Epoxy and UV resins

[Mac78]

Hi guys,

It would seem that the old skool 5min Epoxies days are numbered now, with all these new UV cure resins that are now available on the market. The benefits of using UV cure vs the old two part resins in terms of user friendliness are obvious, however I was wondering how durable are they? I've always used Devcon 5min Epoxy, which is ok but does tend to be brittle at times. Are these UV resins any more durable? Any recommendations?

[Paul Arden]

Hi Mac,

They seem much less durable to me. But I don't use either very often. I do know that my epoxy discolours quite quickly too and no matter which I use I always make a mess

Cheers, Paul

[RudyV]

I use both.

I love the fact the UV stuff sets so quickly - very useful for setting stuff. I often use the thin stuff for heads on small flies too, instead of multiple coats of varnish. One application, BAM, and it's hard, shiny, and set.

On salt water flies I'll set eyes and heads with UV, but then build up bulk and finish with epoxy... the UV's simply too dear for my budget to use up on surf candies, large heads etc...

I reckon epoxy's not dead yet - they both have their uses.

[Geenomad]

Hi Mac
I've only started using UV resin in the past year and put it off because I am old enough to be skeptical of new fangled doodads until others have sorted out the bugs. As Paul mentioned, durability is a question mark. Too hard and they are brittle, not hard enough on curing and they tend to stay tacky.

I changed my mind after tying up big for CXI last year and I just couldn't get rid of the solvent smell lingering in the fly boxes. (Thank you Sally Hansen.) Been experimenting and the cheapie Bug Off set with a laser pen gives me a good finish, no tack. Durability and longevity to be fully tested.

Epoxy and I have been acquainted for many years and I've still a few yellow headed surf candies around the place. My current and recommended product is Z-Pozy PT 38. No sign of discoloration after several years. Not bad shelf life either.

Mess? I have flexible plastic lids it won't stick to very well. Mix with the blade end of a toothpick. Just before it goes hard I stick the toothpick in the residue and gather up as much as possible around the end. Let it harden a bit. Flex the lid and pull the gob off with the toothpick. Bin. Job done.

Agree with Rudy about mix and match too.

Cheers
Mark

[Paul Arden]

The reason I question durability is because I've taken to using a small dollop between the hook bend and rabbit wing on Zonkers to prevent tail-wrap. This works very well but only lasts for a few hours before it's gone! I haven't tried Epoxy for this.

Cheers, Paul

[Geenomad]

The reason I question durability is because I've taken to using a small dollop between the hook bend and rabbit wing on Zonkers to prevent tail-wrap. This works very well but only lasts for a few hours before it's gone! I haven't tried Epoxy for this.

Cheers, Paul

Not doubting your experience but can't think what would be causing your dollop to be dislodged. Does it have a thread base? Horizontal mono loop instead?

Cheers
Mark

[Paul Arden]

I've used mono loops before - I was just being lazy Haven't tried a thread base - that's a good idea thanks!

Cheers Paul

[Mac78]

Epoxy and I have been acquainted for many years and I've still a few yellow headed surf candies around the place. My current and recommended product is Z-Pozy PT 38. No sign of discoloration after several years. Not bad shelf life either.

Cheers Mark. I'll see if I can source the Z-Pozy stuff here in the UK. How does it compare to the likes of Devcon? I don't find the Devcon very durable and it often becomes brittle.

Cheers,
Saul

[Geenomad]

I don't find the Devcon very durable and it often becomes brittle.

Hi Saul
In the past 20+ years I've used quite a few 5 minute epoxy glues, not sure Devcon was one of them but it rings a bell. There's no doubt that Z-poxy is the best I've used. If it gets brittle I haven't found it so and after several years of using it I'm yet to have it chip, much less fracture. The deal closer for me is its sustained clarity.

I might have to buy some more as the last time I used it the resin had a little bit of cloudiness - no biggy as far as the fish are concerned but I'm fussy about my tying. In Oz I can get it in 4 Oz (2x2) and 8 Oz twin packs. Next time I'll get the smaller pack. I think you'll like it. Oh and if it gets cold when stored, dunk the bottles in hot water for a few minutes to increase liquidity. Trust me, you'll find plenty of uses apart from fly tying.

Cheers
Mark

[Geenomad]

I might have to buy some more as the last time I used it the resin had a little bit of cloudiness - no biggy as far as the fish are concerned but I'm fussy about my tying.

A PS. While I was mucking about with a few things I decided to give the resin a hot water bath again. No more cloudiness so there's a another tick for it.

Cheers
Mark