*ALERT* Watch For Really Old Resin Glue Date Codes!

[Ken_StJohn]

I purchased a 4-lb tub of Resin Glue from ACE the other day which I had special ordered since the stores don't carry that size. It came directly from the ACE warehouse to my local store.

When I mixed the batch it was really weird. As the powder hit the water, it almost instantly clumped. Further stirring made it the consistancy of wood filler putty. I thought I must have measured incorrectly so I added a little water. The mix remained thick and a pale beige and didn't seem to want to accept water.

I discarded the batch and started over with the same result. I mix by the recommended method - weight - using a digital scale accurate to .01Oz so I know the ratios by now are correct. I suspected incorrect storage handling at the warehouse.

I contacted DAP and researched the date code which turned out to be March 2004. Considering the shelf life of only 12-months, this is just a tad over.

Turns out I've been bying glue that has expired more than a year ago. It seems the issue is that it continuously absorbs moisture as it sits on the shelf. After a year DAP feels it will no longer meet the design parameters. Pretty Scary.

Here's what they told me for date codes:

(my "0476" code) - "The one on your product is an older code, 2004, 76th day, or March 15th, 2004, so it is over 2 years old. The recommended minimum shelf life is 12 months.

The new batch coding system is month, year, and day.

first digit, January thru September 1 - 9, October, November, and December, 1st 2 digits 10, 11, 12.

Next digit represents the last digit of the calendar year, 5 2005, 6 2006

last 2 digits, day of month.

So a 4 digit number is Jan thru Sept, and a 5 digit number October thru December

12512 December 12th 2005

2512 February 12th 2005."

I also found out that the most recent format is Year/Day of Year/Daily Batch Number. So, you may see something like "6653" which means 2006/65th day/batch number 3.

I went back to the store and returned the tub. I looked at the 1-lb sizes on the shelf and wrote down the "0189713" date code and contacted DAP. This is their reply:

"The batch number that you provided is actually an older style batch, preceding the coding system that we had yesterday."

This means it is before 2004.

I am not sure what to do at this point regarding what is already on the boat except I have checked it and it seems hard enough for sure. I intend on ordering a case of 4-lb tubs (4-each per case) to get fresh stock from someone other than ACE. I am going to have to find a way to verify the date codes before I buy anything though and I suggest you do the same!

[umop_apisdn]

how does "resin glue" differ from epoxy?

Thanks,

Noel

[Ken_StJohn]

Don't know the answer to that one ... anyone?

[Greg Luckett]

This is really good to know info. I have been contemplating using that Weldwood resin glue and even discussed buying it at the local Ace Hardware. Whew, glad I did not. Now I will know what to watch for when I do buy it.

Thankyou!!!

Greg.

[Frank Hagan]

I am not sure what to do at this point regarding what is already on the boat except I have checked it and it seems hard enough for sure. I intend on ordering a case of 4-lb tubs (4-each per case) to get fresh stock from someone other than ACE. I am going to have to find a way to verify the date codes before I buy anything though and I suggest you do the same!

You can get fresh Weldwood from Aircraft Spruce Supply (that link is to their Weldwood page). They sell them for wood aircraft construction, as its unaffected by oil, gasoline and solvents. It also isn't affected by heat, which is the only functional difference that matters between it and epoxy, in my opinion. It also is much less expensive than epoxy.

The Stevenson's used Weldwood because it was readily available, relatively inexpensive, suitable for the task, and because they prefer to use vinylester resin instead of epoxy (vinylester doesn't share epoxy's incredible adhesive power, even though it is a "mild" adhesive). I suspect if they were using epoxy back when they made the plans, they would have specified epoxy for gluing all the parts.

[Ken_StJohn]

Just an Update!

With regard to the Resin Glue, I have followed through with DAP engineering and complained to corporate folks at A-- hardware stores who were unaware of the local issues. Within a week and a half they were nice enough to correct the situation at the warehouse and had fresh stock put into my local store. I mentioned how a lot of folks were using this stuff to build boats and the obvious connection to human safety. They were also nice enough to ship me two cases of 1-lb tubs free. Can't beat that customer service!

[Dave R1]

Good of you to post your follow up and good on them for fixing you up and making the situation correct in their stores. Now, with two cases of glue, you'd better get to gluing stuff.

Out of curiosity, how far out is the expiration date on this new stuff?

[Tom Lathrop]

Weldwood is good glue but I have had teh same problem with old powder. Luckily, like you, I did not actually use the bad stuff. Weldwood plastic resin is not truely waterproof either and I would not use if the project is going to be in water continuously.

[Ken_StJohn]

The new batch is May 2006 and what a difference! Here's a couple of shots to illustrate what I'm talking about. I always leave the mixing stick in the leftovers which helps clean out the tub for re-use after is goes off. This also allows me to see what happened to the batch on the boat. One thing though, a thin coating almost always goes to a dark brown when cured. However, with a thick plug you can really see the difference between a fresh batch and an old one. The one on the left is the fresh batch and the one on the right is an old expired one - pretty dramatic!

[Dave R1]

Wow, I had no idea the stuff would cure white. Mine was always brown. I wonder what makes it go white. Thanks for that. I have a tub and a half of the stuff. I bet they are both too old. :cry: