Buyer's Guide to West System Epoxy

West Marine
5 Apr 201312:00
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRChuck Holly from West Marine presents a guide on West Systems epoxy products. The versatile 105 series resin, combined with various hardeners and fillers, is ideal for numerous projects. He also highlights the G/flex, G5, and 610 adhesive products, detailing their specific uses, from quick repairs to permanent bonding. Holly emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct hardener, mixing ratios, and application tools for optimal results. Additionally, he stresses the necessity of personal protection when handling epoxies. All products are available at West Marine stores and online.

Takeaways
  • 🛠️ West Systems epoxy is versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, including building projects, boat repair, and sealing out moisture.
  • 🔧 The 105 series resin is a 'jack-of-all-trades' and can be combined with various fillers to accomplish different tasks.
  • 📦 Handy packs are available for beginners to try out the 105 resin on small projects with pre-measured amounts and necessary tools included.
  • 🔄 G-Flex products (650/655) are two-part epoxies suitable for repair jobs, with 655 being ideal for repairing plastic items like kayaks.
  • 🚣‍♂️ The 650 resin is packaged in an aluminum boat repair kit for sealing riveted boats and preventing leaks.
  • ⏱️ G5 is a five-minute two-part epoxy adhesive suitable for quick repair jobs, though not as strong as other products.
  • 🤝 610 adhesive comes in a dual-tube packaging that ensures the correct mixture of resin and hardener for permanent bonding.
  • ⚖️ The correct hardener must be selected based on the operating temperature and the size of the resin package purchased.
  • 🔢 There are four ratios for 105 resin, with 205 being commonly used in California, and 209 being the tropical hardener for very warm conditions.
  • 🧪 Fillers are essential for modifying the 105 resin properties for specific tasks and can be chosen based on the job requirements.
  • 🧤 Application tools and personal protection are crucial for proper resin application and safety during the project.
Q & A

  • What is the primary purpose of West Systems epoxy?

    -West Systems epoxy is used for a variety of applications including building projects, reinforcing boats, and sealing out moisture due to its versatility and effectiveness.

  • What is the 105 series resin known for in the West Systems product line?

    -The 105 series resin is considered the 'jack-of-all-trades' within the West Systems line, suitable for a wide range of projects when combined with various fillers.

  • What are the handy packs for the 105 resin and what do they include?

    -Handy packs are relatively inexpensive starter kits for the 105 resin that include pre-measured amounts of the resin and hardener, gloves, stirring sticks, and containers for small projects.

  • What is the G Flex product and what is its application?

    -G Flex is a two-part epoxy and hardener mix (number 650 or 655) used for repair jobs, particularly for aluminum boats with riveted leaks or for repairing plastic products like kayaks.

  • How does the 655 thickened resin mixture differ from the 650 unthickened resin mixture?

    -The 655 thickened resin mixture already has a filler added into it, making it ideal for repairing plastic products like damaged kayaks, whereas the 650 is an unthickened mixture used for other repair applications.

  • What is G5 epoxy adhesive and what is its main advantage?

    -G5 is a five-minute two-part epoxy adhesive that offers a quick repair solution, though it may not be as strong as other products in the West Systems line.

  • What is the purpose of the 610 adhesive and how is it packaged?

    -The 610 adhesive is a thickened adhesive packaged in a dual-tube system that ensures the correct mixture of resin and hardener as it is dispensed, making it ideal for permanently bonding surfaces together.

  • How does one select the correct hardener for the 105 resin?

    -The selection of the correct hardener for the 105 resin depends on the operating temperature and the size of the resin package. The hardener must match the suffix letter of the resin package (A for quart, B for gallon) and the desired cure speed.

  • What is the significance of the different ratios for the 105 resin hardeners?

    -Different ratios for the 105 resin hardeners affect the cure speed and work time. For example, a 1:5 ratio (205) is commonly used, while a 1:2:3 ratio (209) is used in tropical conditions for a faster cure.

