first build need answers

[JMKW_FreeDive]

This might be a stupid question but I am building a small reef gun as my first it's a mid handle and I was thinking of using a aluminium track the whole length of the 8mm shafts but just wondering what I should put on it to stop nice and friction

And advice would be apriciated

 

[foxfish]

I can't think of anything 'easy' that will stick and protect the ally ... not long term anyhow.
It is possible to get epoxy to stick to alloy but it is not always sucsesfull and requires sanding the surface while the epoxy is still wet.

 

[JMKW_FreeDive]

Sorry foxfish but sand while wet you mean the epoxy or sand the ally before I epoxy it I was going to pour epoxy in and then just cut the top off cause it is a deep track so don't think I need a enclosed track
Any thoughts

 

[foxfish]

Well my main thought would be not to use alloy but if you really want to then have a go....
The problem with getting anything to stick really well is that... aluminium will oxidise almost immediately after sanding it.
So you will be bonding to the oxidised surface rather than the freshly exposed metal, one method I have had success using is to lightly sand the metal, coat with a thin film of epoxy & then sand the metal while the epoxy is wet. This will prevent the surface being expose to air & the glue should stick.

 

[JMKW_FreeDive]

Thanks foxfish thought I was on a good wicket with airplane ally but guess I was wrong but that's what this sight is for passing knowledge around might skip the whole ally idea
So a timber track with epoxy will be smooth enough or will I have to add something to it???

 

[foxfish]

You can add graphite powder, what I have done is to cut an oversized track, filled it with the mix & then laid an polished spear on top.
If you can get a nice straight .5mm oversized spear then that is perfect.
However be warned that mixing in graphite makes an extremely hard to sand end product!

 

[JMKW_FreeDive]

Ok so what else can be added to make it durable and slick or is just epoxy good enough
Also I have been told you can add coulor to the epoxy will that help in anyway

 

[foxfish]

There are many additives readily available, powders, colours, fibres .. feel free to use what you fancy, it is all good fun.
If you have never used epoxy then be prepared for difficulty's - great stuff but fickly on occasions!!

 

[JMKW_FreeDive]

Yeh have not had a lot to do with it but have to learn some day right lol that's why I am only building a little reef gun first up