Joints assembled using POXY-GRIP® and POXY-SHIELD® should not be "over-clamped". Epoxies require only contact pressure to produce joints that are stronger than the adjoining wood. Use only enough pressure to insure that the joint is held immobile, with the surfaces in contact until the epoxy has set; usually overnight at room temperature for joints that will not be immediately stressed. If temperatures drop during the curing process, the curing time can be extended considerably. Scarf joints and similar joints that will be under stress when unclamped should cure for longer periods before clamps are removed. If you are not certain of your conditions, you can make test samples with scrap wood that can be stressed before unclamping your structural piece.

When using clamps, apply waxed paper or plastic sheeting between the wood and clamps since any glue contacting the clamps will form a bond that could be difficult to remove. Fastenings are also used to secure members when bonding. The conventional types of fastening (screws, boat nails, carriage bolts) are suitable as well as pneumatically-driven types including nails and staples.

Although POXY-GRIP® and POXY-SHIELD® form bonds stronger than the wood, the use of fastenings is still advised at all structural joints as an ultimate guarantee of hull strength and soundness under all conditions of use. Fasteners are insurance against possible stressing of uncured joints that may occur during construction. The use of POXY-GRIP® or POXY-SHIELD® and fastenings provides the owner with the peace-of-mind that the ultimate chemical and mechanical bond has been made in joining the structural members of his boat.

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