Heat Lamps?

Questions about boat repairs with our resins and fiberglass: hull patches, transoms and stringers, foam, rot etc.
gw204
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Heat Lamps?

Post by gw204 »

This may seem like a simple question, but I'm going to ask it anyway...

When glassing in cold weather (highs in the 30s and/or 40s where I am in MD), what wattage heat lamps are you guys using to warm your work in order to ensure resin cures properly? I'm seeing lamps ranging from 75W all the way up to 300W. To me it seems like 75W wouldn't be enough when high temps are in the range mentioned above.

This is the style I'm interested in:

Image

I'm also seeing these listed at both "clamp lamps" and "heat lamps". My gut feeling is there is really no difference, but some say they accept incandescent bulbs and other take heat lamp bulbs. Any thoughts?

Thanks.
Brian
St. Leonard, MD
1980 Wenzel 1400
2003 Maycraft 1800 Skiff

cali123
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Re: Heat Lamps?

Post by cali123 »

I used that type of lamp in the 70's to help cure auto body filler and primer. They are ok for small areas but it is very hard to control the heat. They need to be on a timer because if you turn your back, your project will be in flames. I would strongly suggest that you go with a heater that will heat the whole work shop a few degrees. I built my XF20 in the winter with temps. of 40 to 50 degrees. I used Marine Epoxy with the slow hardener and it took about a week to cure. The cure rate was never a problem. The infrared lamps will give you a wicked sunburn.

jacquesmm
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Re: Heat Lamps?

Post by jacquesmm »

Make a temporary tent with plastic sheeting and put a heater under the tent.
I like the electric oil filled heaters, they are very safe.
When glassing the hull upside down, put the heater under the boat.
Jacques Mertens - Designer
http://boatbuildercentral.com

gw204
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Re: Heat Lamps?

Post by gw204 »

The largest part I need to heat is a the back side of a fuel tank hatch. It's about 6' x 2', so I figured 3 or 4 of them would do. The other parts I'll be glassing over the winter are small. Most of my work will wait until the spring. I just need a little something so I can keep momentum over the winter.
Brian
St. Leonard, MD
1980 Wenzel 1400
2003 Maycraft 1800 Skiff

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
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Re: Heat Lamps?

Post by NOTHING ELSE MATTERS »

I used 250 Watt with good results for spot warming.

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