Gunsmithing Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

[IPSC]

Proper Devcon Mixing

For those of you who have experience using Devcon 10110 steel/epoxy as a bedding compound.... does anyone have a good recommendation how to easily come up with the proper epoxy/hardener mix ?

The instructions say mix using either one of these ratios--->

9:1 by weight .. or....

2.5 : 1 by volume .....

I don't want to get this wrong. Is there an easy (practical) way to help establish the right ratio ?

Man, couldn't they come up with an easier-to-use mix ratio, like 1:1 ??

 

[insight3b]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

I just try to lay out a line of putty 2.5 inches long by 1 inch wide and a 1 inch by 1inch square of the hardener I try to keep them about the same height. I put both on a flap torn off a cardboard box and mix if I need more I mix more

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

I mix it by weight, using an inexpensive electronic scale.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Eric Bryant</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I mix it by weight, using an inexpensive electronic scale. </div></div>

Because most people that would bed their own rifle probably load their own ammo, I would certainly expect them to own a scale that can be used.

Now, if for some reason that's impossible, just eyeball out the 2.5:1 volume ratio. Dole out a gob of the "steel", and then start globbing hardener next to it till it looks like the "steel" gob is about 2.5 times bigger. I've done this many times and it's always hardened up just fine....though weighing it out is CERTAINLY a better way to go to ensure you get the advertised material properties.

Lastly, I notice you (meaning the OP) started two threads in the same section about this. No need, man. One thread is plenty.

Welcome to the 'hide.

 

[Sonic Crack]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

Ive always eyeballed it out, never had a problem

 

[former naval person]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

Get a set of plastic measuring spoons. Cheap. Wipe them clean when you finish.

 

[apache308]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

There's an echo in here...............

Go to WallyWorld, kitchen utensils, and grab a set of stainless steel measuring spoons. Works perfect, accurate, and cleans up with the wipe of a paper towel. Use the 1 tblspoon spoon, scoop out 2.5 spoonfuls of mud and 1 spoonful of activator and bed the stock. SR

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/4-piece-stainless-steel-measuring-spoon-set/672738.html

 

[LRI]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

The common misconception with resins is that your cooking.

"A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper."

Your not. Your mixing two components designed to work with one another in a very specific format. It should be respected as such.

I know this will probably get the eyeballs rolling. Fine, do as you will. I'm not trying to save the world. Just know that over the years I've spoke (at length) with a lot of product engineers regarding resin systems. EVERY one of them has at some point in the conversation stressed the importance of using the ratios properly. I just watched a video that I've had for a couple years regarding various mold construction materials/applications. Again, the video devotes a significant portion of its time to illustrating a very regimented process for mixing resins in the proper quantities/ratios.

It seems to be a common theme and from that I gauge that its of significant importance.

Bedding is part science and part art. The science is important if you want repeatable, reliable, predictable results.

The bottom line is ANYTHING you can do to improve the process will improve the end result.

Good luck.

C.


PS. To answer your question directly, if you want a disposable graduated container, visit an automotive paint supply vendor and ask if you can have a handful of the touch up sized paint mixing cups. I get them at no charge from my supplier but I have an account with them. They may charge you a few bucks. Spend the $ ITS WORTH IT.

 

[former naval person]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

Other measuring cup ideas...stop by your local medical supply company or nursing home...they have stacks of 1 ounce cups graduated in every conceivable fashion...oz. ml. drams...take your pick. By the way, I corresponded with Devcon many years ago about a coloring agent...they replied that ALL coloring agents had been found by them to degrade the final mix strength properties. So...as C Dixon says, "Follow the directions". If you want color...paint it.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

I use a plastic spoon. Two and a half scoops of epoxy, one of hardener.

 

[ejg]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

If an epoxy manufacturer does not supply reliable weight ratio data I would not use their product. We always go by weight ratio using 0.1gram scales when using any epoxy. As Chad say's, correct ratio is important.
edi

 

[IPSC]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

Thanks all... good recommendations.

 

[cal50]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Temp9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I use a plastic spoon. Two and a half scoops of epoxy, one of hardener. </div></div>


What he said....

 

[c1steve]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

I have worked with epoxies A LOT. I find that weighing the components is fast and easy, and the ratio is always right.

Mixing my eye works pretty well, but having a dedicated scale is very handy and takes the worry and guesswork work out.

s

 

[Freeze]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

I use the disposable measuring cup method and it works great. Just rebedded a friends rifle and the "gunsmith" that did it used the eyeball method. As the bedding was hogged out, when you broke through the crust the rest underneath was a hard sticky mess. Weigh it or use some type of proper measuring system, its worth it in the end.

 

[ejg]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

Got a stock in this week from a friend to do some changes on.
The bedding material is soft, one can poke a needle into it. His rifle was bedded by a well respected German custom rifle builder.
All the lovely material data is useless if the ratio or mixing regime is not perfect.
edi

 

[jrm850]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

I always wondered why Devcon doesn't offer the plastic steel in their cartridge system with the disposable mixing nozzles. I use a similar system from 3m for non gun related projects and love it. Unfortunatly, as far as I know, there are no suitable products being offered in a cartridge system from any maker. For you smiths that have a high work load this would be money.

 

[gyr]

Re: Proper Mixing of Devcon epoxy

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: edi</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If an epoxy manufacturer does not supply reliable weight ratio data I would not use their product. We always go by weight ratio using 0.1gram scales when using any epoxy. As Chad say's, correct ratio is important.
edi </div></div>

Amen to what Edi says.