HOW MUCH EPOXY DO I NEED TO GLUE MY CERAMIC CUPS TO PVC TUBING?
Soilmoisture sells Epoxy
Kits in three sizes:
0980V004 Epoxy Kit, 04 oz. size (4 oz. of hardener and 4 oz. of epoxy)
0980V016 Epoxy Kit, 16 oz. size ( 16 oz. of hardener and 16 oz. of epoxy)
0980V032 Epoxy Kit, 32 oz. size (32 oz. of hardener and 32 oz. of epoxy)
The exact amount of epoxy needed will depend on how
much epoxy mixture is prepared, how many cups and what types of cups
you are trying to epoxy, the ambient temperature, etc.
Epoxy mixtures can harden rather quickly, so you will
want to prepare only the amount you will need for the process. We generally
recommend, as a rule of thumb, 8 grams* of hardener mixed with 10 grams
of resin for 20 ceramic cups. Your situation may differ, but this is
a good starting point.
Prepare the Epoxy mixture according to the instructions
provided with the Epoxy Kit. Material Safety Data Sheets are provided
with the Epoxy Kit mixing instructions.
You should prepare the PVC tubing in advance by washing
it using Simple Green, rinsing thoroughly and then drying. The PVC should
be completely dry before applying epoxy.
Standard 2 Bar Cups
To epoxy our standard 2 Bar cups to a PVC tube, you must first apply
a light coat of the epoxy mixture to the neck of the cup and a light
coat on the inside of the PVC tubing where it will have contact with
the cup neck. Once both surfaces have been coated, insert the cup into
the PVC tube. Using a clean cloth, wipe off any excess epoxy mixture
that may seep through the joint. Place a strip of adhesive tape over
the joint and allow the unit to dry thoroughly before use.
1 Bar High Flow and Half
Bar Cups
These cups are more porous and therefore will require more epoxy. Prepare
your epoxy mixture according to instructions. Apply a light coating
of the epoxy mixture to the neck of the cup and allow to dry thoroughly.
Repeat this process again. Once the cups have had at least two coatings
of the epoxy that have dried completely, then you will be able to join
the cup to the PVC tubing as described above, cleaning off any excess,
taping the joint and allowing the unit to dry thoroughly before use.
*There are approximately 28 grams to the ounce.
