How many of you use West System for joint pin installation?
If you don't use West, what do you use and why?
If you don't use West, what do you use and why?
Joint Pin
- Thread starter Cheez Dawg
- Start date
Devcom 2 Ton Epoxy
I've used it from the start and have never had a problem. Not sure why I started with this. Chris may have mentioned it in his book or I read about it on the forum. I don't make a lot of cues and never wanted to purchase West in bulk. I'd be afraid it would age too much before I got through it. The Devcon comes in the double tube packs. If I think I've had one open too long without using it all, I just trash it and open a new one.
I've used it from the start and have never had a problem. Not sure why I started with this. Chris may have mentioned it in his book or I read about it on the forum. I don't make a lot of cues and never wanted to purchase West in bulk. I'd be afraid it would age too much before I got through it. The Devcon comes in the double tube packs. If I think I've had one open too long without using it all, I just trash it and open a new one.
Isn't 5 minute a little thick for a pin?
I would be terrified of splitting the forearm upon installation of the pin. I say this because the 5 minute stuff I have readily available here(LePage's) is very thick, and sets up EXTREMELY fast.
I have always used 5-min. for installing pins. I only use a small dab as much is not needed as it only has to have more force holding the pin in place than the shaft would trying to unscrew it. For the last 8 or 9 years I have used Radial pins and they have .010 glue clearance on the back threads just to prevent this very situation. You all do know that there was one very famous cue maker who never even glued in his pins.
Dick
Yea, but isn't he in jail now? Ooops, you said famous........I thought you said "infamous"!
<~~~likes shafting epoxy for pins................
How long does it take you to screw the pin in?
It doesn't take long to screw in the pin, but like stated above, maybe I am spending too much time mixing. The stuff I have is unusually thick. I just want to be sure it's mixed thoroughly though.
I haven't used it for pins yet for fear of splitting a forearm.
I started out using 5 Minute Devcon Epoxy and split some forearms out. I switched to the slower 2 Ton Devcon and have had very little trouble. I have used West System a couple of times, but had one cue develop a click in the joint and quit using it for the joint screw. It may have just been a fluke, but I figured since 2 Ton was working fine why switch and take the chance. I do use the West System for the wrap joint.
Devcon 2 ton is a superior product when mixed correctly.
At the end of the day, most all epoxy is overkill for cue construction but since it's readily available, inexpensive and takes the worry out of being close, we use it. Why wouldn't you? For a few cents more than Elmers you've got a bond that you never have to be concerned about.
As has been suggested, viscosity and set-up rate are primary concerns.
I'll generally mix-up a little more than what I need for a given task. I'd rather have too much than not enough. The only way I know the 'cavity' is completely filled is when I see the excess come squishing out via the glue relief.
To me, that's a good thing and that's where viscosity comes in.
Quick set, 5 min. and some others tend to be a little too thick. By the time you realize that it's too thick, it's too late. Your pin is only half way into the hole, the excess epoxy isn't evacuating the cavity and it's starting to set-up. You're screwed.
I have no problem whatsoever with an 8 hr. set-up. I'm in no hurry.
I will admit to using 5 min. but only on ferrules and only sometimes. Like when a client drops his shaft off for ferrule replacement and needs it back in an hour. Other than that, everything gets 2 ton.
At the end of the day, most all epoxy is overkill for cue construction but since it's readily available, inexpensive and takes the worry out of being close, we use it. Why wouldn't you? For a few cents more than Elmers you've got a bond that you never have to be concerned about.
As has been suggested, viscosity and set-up rate are primary concerns.
I'll generally mix-up a little more than what I need for a given task. I'd rather have too much than not enough. The only way I know the 'cavity' is completely filled is when I see the excess come squishing out via the glue relief.
To me, that's a good thing and that's where viscosity comes in.
Quick set, 5 min. and some others tend to be a little too thick. By the time you realize that it's too thick, it's too late. Your pin is only half way into the hole, the excess epoxy isn't evacuating the cavity and it's starting to set-up. You're screwed.
I have no problem whatsoever with an 8 hr. set-up. I'm in no hurry.
I will admit to using 5 min. but only on ferrules and only sometimes. Like when a client drops his shaft off for ferrule replacement and needs it back in an hour. Other than that, everything gets 2 ton.
Would you care to share with us what you've read?
According to the labeling on the 5 min, it has a bonding strength of 1,500 psi.
The labeling on the 2 ton states 2,500 psi. That's an increase of 66%.
As I stated earlier, the 5 min. is overkill so does it really make a difference?
According to the labeling on the 5 min, it has a bonding strength of 1,500 psi.
The labeling on the 2 ton states 2,500 psi. That's an increase of 66%.
As I stated earlier, the 5 min. is overkill so does it really make a difference?
I use West 206. I'm in no rush.
The only thing I use 5 minute Epoxy for is gluing my ivory and silver inlay slabs to a piece of wood so I can clamp them down better.
The only thing I use 5 minute Epoxy for is gluing my ivory and silver inlay slabs to a piece of wood so I can clamp them down better.
Sounds like it is misrepresented.............shouldn't 2 ton be 4000psi?
yes,that's the one i was talking about.it is basically the same as the 2 ton.the 2 ton is listed at 2500psi like he said.i have a 10 minute i found on the net that is 3000psi,but it actually takes more like 20 minutes to set up.i think the G5 5 minute is well over 2000psi also,most good 5 minute epoxies are.
KJ,just start googling different epoxies and you will find more information than you would care to read about.the 10 minute i found that is stronger than the 2 ton is made by and Aerospace and Marine company.i like to use it for rings and collars for a little extra bond,but for the pin i just use the G5 by Wset.it is as good as i have found.
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i can guess why this happened and it is the reason i actually like the 5 minute better for pins.i think it is a bad idea to get glue on the bottom of the pin when installing.i feel like it can break loose and rattle around below the pin.even though there isn't much space there is usually some from the bit or that the tap couldn't reach.i make sure i don't get glue on the bottom of the pin when i install.i just put a small amount in the threads.