AWGB Woodturning Forum
General Category => Tool tips & reviews => Topic started by: John D Smith on December 06, 2011, 08:39:05 PM
-
HELP!!! I have recently seen a flexible mat for mixing epoxy resin on,after using the mix leave the surplus on the mat to set overnight then just flex the mat and it just breaks up and falls off has anyone any idea what they are called and where I can get one. Regards John
-
Hi John
I haven't seen anything like this. Have you thought about stretching a piece of cling film over a piece of ply? - when it's set, just unwrap the film and throw it away.
Cheers Dave
-
What a waste of clingfilm >:(
-
Nope, you've got me on this one. I can only imagine it's either a silicon or rubber based mat. But epoxies stick to anything and just about anything to anything.
Could it have been a specific mixing mat for the product being used?
-
Eureka :) I have found it. It is called the "RESI-MATE" mixing mat several places sell this from £3.99 to £5.99 Google this and you will see the people who stock it.Thanks for the other ideas.Regards John See resi-mate.com
-
I have a Maplin nearby - maybe a trip out this coming weekend is in order.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
-
Hi John
I seem to remember Marylyn Campbell at the seminar using something which I cant remember what!!! Either grese proof paper of clingfilm or something like that. Can you remember??????? It was a along time ago.
Roger G
-
Hi Roger G,yes I remember Marylyn's demo and I think it was Baking Paper she was using.Regards John
Hi Dr4g0nfly,I wish I knew your Christian name? I have tried all of the Maplin stores also their Web site it seems they no longer stock this Resi-Mate I have now ordered from SMC www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk It is also on Amazon.If you go to the Resi-Mate site www.resi-mate.com you can see pictures of it being used.Regards John
-
Hi John,
I agree Araldite will stick most things but it won't stick thermoplastics such as polythene. For mixing I use pieces of carrier bags, NOT the supermarket ones that are biodegradable but the heavy weight ones. Best thing is they are free! Alternatively a piece of paper works quite well, is also free and can be thrown away. Or do you have a use for the hardened adhesive on the mat? If so the polythene option can be shaped to some extent.
One warning if you do use something from which the hardened Araldite can be 'peeled' - the hardened edges can be razor sharp! That's one reason why I would use the paper mixing sheet.
One other tip when using epoxy resins, use a warm air source (hair dryer, or heat gun on low setting) and play it over the joint. The heat makes the adhesive more runny so it will find its way into the joint, or if you are using for inlay work, it helps it flow round the slot. But don't get it hot or you will get air bubbles.
Hope that helps,
Paul
Woodcrafts
-
Hello Paul thanks for your reply I have found using polythene it wrinkles or tears when mixing, with "Resi-Mate" what you have left over you just let it go hard then flex it and it all comes of leaving the "Resi-Mate" clean and ready for use.Regards John
-
You probably mean a silicone rubber mat used as a liner and release surface in cooking. You can get a roll in sheet form from QVC, the tv shopping channel.
-
Hi Malcy, Thanks for the information but I did find the Resi-Mate (see earlier post) and find it Great. Regards John
-
at work for mixing filler we used to use cheap note pads
-
PTFE sheet would work too, you can get it on Ebay.
-
I have never really seen the need for a mixing mat for any epoxy application. I use what ever is handy scrap timber, paper, cardboard and throw away after use.
-
I use the sleeves record tools come ,just cut a bit off,it doesn`t stick to it the first couple of times,when its does I bin and cut another off,Oh and Andy I hate cling film,it always without fail shrivels into a little ball before I can use it.
-
I find it mixes well on old cd's i have a stack from when they used to appear as junk mail
Paul