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Hal Woodruff mentions Jeffco's new hardener 3103.  I spoke to Jeffco a few
months back, ordered a quart of 3103 and have been using it since.  The
difference is really very obvious.  It mixes with the same resin as 3102,
but the resulting epoxy mix is considerably less viscous.  Not only does it
last much longer before starting to set, but it is much easier to work into
several layers of glass cloth.  Incidentally it also is easier to use with
gloves on, because it is less sticky.  I have not been using it in hot
conditions, so cannot be sure that it will not exotherm, but the indications
are that it will be much better in this respect too.

According to Jeffco, the cured epoxy with 3103 has the same properties as
that using 3102.  I have not tested it, but it appears to give an identical
result.  The disadvantages?  The layers of glass tend to separate more
easily during application, which is logical because of the reduced
viscosity.  In addition, it is more difficult to get the glass cloth to
stick over sharp compound corners (like impossible).  Having said that, I
still recommend 3103 for most purposes.  Since it uses the same resin (1307
from memory), I use 3103 for most work, but keep a bottle of 3102 for
critical applications.

I know that Jeffco were talking to Lancair about 3103, but do not know the
result.  However as far as I am concerned, it has made life a lot easier.

Jerry Fisher

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