Gunsmithing looking into new bedding compound

jbell

Gunny Sergeant
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Minuteman
  • Jan 16, 2010
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    Jasper Arkansas
    I sat through a short class at work the other day that was for Loctite products. I was introduced to a product that may prove to be a good bedding compound. I would like any feed back anyone has on this product.
    It is Loctite Superior Metal, it is a 2 part compound that is similar to Devcon or Marine Tex. It sets up in about the same ammount of time and mixes similar. It has very little shrinkage (I think 2%). It compressive strength is very good at 18000 PSI vs. Marine Tex gray @ 13000 psi , Marine Tex white @ 8700 psi, and Devcon @ 8260 psi. It is very chemical and corrosion resistant. It has a very wide temp range for use and can fill rather large gaps. I think this would be a very good action bedding material. Here is a link to the technical data sheet:
    http://65.213.72.112/tds5/docs/3478-EN.PDF
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    I understand that, but the product I am talking about cost about $80. Im not looking for a less expensive product but a better product.
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    Looks like the working time is less than half that of Devcon 10110. Just something to be aware of.

    With so many people successfully using Devcon, Marine Tex, I think you may be encountering the Law of Diminishing Returns here. The product may be slightly better for this application (or it may not), but perhaps only marginally so and at 2x the cost?

    If you do use it - definitely post your experiences and pics. Somebody always has to go first!
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    A piece of cheese on a spring trap catches a mouse, and has for 400 years. Infrared proximity sensors activating laser guided pellet rifles would likely work well too. Rarely does one like to hide behind the answer "good enough".....but sometimes it is a good answer.
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hero's machine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A piece of cheese on a spring trap catches a mouse, and has for 400 years. Infrared proximity sensors activating laser guided pellet rifles would likely work well too. Rarely does one like to hide behind the answer "good enough".....but sometimes it is a good answer. </div></div>

    I agree.

    However in 12 years I've yet to warranty a bedding job due to it shooting out. For any reason really.

    That (from what I'm told anyway) doesn't always apply with others.
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    Chad Im not that smart, maybe you could bring me up to speed
    wink.gif
    . Just kidding I know you would rather not disclose your "special sauce". Ill keep looking into it. But the good thing is right now Im not shooting anything that needs bedding, I just do it from time to time for friends.
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">think aerospace. . .</div></div>

    First thing that jumps to mind is Proseal fuel tank sealant, but that's way too squishy...

    and god help me if I have to use it ever again...
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ian McMahon</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">think aerospace. . .</div></div>

    First thing that jumps to mind is Proseal fuel tank sealant, but that's way too squishy...

    and god help me if I have to use it ever again... </div></div>

    Being a tank repair guy looked to me like the least amount of fun you could have around an aircraft. I've only been in a tank once, and hope to never repeat either!
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    Kinda OT but Ive sat in that class before too. Well something similar. Did you get that pretty cool flow chart book? Its a booklet that tells you what compound/product to use for what your situation is?
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    No I work as a diesel engine mechanic for a Cat dealer and the class was geared for that. We did not go over all the product line but rather what is recomended or approved by Caterpillar. We use Marine Tex in cylinder blocks to repair the damage of cavitation in cooling systems, it is tough stuff but I like to keep tring to find better.
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: C. Dixon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">think aerospace. . . </div></div>

    There are about 30-40 Devcon products recommended for aerospace applications (by Interturbine, at any rate) - even the HVAC stuff. Some are easily eliminated, but I'm not sure cryptic clues are really helping the OP. And that's just from the Devcon product line.
     
    Re: looking into new bedding compound

    Bottom line is there are dozens and dozens of suitable products out there.

    Be mindful there are many other material properties than just tensile strength - and the highest tensile epoxy out tgere is certainly NOT the best one for bedding.

    However, bedding a rifle isn't aerospace engineering! JB Weld is a quality product and does just fine, though I'm a Devcon or Hysol guy myself. The Devcon texture is almost perfect for me. Just wish it would sag just a **little** more. Hysol makes some amazing epoxies, and I've never had a properly chosen Hysol product fail.