First time laminating wood need advice

[mainsailman]

I am building a tiller for our trimaran out of red oak, poplar, and purpleheart....I have been unsuccessful in looking up what kind of epoxy I should use. I don't want some yellow or odd colored goo between the strips I am going to laminate.....anyone have any suggestions? Thanks:cool:

[Sailor]

Why not use ash?

[JimD]

Raka's formula is almost clear, for one. But I doubt you'll notice any colour to the glue line, especially after several coats of varnish. I'd use whatever epoxy you use for any other glue up. My tiller is made of several layers of doug fir. Can't remember if I used a clear or amber epoxy and close inspection doesn't help. Its a non issue.

[mcdenny]

"Regular" boat building epoxy is all you need. I doubt the exact brand matters very much. It all starts out clear to faintly yellowish. It won't show anyway between the laminations.

I must say its an odd combination of wood species. Poplar is very prone to rot, red oak is not as good as white oak and both oaks are a bit unreliable to glue with epoxy, especially if you are building in a curve.

[erster]

No matter the woods even when you are using several colors of wood, blend a black colorant into the resin before you mix the hardener, a small amount depending on how much glue you will be using and then use wood fibers to thicken the blend. This gives you a dark seam line between the layers. Most places that sell resins also sell color pigments which works for both polyester and epoxy.

[Thermo]

Raka's dark cotton flox makes a dark gray, almost black line with regular epoxy. Makes some strong glue too.

[Sailor]

I must say its an odd combination of wood species. Poplar is very prone to rot, red oak is not as good as white oak and both oaks are a bit unreliable to glue with epoxy, especially if you are building in a curve.
__________________

I say again, Why not ash?

[mainsailman]

Unfortunately there was no ash available in my area. Mahogany and ash were my first choices. I am just adding the purpleheart to the tip for looks...just a first try at making a tiller. After I am sure it can do it, I will order the wood that I really want. ERSTER, I love that idea about the black, thank you. I have about a half a gallon of polyester resin left over, I will order the pigment tomorrow.

[erster]

Don't use polyester resin under any circumstances in this application. Use epoxy with the pigment thats sold for coloring agent that works in both. Also use a slow hardener for more working times no matter where you are located.

[mainsailman]

well, dang...one more purchase...thank you...much appreciated