Bracket Project

[1bayouboy]

And you used epoxy on the bracket...???
You mentioned vinylester......and that you and strick might get 55G of polyester...??

[Bigshrimpin]

The molded pieces (top platform and tub) were done in vinylester. The stringers were done with epoxy and I bonded the top platform and the bottom tub together using epoxy. Epoxy supposedly has stronger secondary bonding properties. I used a little over 10 gallons of vinylester and 1 gallon of epoxy in the project.

I got some very good pricing on ISO polyester in the 5 gallon pails, so I don't think we'll need to do a drum unless chuck wants to build a boat from scratch.

[strick]

I have Horhae sanding on your bracket right now.

strick

[1bayouboy]

Thanks for the details Big....I wish I knew what ISO implied... ....No issues with epoxy sticking to vinylester???

[Bigshrimpin]

Thanks for the details Big....I wish I knew what ISO implied... ....No issues with epoxy sticking to vinylester???

There are no issues using epoxy on vinylester/polyester unless wax is added, but polyester or vinylester bonding to cured epoxy surfaces can be an issue . . . especially if the blush isn't totally removed and the surface isn't skuffed up.

Here's a little blub from uscomposites on different resins.

http://www.uscomposites.com/polyesters.html

isophthalic polyester resin that is used where strength and durability is a must. Experiences lower shrinkage and a higher heat distortion temperature than orthophthalic type polyester resins. Used extensively in boat hulls and in fiberglass mold construction.

Vinyl Ester resin is superior in every property as compared to all polyester resins. This product is used in high performance applications in which high-strength and maximum heat tolerance is necessary. This resin is extremely chemical resistant when cured. Similar in strength to epoxies with much increased stiffness.

[1bayouboy]

Got it.....I was going to use all epoxy from epoxical
since I thought epoxy was stronger.

http://www.epoxi.com/application/hand_layup.asp

But the vinylester sounds good and cheaper....and the
improved stiffness sounds good for a bracket.

[Bigshrimpin]

BAyou - If I were doing this all over again. I'd use an ISO Polyester resin. It's 40% less than vinylester in cost (where I get it) and I don't think we'll ever come close to pushing the limits of a 5/8" thick glass.

[Bigshrimpin]

I have Horhae sanding on your bracket right now.

strick

Thanks Chuck - The bracket got it's first round of body work and I didn't lift a finger!! That made my week!!