  • Why are mini pumps necessary for West Systems projects using 105 resin?

    -Mini pumps are necessary to ensure the correct ratio of resin to hardener is achieved, preventing a goopy mess that will not cure. They allow for precise dispensing of the right amounts of resin and hardener.

  • What role do fillers play in West Systems 105 resin applications?

    -Fillers modify the properties of the 105 resin for specific tasks, such as adding strength, modifying the hardness, or achieving a particular finish. They also allow for stretching the epoxy by combining it with less expensive fillers.

  • What personal protection equipment is recommended when working with West Systems epoxy?

    -Personal protection equipment includes gloves to protect against sensitization to uncured epoxy and hardener, and a mask to prevent inhalation of uncured epoxy sanding residue.

  • What types of application tools are available for West Systems epoxy projects?

    -Application tools include six-inch glue brushes for confined spaces, empty caulking tubes for larger jobs, syringes for precise application, spreaders, squeegees, and notched spreaders for layering and smoothing.

Outlines
00:00
🛠️ West Systems Epoxy Buyer's Guide

Chuck Holly from West Marine introduces a West Systems epoxy buyer's guide, highlighting the versatility of West Systems products in various applications such as boat building, repair, and moisture sealing. The video provides an overview of different products, starting with the 105 series resin, which is a versatile epoxy that can be used for a wide range of projects. The guide also covers the G Flex product (650/655), suitable for aluminum boat repairs and plastic product repairs like kayaks. The G5 epoxy adhesive is mentioned for quick repairs, and the 610 adhesive for permanent bonding. The video emphasizes the importance of selecting the correct hardener based on temperature and resin package size, and discusses the various ratios for 105 resin, including the 205, 206, and 209 hardeners, as well as the clear hardener 207 for clarity in projects like tabletops.

05:01
🔍 Mixing and Applying West Systems Epoxy

The script explains the correct method for mixing West Systems epoxy and hardener, emphasizing the need for the right ratio and complete mixing. It introduces mini pumps for accurate dispensing of resin and hardener, and plastic mixing buckets with square corners for thorough mixing. The guide also covers the use of fillers to modify the epoxy for specific tasks, such as wood coding or surface faring, and provides information on six different fillers available. The importance of using application tools like glue brushes, caulking guns, and syringes for precise application is discussed. Additionally, the script mentions the need for personal protection, such as gloves and masks, to prevent skin sensitization and inhalation of uncured epoxy dust.

