Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi All,

I want to get some West System Epoxy and was wondering if you have any suggestions on a place to buy it on the east coast. I also noticed some folks like the 206 hardener for longer working time, what is the difference between the 205 & 206 working time? Is the 105 resin the one to use?

Thanks,
Greg

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Gwaltney Guitars

Greg,

How about Jamestown Distributors (Rhode Island)

And, I don't know if an alternate epoxy suggestion is welcome here or not. If so, Raka epoxy has become the epoxy of choice for Grant Goltz in both his world class wooden kayaks and on his guitars. I think he has tried all the major brands, and likes Raka for the strength, clarity, and (with hardener selection) working time. If interested in an alternative, you might want to post a note here and Grant can take over and tell you his findings. If suggestions for West Systems alternates are of no interest, then I apologize for polluting your thread.

Dennis

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Dennis Leahy
Duluth, MN, USA
7th Sense Multimedia

Right, I buy mine from the same hardware as Hesh but if you're hardware
shop doesn't carry it, it's typically a standard stock item at any marine/boat
shop. I used to pick it up at a canoe/kayak store.

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

Greg-
105 is the resin to use.
For most jobs (unless you're working in very hot conditions) 205 ('fast') hardener will be the one to use.
For adhesive use, you definitely need to stock up on some additives as well- microfibers (milled cotton waste) or similar. Additives tend to make the epoxy reaction go a bit faster as well.
If you've never used epoxy before, or are worried that the mix will set too quickly, you can always get the slower (206) hardener. With experience, most users seem to switch to the 205.
For pore filling, 205 will give you lots of working time (30 minutes+) if you get it on the guitar fairly promptly after mixing.
Jamestown is an excellent source and good for mail order. It's also a good reference for pricing. WestMarine stores all carry WEST (Gougeon) brand epoxy. Ask your local boat builder for a good local source.
BTW- check the Gougeon (WEST) website-lots of good info and you can get a (free) subscription to Epoxyworks magazine .
BTW, I've used several other brands (not Raka) and prefer WEST for everything I do.

Cheers
John

Thanks so much everyone, I ordered it today!

Greg

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Gwaltney Guitars