Replies

1. 
   timkline | Jul 24, 2005 12:59am | #1

   that lag time plus the heavy cost for the material is part of the reason I'm not that fond of Abatron's stuff.

   hardening time can be unpredictable.  as can the expansion.

   hit it with a hair dryer or heat gun. that should take care of hardening it.

    

   carpenter in transition

2. 
   billyg | Jul 24, 2005 01:08am | #2

   Tim is right about the heat gun but there may be a couple of other issues.

   First, was the window sill absolutely dry?  If the wood was still wet you need to dry it out and start over.  Sometimes I use a heat gun before applying the consolidant.

   Second, the epoxy generates heat as part of the curing process and the heat helps it cure faster.  The instructions from Abatron point out that the consolidant will cure faster in the mixing container (where the heat can build up) than it will when it is spread thin.  It is a good idea to mix the liquid consilidant and let it sit for a while in the mixing container until it starts to thicken very slightly, and then apply it very quickly. Don't wait too long or will cure before you apply it.

   It's easier to use the Minwax solvent-based acrylic consolidant but the Abatron epoxy supposedly is stronger and longer lasting.

   Billy

1. 
   ted | Jul 24, 2005 04:28am | #5

   Well I washed the sill about 2 1/2 weeks ago and it was dry to the touch when I put the goop on this morning. I suppose the high humidity doesn't help the curing process (it's been around 70% -80%) and I'm sure there is some internal moisture in the wood from the humidity that's been around for over a week. Let's say I have to start over, I can scrape the stuff on the surface off but do I need to go down deep and get the stuff out of the pores too?

1. 
   billyg | Jul 24, 2005 05:11am | #6

   I don't think you need to scrape it off.  Hit it with a heat gun or hair dryer for a while and it should cure well enough in another day.  Did you drill holes in the sill as instructed by Abatron?  It allows the consolidant to work its way into the wood, and it also allows the wood to dry out better.  Plus it allows the solid epoxy to make a better bond to the wood.  The Minwax consolidant is much less fussy than the Abatron.  I really like the Abatron epoxy putty though.

   Billy

2. 
   BobChapman | Jul 24, 2005 05:11am | #7

   I've occasionally had the surface feel tacky after using Abatron.  I just wiped the surface with the solvent they provide: it cut the tackiness completely, and it's still fine ten-plus years later, so i conclude that it cured OK in spite of the initial tackiness.

3. 
   alias | Jul 24, 2005 01:34am | #3

   ted- when mixing the consolident you have to let it slake for around 10- 15 minutes which cuts the drying time by a third check it tomorrow around nine a.m., then try sanding a test patch. if it gums up. wait a coupla days if it leaves a scuffed up gray area continue with the rest of area then apply the wood epox a/b formula. it's great stuff, i use abatron in conjunction the minwax wood filler . and that makes me look like ahero once and awhile........b

   .." He who makes a beast out of one's self, get's rid of the pain of being a man"

   
   

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   Edited 7/23/2005 6:38 pm ET by the bear

4. 
   WorkshopJon | Jul 24, 2005 01:59am | #4

   Ted,

   Did you mix the individual cans well before blending together?  I've worked with epoxies for close to thirty years and this can (but not necessarily) be critical, and often the accelerating agents (as well as other stuff) can separate in the container.

   Also, some catalyzed resins have a very narrow window as far as the mix ratio goes.

   WSJ