Epoxy on the Blade

[RadioGaGa 162]

Here are some pics that fatwabbit took of his work on a blade with epoxy.

Pic #1

Pic #2

Pic #3

Pic #4

Pic #5

Direct any questions to him, I'm just the pic-poster.

Cheers.

[fatwabbit 93]

hey thanks a lot radiogaga! sorry guys, the pics are big files..

Pic 1 - Before the operation begins. To add on to the thread about how i tape up the stick. The part that looks pretty rough is actually the non-slip tape from 3M. This tape is usually put on the floor or steps to prevent people from slipping and falling. One thing i like about this tape is that it takes a bit of effort to pull off and lasts pretty long. Instead of taping the stick up every week or so, i only do it every 3-4 months.

Pic 2 - Closeup of the non slip tape

Pic 3 - The creamy coloured part on the edge of the blade is the epoxy (already mixed up). The epoxy resin and hardener were both translucent/transparent when they came out of the tube, but after mixing, they changed to a creamy coloured mixture. Masking tape/duct tape was taped to the back of the blade first before applying the mixture. This tape prevented the epoxy from dripping down and overflowing onto the back of the blade. I used a cut up card (those old credit cards or membership cards are good) to mix and apply the mixture. You can use the spatula that comes with the epoxy package as well. After applying the epoxy along the whole edge of the blade, i taped up the other side with another piece of masking tape. Note: i used masking tape as it is easier to peel off once the epoxy hardens. It doesnt leave any residue either. Some of the tapes we use in other applications (stationary, scotch tape) tend to leave the sticky glue behind.

Pic 4 - Closeup of the epoxy layer on the edge of the blade. the thickness of the layer is about 0.25 inch thick, purposely done this way as once the layer hardens, the lie of the stick may have changed. i can rub the blade along the ground or file away the access once harden to get what i need.

Pic 5 - the whole setup is place in such a way that the epoxy would flow evenly on the whole edge of the blade. Left overnight and voila... the edge is covered.

One thing about using the epoxy is that it becomes a 'sacrificial' layer... i wear the epoxy down instead of the blade. for those who still prefer using wood blades, this method actually seals the edge, and prevents water from seeping in.

I realised thru my short time on this forum that most of you guys are really into the performance side of this sport. I respect the fact that some of you play more than a few times a week. I'd just like to say that I play recreationally, at most once a week (usually on Sundays) and the cost of equipment is a big issue for me. I try to prolong the use of my equipment, especially my replacement blades as i have difficulty in getting the ones with the pattern i like. This method of applying epoxy may not seem like a good idea to you, but it does save me a bunch of money. effectively, i have a blade that lasts me about 6-9months instead of 3-4 months.

Hope this helps...

[scribble 0]

Great job describing your procedure!

I prefer the look of regular tape, but hate having to tape all the time so I've tried a few things too... I've used epoxy over the top of regular tape. It makes the tape last forever and repels ice and water better than wax. If you only use a thin layer (I spread it on with my hands w/vinyl gloves) it doesn't affect the feel of the blade at all, and makes the bottom edge of the blade slide better on the ice. I don't notice any weight difference after its applied.

With wood blades, I use medium set PVC glue instead of epoxy. It comes in a applicator can, and sets hard enough to use in about an hour, and doesn't look shiny at all after its applied. You can coat the entire blade or tape in it and it keeps the water out great, and doesn't feel sticky when the puck hits it like wax can. Assuming I don't crack a blade, I can go two months or more with one tape job, which is about as long as a wood blade lasts for me anyway...If you put several coats on the bottom it helps the tape slide on the ice and helps prevent the bottom edge from getting mushy. I haven't tried it on a composite blade, I'm afraid it might cause damage to the material...

[mickz 107]

How long does the epoxy hold up?

[fatwabbit 93]

depends on what kinda surface you use it on. I've never played ice hockey, but i assume that it would last pretty long since the surface is not too abrasive.

For inline, if you played on courts designed for hockey, it should last at least 4-5 sessions. For me, i used to play on smooth cement, and it lasted for about 4 sessions (i play once a week, so it lasted about a month). Currently, i play on a surface similar to that used on tennis courts, and it does get a bit abrasive on the blade, so now its about 2 sessions (2 hrs each session)

i usually put a layer of about 1/4 inch thick... anything above that would crack and break off (tried about 1/2 inch, didnt work...). you may wanna try just applying a little first, and see what is the result. if it doesnt work out, it isnt that difficult to wear down. if it works for you, then maybe try a little more. or use an old stick first and see how it goes.... write back on how it turns out...