> Hello out there! I am building my first kayak out of cedar strips (a Great
> Auk as per Nick's book). I have a number of questions regarding the epoxy
> I should use. I will be building the kayak in my garage this summer. I
> have access to the West System's product line but am willing to try
> something else that is better. My questions are as follows: 1) How much
> hardener and resin do I need for the Great Auk? 2) What hardener should I
> use? What resin should I use? This is my first time laying up a lot of
> glass so I assume I'll need a rather slow set? 3) I also want to avoid the
> "amine blush" if possible so what products should I buy to avoid
> this problem?

> Thanks!

Robert,

I have used the basic products from both System Three and Raka. I prefer using Raka. It is clearer and thinner than System Three. The fact that it is thinner makes it easier to wet out the glass. I also need a higher filler to epoxy ratio when making dookie schmutz, this means I use less of the expensive epoxy. Top it all off with the fact that Raka is far less expensive than other epoxies, about $120 for 2 gals of resin, 2 qts fast hardener, and 2 qts slow hardener. I also like their glass. I used multiple layers of 3.25 oz satin weave glass on my last kayak. Order a sample from them to check it out for yourself.

Mike