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HULL
ASSEMBLY - Glue the Stern (Part I)
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1.
Test fit the two upper hull pieces onto the lower hull.
File the stern of the lower hull if necessary to ensure
the upper stern piece fits snugly. All parts should
seat completely with minimal gaps between parts.
The
following raw materials (left to right) are recommended
to glue the stern pieces together: disposable epoxy
brush, micro-balloons, dixie cups (for mixing), and
two hour cure epoxy (for maximum bond strength).
WARNING:
Never use 5 minute epoxy on joints which will be exposed
to water. It is NOT waterproof. |
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2.
In 2 dixie cups, fill the bottom of each with approximately
1/8" of epoxy parts A & B respectively. Be sure
to observe the proper mixing ratio as stated on the epoxy
label (such as 1:1, part A to part B). Add to each cup
an equal amount of micro-balloons and stir until the liquid
and micro-balloons are mixed thoroughly. |
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3.
Add the two mixtures together in one cup and blend them
together thoroughly with an epoxy brush. When completed,
the mixture should have the consistency of toothpaste.
If it is too thin, add more micro-balloons. If it is too
thick, add more epoxy (be sure to add both parts in the
proper ratio). |
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4.
Brush the epoxy/micro-balloon mixture onto the lower
hull where the upper stern half will be joined.
NOTE:
Be careful not to apply any epoxy to the indexing
lip in areas where the forward half of the upper
hull will seat. |
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5.
Place the upper stern piece in position on the lower
hull. Allow the epoxy/micro-balloons to work into the
seam. Wipe away any excess resin with a paper towel.
Use strips of masking tape to hold the upper stern piece
in place.
The
inside of this crucial seam should be reinforced at
this time. Continue to the next page for the procedure.
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Next
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Sticking
to the Facts
There
are a wide variety of adhesives for the modeler to chose
from. Optimum results can be obtained by observing several
rules:
- Epoxy
resin can be used to bond epoxy and polyester hulls
and parts.
- Polyester
resin should only be used on polyester
hulls.
- Quick
cure epoxies (5 minute) are NOT waterproof.
- The
less resin used when bonding a joint, the better.
Excess resin actually decreases joint strength.
- Adding
micro-balloons to an epoxy will significantly increase
it's cure time.
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