Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

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Ian Law
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Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:00 am
Location: Devon

Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

Post by Ian Law » Wed Feb 03, 2021 1:57 pm

Aerodux has worked very well so far for hidden parts of the airframe on my project, but to minimise visible stains on the pair of spruce "I" struts that I shall soon need to laminate, I am considering whether or not a clear epoxy adhesive might be a better choice.

Use of Epoxy adhesive for structural parts is outside my experience, although I have used West epoxy for a few low stressed items.

American Weldwood plastic resin glue was used successfully for the prototype and for most US built examples, as far as I know. Any recommendations for suitable approved slow curing epoxy glue would be appreciated. Otherwise I'll continue with the Aerodux and try harder to be clean and tidy, for a change.

Chris Jefferson
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Joined: Fri Jan 11, 2008 8:39 am

Re: Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

Post by Chris Jefferson » Thu Feb 04, 2021 5:51 am

Aerolite 306 might be a suitable solution, it's a clear two-part adhesive that's been used in aircraft manufacture for years, it's certainly cleaner to use than Aerodux.
Chris Jefferson
034806
Kensinger KF G-ASSV

Ian Law
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Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:00 am
Location: Devon

Re: Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

Post by Ian Law » Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:07 am

Many thanks Chris and I'll consider Aerolite. I have used it quite a bit in the distant past, but found Aerodux easier for larger areas - although the Aerolite always performed very well indeed. I'll probably have a word with my Inspector.

Regards.

Ian

coxargus
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Re: Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

Post by coxargus » Thu Feb 04, 2021 10:53 am

Aircraft Spruce (via LAS) have several epoxies - might find a good one there.
Frank Cox
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Ian Law
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Location: Devon

Re: Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

Post by Ian Law » Thu Feb 04, 2021 2:10 pm

Many thanks Frank and I'll explore that idea.

These two "I" struts are just about the most awkward parts on the aeroplane.

Ian

MikeM
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Re: Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

Post by MikeM » Fri Feb 05, 2021 7:30 am

Hi Ian, I've used West Systems epoxy to good effect. Happy to chat.
Mike
Mike Mold (007106)
Jodel D117A G-BFEH, Watchford Farm, Devon

Ian Law
Posts: 213
Joined: Wed Jan 02, 2008 11:00 am
Location: Devon

Re: Adhesive for laminating spruce "I" struts

Post by Ian Law » Fri Feb 05, 2021 9:07 am

Many thanks Mike and I'll try and ring sometime when convenient for you.

Ian

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