A quick question about epoxy.

[Wombat]

I bought some Ace Hardware "60 minute epoxy" because it supposedly cures stronger than the regular stuff. I am using it to fill a quarter-inch hole in a pneumatic cannon, and I was wondering if it normally takes longer than two days to fully cure. It is kind-of pissing me off, because I have waited patiently, and it still feels sticky to the touch. It is in my basement, where it is always warm, so I don't see what the problem is. Any input is appreciated.

[hi]

if it has taken more than 24 hours then you probably didnt mix it correctly. if you are touching it then you are not "waiting patiently"

[jook13]

I once tried to make a piston out of epoxy and parts of it stayed gummy and soft and never hardened, probably from it not being mixed thoroughly).

I have noticed that epoxy usually doesnt get really hard till later than the package advertises. But, if yours doesn't fully harden within a full day, It probably wont ever harden. make sure you are pretty exact with your even portions when mixing and make sure it is mixed completely.

Also, from what I have read on the packages, the locktite is rated to take higher pressures than the ace stuff, at least all the stuff that was on the shelf at my ace.

[Hawkeye]

Some Epoxy also produces what is known as "amine blush". It kind of sweats out a thin layer of stickiness in some conditions. Generally you can wipe it away and see if it is solid underneath.
Edit: Actually Google "amine blush" if you want all the info.

[SpudFarm]

wait for JSR

[TurboSuper]

If it's truly staying sticky, I'd say that's because you didn't use enough hardener. Most of the epoxies I've used stay somewhat gummy to the touch after curing, but never sticky.

[Modderxtrordanare]

Why couldn't you have just tapped in a 1/4" plug into it and have been done in 3 seconds?