Hello All,
This site has so much good information on epoxy selection and use, so thank you all who have contributed. If you have experience relevant to my questions, I would so appreciate your input.
I am making new stair treads and risers by laminating 5/16" ash to baltic birch plywood. I think epoxy is the right choice for it's gap filling, shear resistance, strength qualities but I have no experience with it. Other product suggestions are welcome if you feel they would apply. Locally I have access to West System, Total Boat, and System 3.
1. I want to use a slow cure hardener but the temperature in my garage is well out of range. Fast set hardener open time is too intimidating, plus, the overnight temperature is still to low. I like the heating blanket idea I read here but it's not practical in my situation. So, I am thinking of doing the glue ups indoors in a closed up room. Should I be concerned about the off-gassing of the curing process? I would be wearing a respirator during the application.
2. How would you apply it? Roller, paint brush, dump it on and spread with a stick...etc? I have 13 treads at 462 sq. inches (11"x42") and 14 risers at 315 sq. inches (7"x42").
3. Do I need to use an additive or thickener for this process?
4. Some of the baltic pieces have a slight camber and I want to "pull" them straight during the glue up using cauls. I am concerned that too much clamping pressure to achieve this would not be recommended. Thoughts?
Thanks so much for your participation.
Jay