Changes in Devcon?

[tiny68]

I used Devcon Steel Putty several times 10-15 years ago to bed several rifles. I got a quart size can. I need re-bed a few rifles and then a couple of new ones. I have read that Devcon changed their formula so it is no as thick as it used to be and doesn't set as hard. I ordered a tube of Marine-Tex, but after reading Richard Franklin's old article in the Bulletin stating it is too soft - I am hesitant to use that.

These are hunting rifles custom barrels that will likely be exposed to some weather. What is your preferred bedding compound available today?

Thanks, Tim

 

[WSnyder]

Marine-Tex is not too soft, it sets up very hard IMO. It's one of the most commonly used bedding epoxy's. I used it for many years. Recently been using Pro-Bed. It's far easier to measure out the mix than Marine-Tex because of the 50-50 mix ratio. To get Marine-Tex right I weighed it.

 

[LVLAaron]

Pro bed!

 

[DaveTooley]

I've used Marine-Tex for 35 years with no problems. How hard does a bedding compound have to be? 50-65 inch pounds on the guard screws with a large surface area. It's machinable after hardening and easy clean up and removal if it gets in places it's not supposed to be. Like on guard screw threads,.

 

[msalm]

I switched to Marine-Tex after having brand new tubs of Devcon go bad on the shelf. Never looked back, great stuff.

 

[jghoghunter]

I've been using Marine-Tex so much easier to work with. More than hard enough. I bet if you would check there is more winning rifles bedded with that than Devcon.

 

[LVLAaron]

I've had marine-tex go bad. Any resin will.

 

[kendog]

Devcon was forced by the nannies to change the hardener several years back, and the first go around with the "new, improved" stuff went bad quickly. They have since changed it and it is better. I called them about it and they told me the story and sent a big tub of the newer new stuff and it worked as expected. As LVLAaron posted, any epoxy will go bad eventually, they all have a shelf life. I can tell you with complete certainty the the unmixed resin portion of Devcon Steel Putty will turn to sh*t in a hurry if exposed to a month or three of 100 deg plus temps.

 

[hogpatrol]

Don't know if it makes any difference but I thicken Marine-Tex with the micro balloons, then let it sit until it thickens somewhat, never had an issue. I weigh it to get the correct proportions.

 

[msalm]

I've had marine-tex go bad. Any resin will.

I’ve had opened cans on my bench (resealed after each use) for up to a year and while the hardener does seem to turn darker, I’ve never had it not harden properly. I buy the large 1lb? cans, which are harder to find but ideal for my use.

 

[LVLAaron]

I only used it once…I had 2-3 kits unopened and rock hard. Moved to pro bed… really liking it. Warm it up before use, super easy to mix, add some thickener, easy.

 

[Carl S]

I have used devcon for 20+years with no problems.i have used loctite hysol which is equally as good.

 

[tobnpr]

I ordered a tube of Marine-Tex, but after reading Richard Franklin's old article in the Bulletin stating it is too soft - I am hesitant to use that.

Use the gray if you're using Marine-Tex, much more compressive strength than the white.

MARINE-TEX® EPOXY PUTTY - ITW Performance Polymers

MARINE-TEX® EPOXY PUTTY barrier coat seals and pGluvit barrier coat seals and protects hulls and decks.rotects hulls and decks.

itwperformancepolymers.com

I've used gallons of Marine-Tex for it's intended use (boats ), and found it's much more sensitive to mix ratio than Devcon.

 

[clowdis]

I seem to remember DevCon having to replace some resin about 10 years or so ago. It was going bad on the shelf. If you sent your resin to them they would replace it.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Anybody using JB Weld?

 

[LVLAaron]

I use JB Quick for pillars and bottom metal on these crooked ass m40 clone stocks I can't keep away from the shop

 

[Fast14riot]

JB, Devcon, MarinTex, I've used them all. Now I always add steel powder to any bedding compound which greatly improves compressive strength.

 

[MikeRu]

Mine came out well with Devcon 10110, the 2024 version

 

[Mram10us]

JB, Devcon, MarinTex, I've used them all. Now I always add steel powder to any bedding compound which greatly improves compressive strength.

i like that. i cut some aluminum chips on the lathe, with a towel to catch and no oil. mixes great for larger areas like around the recoil lug

 

[LVLAaron]

BROWNELLS Atomized Stainless Steel Powder 12oz SKU: 081021204 | Brownells

Check out BROWNELLS Atomized Stainless Steel Powder 12oz SKU: 081021204 | Brownells available Online at Brownells Today and many more Stock Bedding products are available in our Tools & Cleaning Department.

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Careful with thin mixes. The metal will sink to the bottom.