Epoxy Warmer Box

Early last week was the timeline to sheath the inside of the centerboard case with 6 oz glass cloth.   The outside temperature dropped to the mid 50’s for a few days and since winter was approaching I decided to enclose my West System Epoxy inside of a warming cabinet.   I also purchased a couple of heat lamps to keep the area a bit warmer when the temperature drops below 60.    The center board case now has some timbers added, the first wood used that is not plywood.

West Systems warming cabinet

Warming lights

 

Epoxy Lamination

I have started the backbone laminations and applying epoxy coating to all the plywood cuts.

First lamination of the backbone

More bulkheads ready for epoxy coating

Backbone layout

I am using West System Epoxy.   West System is very well respected and is widely available in my area.   I was able to pick up a gallon of resin, both the fast and slow hardener, and several types of filler for different applications on the boat.

West System Epoxy

After applying several batches of epoxy on the frames and backbone pieces I am happy with the performance of this epoxy. The 5/1 pump metering system is very easy to use.   Simply one pump from each of the containers and the mixture is correct.   I added silica thickeners for the laminations of the backbone.    Using a serrated scraper I was able to apply a thicker coating of epoxy then I used for general sealing purposes.

 

Backbone, bulkheads and frames

I completed the final cutouts for my patterns and couldn’t wait to layout the backbone to get my first 3D visual of how big or small the boat will be.    I now have a lot of prep work to do before actually assembly of the parts.   Each piece will be measured again to the plan design and then epoxy coated.   After dressing all the parts I will start the backbone assembly.

Here is the backbone being fitted with bulkheads in background