PaulMB
pfm Member
I realise it is a minor problem in the context of human existence, but here in Italy it is becoming virtually impossible to buy a normal 2-part epoxy adhesive that gives you more than 5 minutes usability. Which makes it difficult to assemble and maybe carefully clamp something a bit complex or large.
Some will remember that the original Araldite took hours to go hard, and at least 24 to reach full strength, which could be tiresome.
But today it seems to be the opposite problem. I know "standard" Araldite still exists, at least in the UK and Switzerland. But in normal DIY shops (at least in Italy) there is no Bostik or UHU or Pattex equivalent that does not go stone hard in 5 minutes. There used to be, but no longer.
I've tried halving the amount of hardener, which takes it from 5 minutes to maybe 7 or 8. But will it be as strong? And why this mania for all-out speed?
Some will remember that the original Araldite took hours to go hard, and at least 24 to reach full strength, which could be tiresome.
But today it seems to be the opposite problem. I know "standard" Araldite still exists, at least in the UK and Switzerland. But in normal DIY shops (at least in Italy) there is no Bostik or UHU or Pattex equivalent that does not go stone hard in 5 minutes. There used to be, but no longer.
I've tried halving the amount of hardener, which takes it from 5 minutes to maybe 7 or 8. But will it be as strong? And why this mania for all-out speed?