Epoxy glue cure

[jbo_c]

Gluing rub rails on with peanut butter made with MarinEpoxy slow hardener. How long before I should be comfortable releasing the clamps?

Jbo

[TomW1]

What's your temp if over 80 three days for reliability, some will say a week. Tom

[jbo_c]

We’re mid-80s during the day.

Gotta admit, three days wasn’t even on my radar. I was just wondering if it needed to be a full 24hrs.

Jbo

[OneWayTraffic]

Usually 24 hours is more than enough in good temperatures, though if the part was under a lot of stress I'd give it longer. Creep under load while curing is possible.

[fallguy1000]

I go 24 hours for joints under clamping stress or overnite if not stressed.

[OrangeQuest]

I agree if using the BBC epoxy at 24hours. But I would also consider what will be the coolest overnight temp. Then mix and glue as the temps are starting to increase (morning) for the longer pot life. The epoxy is warmed not only by the chemical process but then warms by nature for a longer warmer curing time. But consideration also for how much mix it used in the epoxy glue. If you want a glue mix that doesn't sag on the vertical but want a single piece of wood to flex a lot, then thinner wood but layers, and/or kerf the piece before gluing so it relieves the stress. This works well on rub rails and makes them stronger where they bend.