Freestyle Resins

[NVJAY775]

I just ran out of West Systems resins. The gallon size with the pump dispensers.

When I was ordering cloths from USComposites they asked me if I needed more resin. I should have said yes and ordered some. They also sell theirs for significantly less than WS. I think it's like $64 for resin and hardener at USC (gallon size) and WS is $99 for resin and $30 something for hardener. USC said theirs wets out easier, is more clear in color, but is thinner in consistency (hence the easier wet out).

Anybody have any experience with both, or other recommendations? The big bummer for USC is shipping is 6 or 7 days to me.

Thoughts?

 

[Roo]

I'd like to hear someone else chime in as well - I would like to know the difference.

Depending on the Hardener you go with for West Systems, the Viscosity changes: [FONT=&quot]http://www.westsystem.com/ss/typical-physical-properties/ [/FONT]

The SUPER SLOW hardener brings it down to 650 cps.

US Composites claims theirs is around 600 cps.

Someone told me they found West Systems to wet out easier as well over the US Composites, but they were also using a Fast/Medium Hardner which is thicker in viscosity, and slow for the West Systems...


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[NVJAY775]

I was using fast. It is thick, but sometimes that's handy. Except when wetting biax. I use some stainless panels to lay the glass on, then pour resin on it and then squeegee it in with a bondo rubber squeegee. Works awesome actually.

 

[Roo]

i used fast hardener to do some test layup panels recently - SUCKED for wetting out 11oz/6k carbon.

 

[227]

I would like a general comparison between the two- West Systems and US Composites. We all know West Systems costs a lot more so are they the same? Are we paying more for West Systems only for name recognition? If not which one is better? Comments from someone who's used both would be helpful.

 

[Matt_E]

I've talked about this with the owner of Fiberlay a few years ago over a pitcher of Margaritas he bought. :biggrin:
His comment: "All resin comes out of maybe three factories. The people you buy from just repackage and relabel. "

 

[munki63]

I've talked about this with the owner of Fiberlay a few years ago over a pitcher of Margaritas he bought. :biggrin:
His comment: "All resin comes out of maybe three factories. The people you buy from just repackage and relabel. "

This is true! Ive been using West System and the guy who sold it to me said the same thing, When I went back to buy some new stuff he gave me a different brand and it works the same, The West System Pumps even fit on the can

 

[NVJAY775]

One thing I was told by USC was the ratio of resin and hardener is different. (measuring will be a bit of a pain without the pumps) But maybe that's because it's slower hardener? I dunno. I talked to Orangefinger about it and he has used both and he likes WS better. Doesn't like the cost though.

We are in a different climate though. VERY low humidity and normally lower temps too. So fast hardener works pretty good for us, but may not give so cal surf, or FL guys enough work time prior to setting time?

 

[JHD]

I just used USC for my footholds. I have used epoxy on concrete counter tops but I have never used fiberglass and epoxy together. I got the medium hardener and the pumps. Measuring it wouldn't be difficult and I would trust it better than the pumps but you would go through more mixing cups. I also got the Aerosil-Carbosil for a thickener.

I used the thickened epoxy as a glue for the holds and filling gaps and holes. The glass wet out very nice. The straight epoxy was very runny and dirped a bit. The whole job was pretty easy. I have never used West.

 

[Big Kahuna]

I have used both and prefer West Systems.

Also, when using the pumps, be sure it does not burp when pumping, this will mess up your mix.

 

[227]

I have used both and prefer West Systems.

.

Why?

 

[Big Kahuna]

WS was easier to work with. More comfortable with it due to using it over the years.

 

[chriselmore_1]

I like the tap plastics marine epoxy resin the best. I like the fast cure 4:1 alot

 

[NVJAY775]

That's kind of what Orangefinger said. Said it (USC) was thin and runny compared to WS. Think I am going to bite the bullet and go back with WS. Price sucks wanker though...

 

[WAB]

The $64 USC combo is the only way to go.
It adheres to metton, glass & smc wonderfully. Wets out great

 

[orangefinger]

Actualy I said I pay $ 30 for inpatience.......:0) Thats just me, need it done today and now...waiting for the dam epoxy resin to cure is another hurdle....

 

[MANFISH66]

Best deal anywhere is the US Composites epoxy resin 3:1 medium kit. I order two gallons at a time over and over. Great resin, strong, clear and cheap. Shipping is a bummer but you get much more product.

 

[MANFISH66]

Florida to the Bay..... 6-8 days.

 

[WFO Speedracer]

I have used West System, System Three, US composites, DynaGlass, Minicraft of Flordia and several others. I do like West System the best but I usually use US composites because of the price. The West system epoxy is slightly thicker and it sets up quicker, also you can buy the hardener separately in small quantities which comes in handy in Alabama where there are sometimes daily changes in temperature. Bottom line the US composties epoxy is the best deal going period, it has never failed me on a repair job, if price is no object West System has the best product and customer support in the business. Watch Jamestown distributors closely sometimes they put the West System epoxy on sale making it much more affordable.

 

[227]

I have used West System, System Three, US composites, DynaGlass, Minicraft of Flordia and several others. I do like West System the best but I usually use US composites because of the price. The West system epoxy is slightly thicker and it sets up quicker, also you can buy the hardener separately in small quantities which comes in handy in Alabama where there are sometimes daily changes in temperature. Bottom line the US composties epoxy is the best deal going period, it has never failed me on a repair job, if price is no object West System has the best product and customer support in the business. Watch Jamestown distributors closely sometimes they put the West System epoxy on sale making it much more affordable.

Thats what I was looking for, A pros and Cons review from someone who's used both. Thanks again