Gluing up pen tubes with epoxy
- Thread starter mmayo
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Thanks for this Mark!
I used to use the dental wax also (still have some) but I switched to Playdoh (don't even remember why). Same process with one exception and one addition. The exception is I use 15 minute epoxy because I like the additional open time, but I still wait overnight. The addition, is that I clean the outside of the ends of the tube where I pressed it into the dental wax or Playdoh with DNA so that I am sure to get a good bond with the epoxy.
I used to use the dental wax also (still have some) but I switched to Playdoh (don't even remember why). Same process with one exception and one addition. The exception is I use 15 minute epoxy because I like the additional open time, but I still wait overnight. The addition, is that I clean the outside of the ends of the tube where I pressed it into the dental wax or Playdoh with DNA so that I am sure to get a good bond with the epoxy.
Woodchipper
Member
I use modeling clay to plug one end of the tube. Always make sure to wipe the tube after sanding as the clay leaves a bit of oil or something. Bought the 4 oz. bottles of Two Ton epoxy off Amazon. Has 30 minute working time so I can mix a decent batch and do at least three kits that have two tubes. Later, did a smaller batch for three kits with one tube. BTW, I started using Devcon Two Ton Epoxy when a fellow suggested it for assembling golf clubs. I wait at least 12 hours or overnight before turning.
Jans husband
Member
How about using a slice of potato?
Works every time
Mike
Works every time
Mike
egnald
Member
I use Foundation Wax, also known as Honeycomb Base which is similar to the Dental Wax. It is a plate made of beeswax with a slight honeycomb pattern in it. It is used in beekeeping to give the bees a foundation on which they can build their honeycomb. It was invented in 1857 by German Johannes Mehring and it is considered one of the most important inventions in modern beekeeping. My neighbor is a beekeeper so I always have a ready supply -- he gives me honey too! Like Dave and John mentioned, I also clean off any wax residue from the outside ends of the tubes to insure good adhesion.
For those that are interested, Dental Wax or Dental Baseplate is typically made from paraffin with beeswax and other resins. It is used in dentistry for modeling and fitting of dentures by determining the relationship of the jaw to the denture and for bite registration. It is almost always tinted pink or red because that color helps provide visibility for detecting flaws and errors. Other than being engineered for vastly different uses, Dental Wax is generally harder than Foundation Wax because its paraffin content. By design it is less sticky and is more easily cleaned off without using solvents like alcohol.
Dave
For those that are interested, Dental Wax or Dental Baseplate is typically made from paraffin with beeswax and other resins. It is used in dentistry for modeling and fitting of dentures by determining the relationship of the jaw to the denture and for bite registration. It is almost always tinted pink or red because that color helps provide visibility for detecting flaws and errors. Other than being engineered for vastly different uses, Dental Wax is generally harder than Foundation Wax because its paraffin content. By design it is less sticky and is more easily cleaned off without using solvents like alcohol.
Dave
NeonWoodShop
Member
Which brand of epoxy are you using Mark? How is the odor level?
I have moved to epoxy for all non-wood blanks and I plan to use epoxy on everything this year. The only exception is for the small ornament kits where I use a thin/medium CA mix since the ornaments won't be handled like a pen.
John
I have moved to epoxy for all non-wood blanks and I plan to use epoxy on everything this year. The only exception is for the small ornament kits where I use a thin/medium CA mix since the ornaments won't be handled like a pen.
John
Woodchipper
Member
Mark, decided to watch the entire video. Noticed your approach- plug both ends of the tube, coat the inside of the blank, wipe off excess. Worthwhile to try it. Thanks.
mmayo
Member
The company that sells EZ Bond CA also sells bottles, caps, epoxy and more. I have an email I think is it.
instantglueshop@gmail.com
I'm at work today but I'll post an order sheet ASAP.
