Hersheys >choc syrup. I then mailed in for their offer of three epoxy (choc) pumps for >$6. I built the scale shown in the plans and then placed hersh container with >resin near one end, hardener near other. Squirt squirt resin, squirt squirt >hardener, the cups on the scale swivel to balanced position, and I have >perfect mix. >As good as the $200 ratio type? no. But i am VERY pleased and have had no >problems. Additionally, it was a great excuse to buy the chocolate. >Al > Hey Al, Your my kind of guy, real cool man, love it. I made a double weight balance from some bits of wood. The weights have a 44 to 100 ratio measured by balancing them on a beam at 44/100 distance ratio. Makes perfect mixes of any practical amount, cost nothing, but I didn't get any chocolate. Just pour resin into cup, balance it out with the big weight, add the small weight on top and pour in hardner until it balances again. Have a small 3rd trim weight to balance out cup when its wet from a previous mix. My epoxy pump reads airspeed. Nigel Date: Fri, 13 Sep 1996 06:59:54 -0400 (EDT) From: "George A. Graham" Subject: COZY: epoxy pump cheap The West system pumps come labeled Resin and Hardner, and have a plastic stop sleeve in the hardner pump, which can be adjusted (cut off) to alter the ratio. Since they cost about $ 10 per set they are not quite as cheap as the chocolate pumps, but the " one squirt of each" proceedure keeps things simple. As a caveat, make a house rule " No talking to the person when they are pumping !" It is easy to loose track of the numbers, and have to throw away the batch if uncertain. Typical conversations while doing a layup include the mixer asking how many squirts to make, if they already have three pumps of hardner in the container, and you modify the request to "make up two" or "make four", it is real easy to get lost, especially in the heated frenzy of a large layup, late at night, all souls tired & gassed by fumes. We threw away a couple of suspect batches before implementing the no talk, no change rule. Modified E-Racer #206 Strakes and Mazda Engine next George Graham {ca266@freenet.buffalo.edu}