10:03
🏗️ Tools and Protection for West Systems Projects

The final paragraph focuses on the tools and personal protection necessary for West Systems projects. It details the use of spreaders and squeegees for applying resin mixtures, including a notched spreader for precise layering and a straight edge for squeegeeing. The script also mentions the availability of syringes with fine plastic tips for placing small beads of epoxy. Personal protection is highlighted again, emphasizing the need to protect against uncured epoxy and hardener, and the importance of wearing a mask when sanding projects that are not fully cured. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to undertake West Systems projects with confidence and reminding them that the entire product line is available at West Marine stores and online.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡West Systems Epoxy
West Systems Epoxy refers to a range of adhesive products known for their versatility in various applications such as boat building, repair, and sealing out moisture. In the video, it is highlighted as a product that once used, customers find numerous applications for, emphasizing its importance as the central theme of the video.
💡105 Series Resin
The 105 Series Resin is described as the 'jack-of-all-trades' within the West Systems product line, indicating its general-purpose nature. It is versatile and can be combined with various fillers to accomplish a wide range of projects. The script mentions that it is commonly associated with West Systems and is a key component that requires additional products for complete use.
💡Hardener
A hardener is a substance added to the resin to cause it to cure or harden. The video explains the importance of selecting the correct hardener based on the operating temperature and the size of the resin package, using suffix letters (A, B) to differentiate them. The hardener is crucial in determining the curing properties of the epoxy.
💡G-Flex Product (650/655)
G-Flex is a two-part epoxy and hardener mixture, with 650 being an unthickened version and 655 being a thickened version pre-mixed with filler. The video script uses the example of an aluminum boat repair kit to illustrate how G-Flex 650 can be used to seal rivet heads and make the boat watertight.
💡G5 Epoxy Adhesive
G5 is introduced as a five-minute two-part epoxy adhesive, which is not as strong as other products but ideal for quick repair jobs. It represents a faster-setting option within the West Systems epoxy line, as mentioned in the script.
💡610 Adhesive
The 610 Adhesive is a thickened adhesive packaged in a unique tube-within-a-tube design, ensuring the correct mixture of resin and hardener. The video emphasizes its suitability for permanently bonding surfaces, showcasing it as a 'workhorse' product in the West Systems epoxy line.
💡Ratios
Ratios in the context of the video refer to the proportion of resin to hardener used in the epoxy mixture. Different ratios like 205, 206, and 209 are mentioned, each catering to different curing speeds and temperatures, thus affecting the final properties of the epoxy.
💡Fillers
Fillers are additives to the 105 resin that modify its properties for specific tasks, such as making it more structurally hard or providing a wood-like appearance. The script explains that fillers are almost always required for jobs beyond basic waterproofing, and several types of fillers are available for different applications.
💡Mixing
Mixing is a critical step in the epoxy application process, ensuring that the resin and hardener are combined in the correct ratio and thoroughly. The video script describes the use of plastic mixing buckets and specific mixing sticks to achieve a complete mix without waste.
💡Application Tools
Application tools are devices used to apply the epoxy mixture accurately and efficiently. The video mentions various tools such as glue brushes, caulking tubes, syringes, spreaders, and squeegees, each serving a specific purpose in the application process.
💡Personal Protection
Personal protection refers to the safety measures taken when working with epoxy, such as wearing gloves to prevent skin contact and using masks to avoid inhaling uncured epoxy dust. The video script stresses the importance of these precautions to protect against sensitization and respiratory issues.
Highlights

West Systems epoxy is versatile for various applications including building projects, boat reinforcing, and moisture sealing.

The 105 series resin is a 'jack-of-all-trades' in the West Systems line, suitable for many projects with the addition of fillers.

Handy packs are available for beginners to try small projects with pre-measured 105 resin and hardeners.

G Flex product (650/655) is a two-part epoxy suitable for repair jobs, especially for aluminum boats and plastic products like kayaks.

The 650 resin is packaged in an aluminum boat repair kit for sealing rivet leaks.

The 655 thickened resin mixture is ideal for repairing plastic products with included gloves, stirring sticks, and containers.

G5 is a five-minute two-part epoxy adhesive suitable for quick repair jobs, though not as strong as other products.

The 610 adhesive is a pre-mixed thickened adhesive in a dual tube packaging for easy application.

Selecting the correct hardener for the 105 resin depends on operating temperature and package size.

Different hardener ratios are available for the 105 resin, such as 205 for general use, 206 for slower curing, and 209 for tropical conditions.

Clear hardener 207 is used for clarity in projects like tabletops when mixed with 105 resin.

Mini pumps are essential for the correct ratio and complete mixing of West Systems epoxy and hardener.

Plastic mixing buckets with square corners are recommended for thorough mixing with West Systems mixing sticks.

Fillers modify the properties of the 105 resin for specific tasks, with six different fillers available for various applications.

High-density fillers provide structural strength, while low-density fillers allow stretching epoxy and achieving a smooth finish.

Application tools like glue brushes, caulking tubes, and syringes are important for precise epoxy application.

Personal protection is crucial when working with epoxy to prevent skin sensitization and inhalation of uncured materials.

The entire West Systems epoxy line is available at West Marine stores and online.

Transcripts

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Epoxy GuideBoat RepairBuilding ProjectsWest Systems105 ResinG FlexG5 Epoxy610 AdhesiveMixing TipsPersonal Protection