I’ve done a fair amount of fiberglassing, but never used a laminating roller. So I bought one with my last order from BBC.
But now I’m scared to use it. How do I make sure it doesn’t get loaded up with cured epoxy? If I’m going to be spending a couple of hours glassing, how often do I clean it? Every time I reach the “kick” time for a batch of epoxy? How do I clean it and reuse it quickly while making sure residue from the cleaning isn’t still there to contaminate my new batch of epoxy?
I’m sure I’m overthinking. I definitely have that capacity.
Jbo
Cleaning laminating rollers
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- * Bateau Builder *
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Re: Cleaning laminating rollers
If you put it in a cool place, and use it with fresh epoxy, it shouldn't be an issue. Otherwise dipping it in a bucket of acetone in between uses works well too.
Even if a little gums up on it, a heat gun, propane torch and a wire brush works well to get old cured epoxy off. Do outside for the fumes.
Even if a little gums up on it, a heat gun, propane torch and a wire brush works well to get old cured epoxy off. Do outside for the fumes.
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- * Bateau Builder - Expert *
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Re: Cleaning laminating rollers
I keep 2" of acetone in a Home Depot bucket with a lid; soak the laminating tools that are solvent proof in it. If you get a little resin cured on it; use a dental pick to clean each row. I prefer a bubble buster.
- Evan_Gatehouse
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Re: Cleaning laminating rollers
I only use a yellow plastic squeegee to wet out fabric or tape. For flat areas just pour a large amount and use the squeegee to spread it out. Pour out a little more for wet spots.
For tapes, I use a laminating bench. Cover it with plastic dropcloth material. Wet out the tape there, roll up and then apply to the hull. Helps save your back
For tapes, I use a laminating bench. Cover it with plastic dropcloth material. Wet out the tape there, roll up and then apply to the hull. Helps save your back
designer: FB11/GV10,11,13/ HMD18/
SK17,MM21/MT24
SK17,MM21/MT24
Re: Cleaning laminating rollers
Definitely planning on the laminating bench for the tape. It saves backs and resin.
Jbo
Jbo
Re: Cleaning laminating rollers
Evan,
Are you saying you don’t use laminating rollers? Or just adding ideas for spreading?
Thanks.
Jbo
Are you saying you don’t use laminating rollers? Or just adding ideas for spreading?
Thanks.
Jbo
Re: Cleaning laminating rollers
I use a squeegee to spread the epoxy around or a tight knit dense foam roller. I also use my gloved hand to move it around and smooth it out. After that I use the laminating roller (assume you're talking about the fin roller for getting air pockets out) to work out any air bubbles there might be. I clean mine with white vinegar most of the time or use acetone.
Eric (aka, piperdown)
"Give an Irishman lager for a month and he's a dead man. An Irishman's stomach is lined with copper, and the beer corrodes it. But whiskey polishes the copper and is the saving of him." --> Mark Twain
"Give an Irishman lager for a month and he's a dead man. An Irishman's stomach is lined with copper, and the beer corrodes it. But whiskey polishes the copper and is the saving of him." --> Mark Twain
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