Epoxy

[QCHOTMIX]

Anybody ever use epoxy from US Composites down in West Palm Beach, Fl.?

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

[Tony Pratt]

Yes I have used their product I used 635 thin epoxy resin with 4:1 hardener on my weekender in 2005 and still working great easy to use, I bought the pumps for the jugs they worked great in giving the right amount never had a problem with them. I've used it in 40 degree weather with no problem, and in 65 degree weather to it just sets up faster the warmer it gets, and they have great prices. and if you have any questions on using the product just give them a call and let them know where you live they will set you up with right product for your area like they did me and the nice thing about this epoxy that it doesn't smell bad when mixed. Hope this helps.

[Ken_Potts]

The MSDS on one company's hardener includes mention of possible liver failure with extended contact. Sensitivity to epoxy builds with cumulative exposure. Try not to let it touch your skin if possible... That includes when you sand it.

You could also look up the MSDS on your particular epoxy.

Well I sure am a spoil sport, huh?

[Guest Oyster]

The MSDS on one company's hardener includes mention of possible liver failure with extended contact. Sensitivity to epoxy builds with cumulative exposure. Try not to let it touch your skin if possible... That includes when you sand it.

You could also look up the MSDS on your particular epoxy.

Well I sure am a spoil sport' date=' huh? [/quote']

As we sit here and type, the issue of the liver and epoxy is real. IN the past month I have had two TIAs and followup test done to include thyroid and multiple blood work. I have personally never had an issue with cholestrol until this past year. I have now an elevated HDL which has been linked to the liver processing completely at odds from the past of the good and bad cholestrol. Its real folks. Protect yourselves with respirators and jump suits.

As far as the skin irritation. the results of stupidity is in.

[Barry Pyeatt]

I would also add to this cautionary posting. As some of you know I lost my vision a few years back and after a number of surgeries and a whole lot of anxiety, I've got most of it back. The one thing that the eye Dr. was adamant about is to stay away from epoxy and sanding epoxy. He said that he has seen so many issues surrounding your eyes and the use of epoxy that he said that I was to avoid it if at all possible. And then to use it only with a postive pressure face mask and essentially a hazmat suit.

As a result, I used vinylester resin, positive pressure mask and a suit. Slowed things down a lot, but a whole lot of the people that used to work with me have huge health issues from working with epoxy and their reactions to it. Don't ignore the warnings and figure "NOT ME", it is non selective in how tissues can react to it.

Just ask any ER Doc about this kind of dust damage to your lungs too.

The warnings to use vinegar to wash down helps to stop the reaction to curing, but it still doesn't stop the reaction to tissue damage until it is all gone. But the dust and the hardner can penetrate the surface layers of your skin.

It is also recommended that you have an exhaust fan working in the area with a fine filter ahead of the fan to catch dust and contaminates before they are blown around by the fans exhaust. Lots of ventilation! I know, hard to do that in the cold weather. But just take care.

[Terry Dunn]

I used US Composites on my s10 (2001) and System 3 and US Composites on my CS 20 (2002).

No complaints.

I used US Composites because it is much less expensive than other epoxies I found. I also bought fiberglass tape from them. I would use it again. I would check what Graham and Carla have first.