West System Six-10 Epoxy - WOW !!

[Lonnie in Orlando]

All I can say is WOW !!

I have heard praises about West System epoxies for years, but I always used what ever brand was available at the big-box stores. Last weekend, I could only find 5-min epoxy at HD but I needed much longer open time, so I went across the street to West Marine. The manager showed me West System Six-10 Thickened Epoxy Adhesive. The resin and hardener are both packaged in a single caulking tube. It has a neat tip that mixes the two parts as they come out, so no separate mixing is required. It's thickend, so it doesn't run or sag. And it does a great job of gap filling.
> CLICK - West System 610

So, I guess what I am trying to say is ... I like this stuff.

Background:

I had to scarf some new rafter tails onto the ends of a couple of exposed rafters that had rotted. The cut wasn't good, so it took a lot of cutting and fitting. Even then, there were gaps and voids. I needed an epoxy with a long open time. (Six-10 has a 42-min open time). I needed an epoxy that wouldn't run out of the joint as it cured. And I needed one that wouldn't drip on my head as I clamped the scarf.

It was a pleasure to use. I am finishing the prime and paint. The new tails look like they have always been there.

- Lonnie

[conwaygolfer]

I worked at a marina in Fla. many years ago. We used the West products for joining wood together and it was excellent to work with. The end result was as strong as steel is, when it is welded together. We were all very impressed.
The product we used had to be mixed as a powder and resin and then spread. The new stuff sounds much better.

Conwaygolfer

[cabinetman]

That's a pretty lengthy open time. Sounds right for what you had to do.

.

[phrog]

Kinda of expensive but I guess it's worth it from what you say. I can think of times when I could've used it.

[Cajunrotor]

Interesting development in epoxy application, and one that I have a use for on my boat this summer. Thanks for sharing.

[wardprobst]

We've been using West System in the piano business for almost three decades, it's a great line of stuff. Primarily designed for marine use so a bit spendy but worth the price when it has to be right.
DP

[chopnhack]

I have thought about investing in a can of 105/207 in the past.... maybe when the shop is cleaner and I can safely dedicate a spot where they wont spill!