[Shopkeeper]

I've built Rods for years (first one in 1987), but I've had an epoxy issue the last several rods I've never seen before nor can figure out why it's happening.

The best way to describe it is "soft spots." After the epoxy cures, I've come back and noticed tiny dimples in the finish. When I press on them, they become cloudy, almost as if there is un-cured epoxy just below the surface. When I cut them out with a blade, they felt "crystallized." (I included a pic below)

After I first noticed it and it happened more than once, I removed and cleaned surfaces, bought new flex coat, used new syringes, new stirring sticks, and wiped off all tools, thinking there might be silicone on something. I can't think of anything I didn't trade out from previous rods.

Looking at the one I finished after all the above, it's better, but there is still one of these soft spots. One is better than the numerous ones I had before, but it's driving me nuts.

The only possible source of silicone remaining is blue tape, but I have no idea if there's silicone in it and have never had problems using it in the past.

Has anyone seen these things before? If so, what causes them? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MotoBoat]

I have had fish eyes before, but that was obvious contamination of some sort. Could it be the thread? You replaced everything, but did not mention if thread same or replaced with new.

 

[Shopkeeper]

I have had fish eyes before, but that was obvious contamination of some sort. Could it be the thread? You replaced everything, but did not mention if thread same or replaced with new.

Did not replace the thread, and I will...but I'm starting to think it was crystals in the finish. Both the finish and syringes are old and I'd had crystals form in both. I microwaved the two parts and cleaned syringes, but I'm thinking I missed some.

Thanks for the tip; I hadn't thought about thread.

 

[veilside180sx]

What brand thread are you using?

I much prefer Aftcote personally for finish epoxy as a side note.

 

[9140greenie]

I don't think it's your thread. What did you use the blue tape for? Did it overlap the wraps? A bad batch of thread finish from the manufacturer wouldn't be unheard of. I've seen a whole shipment of defective finish. What were you mixing the finish in? It may be your mixing cups. I'd start with the simplest solution and do a test wrap(s). Like I said, a bad batch of thread finish isn't unheard of; rare, but not unheard of.
Keith

 

[Shopkeeper]

Thanks very much guys… I think the problem was crystals in the finish… My syringes and hardener were both old and I hadn't noticed crystallization in the each. Well, I noticed some, but thought I took care of it all with a zap in the microwave; turns out I didn't.

Switched everything out and haven't had a problem since… That is a real pain in the neck.

Thanks again…