Mast track (plastic)

[roland_trim]

Plexus can be hand mixed. We use a tiller extension of cut to push out equal dollups

[Phil Alderson]

I am working on a refresh of my mast, and am replacing the whole track. I have not used either of the adhesives suggested below. Do they cure hard, or to a rubber finish? Also how much do you think you would need for a 5.5m length?

[Clive Everest]

Hi Phil.
I hope that this means that you will be sailing soon.
Will we see you at Stone?

I use Devweld 530 / 531.
530 cures even faster.
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/acrylic-adhesives/2368134/?searchTerm=devweld+531&relevancy-data=636F3D3126696E3D4931384E4C446573635461786F6E6F6D794272616E645365617263685465726D325F74656D70266C753D656E266D6D3D6D617463687061727469616C6D617826706D3D5E5B5C707B4C7D5C707B4E647D3F5C707B5A737D2D2C2F255C2E5D2B2426706F3D31313326736E3D592673743D4B4559574F52445F4D554C54495F414C5048415F414E445F4D554C54495F414C5048415F4E554D455249432673633D592677633D4E4F4E45267573743D64657677656C6420353331267374613D64657677656C642035333126
They are very similar to Plexus.
It is worth getting the applicator and mixing nozzles. The glue goes off fast and these make mixing and applying much for accurate and cleaner.
How good is the fit of the track to the mast?
50mL will give a 3.5mm bead over a 5.5m length.
If the track is 1cm wide this will give a glue line 1mm thick which should be enough if the fit is good.
I would have a second tube available when you start in case you apply too much initially.
They do cure hard but not the glass like finish of properly cured epoxy. More the hardness of PVC or ABS.

Clive.

[Phil Alderson]

Hi Clive,

We have been sailing a bit, but it is hard for us to get away for a week with a wee one.

I was thinking that the applicator was going to be very useful, just being able to put a neat bead down the track with the applicator/mixer would make the job much eisier.

The track looks an OK fit at the bottom, but where the mast has tapered, there is more of a gap around the edges.
I will have a look at the Devweld.

 

[Clive Everest]

Hi Phil,
The plexus comes in the same standard 50mL cartridges and uses the same applicator and mixing nozzles.
I understand regarding the wee one.
If you are very lucky you then get a few brief years where it is cool to sail with dad.

Clive