Qestion: two-part epoxy for acrylic pen tubes?

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SCjim

SCjim

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Apr 20, 2017
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Asheboro, North Carolina
So here is the question: Can I use a two-part epoxy as a satisfactory bonding agent for inserting tubes in acrylic pen blanks. I do not turn many pens anymore, but I got an order from a South Carolina County Sheriff department for quite a few pens.

Since I have eye surgery, I cannot take the CA flumes anymore.
 
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Absolutely yes you can. A five minute 2 part epoxy is all I use on acrylic and other synthetics as well as wood. One thing to note: let the "five minute" epoxy cure for about 12 hours. I recommend that you rough up the tube with 120 sandpaper before you glue it in the blank.
 
I don't use CA on tubes anymore. Two part epoxy will allow you to accurately set the tubes to the desired depth within the blank. I would use some kind of putty or clay in the ends of the tubes to avoid getting epoxy inside.
 
I never use CA. I've been using two-part epoxy for over 20 years. I normally use 5 minute, but if I'm gluing multiple pens I'll use 15 or 30 minute epoxy to give me more time. I paint almost all acrylic blanks so the brass tube doesn't show through. I paint inside the hole in the blank and the brass tube. I also color the epoxy, which you can't do with CA. One or two drops of acrylic paint is all it takes.
 

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If you are making several pens, 5 minute epoxy will require either working fast or multiple batches. I built custom fishing rods. I almost didn't get the grip set in place with 5 minute epoxy. I went with 2 Ton Epoxy which gives a work time of 30 minutes, enough time to do several blanks and tubes.
 
For many years, I've used nothing but BarrelBond from System 3. It's a 5 minute Epoxy that comes in tubes like toothpaste so it doesn't dry out. I've never had a glue related failure since I started using it. Woodcraft & Rockler both carry it.
 
I've just used a shop paper towel to wipe off any excess and a q-tip to remove any glue from inside the tube. There's many ways to keep glue out of the tube. You just don't want any to harden inside of the tube.
 
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