Here it is
e-zbond.com
They are delightful to deal with. Instant shipping! Ask for a price sheet and expect amazing wholesale prices is your total reaches $150. Get together with friends! I buy 16 oz bottles of CA for $24.60. They were $16.50 the last time I ordered. I figure all other CA glues went up too.
There is an odor but not overwhelming to me. I usually have air cleaners within my shop to dissipate chemical smells.
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Woodchipper
Member
Mark, glued a pair of blanks for a pen kit, using your technique. Again, thanks.
NeonWoodShop
Member
Thank you very much Mark.
Woodchipper
Member
Lesson learned- the blank was quite a bit longer than the tube. Ergo, the end of the blank filled with epoxy. Now I'll have to figure out a way to clean it out or just put it on the pen mill. Future- cut the blank just a bit longer than the tube. Keep cotton swabs on hand to wipe out the epoxy. Life is full of challenges.
I don't bother plugging the ends; a small round rasp cleans out any epoxy that gets in the tube. I keep a set of brass brushes to follow up and make sure
Woodchipper
Member
Took a bit of time but got it cleaned out. Pen looks very good, even if I do say so myself.
Rob183
Member
What 2 part epoxy gives you the best results? Four days ago I glued 15 sets of tubes to wood and acrylic blanks with Gorilla Glue 5 minute epoxy, started to square the blanks this morning only to find out that the stuff is crap. The heat from friction loosened them up and several blanks were ruined. Some blanks are still tacky from the initial glue up so I am more than frustrated.Suggestions are appreciated.
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Woodchipper
Member
I bought the 4 oz. bottles of Two Ton epoxy from Amazon. Gives about 30 minutes work time so I can do a few pens on one mix. I let the blanks set overnight before turning. I used the epoxy for building golf clubs. Gives an idea of its strength. Some stores carry the syringes for a few bucks. I found one hardware store that used to carry it but had to buy six syringes. Cheaper to buy the bottles.
Edit: realize I had replied earlier. Now I do plug one end with modeling clay. Saves time with a file.
Edit: realize I had replied earlier. Now I do plug one end with modeling clay. Saves time with a file.
duncsuss
Member
I've settled on DevCon 2-ton, 30 minute working time, and leave overnight before sanding to the tubes. It was recommended to me by a guy who made bows and arrows for hunters.
mmayo
Member
Try this. The folks that sell EZ Bond glue sell it. I've tried CA and Gorilla glue and both failed. The epoxy just works every time.
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Dan Masshardt
Member
It's always interesting to see how different people approach this and I like to try new methods from time to time.
I will often use epoxy (5 min or 30 min) depending on how many blanks I'm glueing.
I also sometimes use thick CA. I never have failures with it either the way I do it. I think most failures have less to do with the type of glue than gaps in coverage.
I find scuffing up tubes to be a waste of time for me. I never ever do it and never ever have failures.
The one thing I do probably spend extra (maybe too much time on) is inserting the tube from one end with epoxy/glue on it before inserting it all the way from the other end with a little more glue.
I will often use epoxy (5 min or 30 min) depending on how many blanks I'm glueing.
I also sometimes use thick CA. I never have failures with it either the way I do it. I think most failures have less to do with the type of glue than gaps in coverage.
I find scuffing up tubes to be a waste of time for me. I never ever do it and never ever have failures.
The one thing I do probably spend extra (maybe too much time on) is inserting the tube from one end with epoxy/glue on it before inserting it all the way from the other end with a little more glue.
Just pat the potato dry first!
I scuff up my 7mm tubes by popping them on the mandrel and scuffing several at once. Done in a flash. Fir larger tubes I use the kit bushings. Works for me and doesn't take much time.
David350
Member
Rob, I use the BSI (Bob Smith Industries) 5 min epoxy that I get from Amazon. I find that I can mix it up and apply it to as many as three 2-barrel pens like the cigar at one time before it starts to cure. I have also turned them as soon as two hours after glue-up without any issues. I have been using this epoxy since 2017 without any issues at all...
BSI 5 Min Epoxy