<div>For what it's worth I'll share what I have learned also. <SPAN contentEditable=false style="DISPLAY: inline-block"></SPAN>My observations in bold below</div>
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<div>MattK</div>
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-----Original Message-----<br>
From: Dr. Mike Harrison <drmikedds@sbcglobal.net><br>
To: NSRCA Mailing List <nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org><br>
Sent: Fri, Nov 23 2:58 PM<br>
Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] epoxy question<br>
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<div id=AOLMsgPart_3_6a7d68d7-3032-457b-b924-d036b8368c2d>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>I have read with interest all the comments and some of you have educated me on this issue. If I may, I will share what I have learned.</FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>1. Thinning the epoxy saves no weight by evaporation. There is virtually no evaporation and no weight loss-a big time erroneous assumption on my part. So if you mix 2 ounces of epoxy and add 2 ounces of thinner and put it all on the airplane, you have added 4 ounces to the airplane. <STRONG><FONT size=3> This isn't true for thin layers</FONT></STRONG></FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>2. The properties of the epoxy are changed-it becomes rubbery. </FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>3. Changing the properties is not an issue regarding finishing the airplane(painting)</FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>4. Using thinned epoxy is fine for applying glass cloth. <STRONG><FONT size=3>The weight of the thinner is no consequence. It flashes just fine due to thin section</FONT></STRONG></FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>5. I have tried MEK(epoxy thinner), denatured alcohol, 91%alcohol, acetone. My preference is denatured alcohol because it is the safest and most economical, I think. I thought MEK would be the answer. It is the worst of the bunch. </FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>6. The best way to glass surfaces is to thin the epoxy and apply as sparingly as possible. <STRONG><FONT size=3>Use Klass Kote clear epoxy paint. Better than old K&B and lighter than thinned epoxy.</FONT></STRONG> A way to do that is to apply and wipe off excess with paper towels. </FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>7. It is almost exactly 2 ounces to glass a wing panel complete, so 4 ounces for a whole wing. About 2 ounces for a stab. Properly done wings and stab glassed and painted is 2-2.5 times the weight of monokote. <STRONG><FONT size=3>I use silkspan in my covering and finishing. Painting cost nothing in terms of weight gain over MK. But care must be taken every step. MK is relatively easy; Silkspanning and painting to the same weight is more difficult and labor intensive</FONT></STRONG></FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>8. A second thinned coat of epoxy on the glassed wing is .75 ounces each wing panel-1.5 oz total.</FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>Pick your poison.</FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>Later,</FONT></div>
<div><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mike</FONT></div>
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