Tuba Glue

[mTaUrBkA]

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience glueing or epoxying fiberglass sousaphone parts together? Any product suggestions? The bottom bow and a part near the shoulder are very loose at a seam and the duct tape isn't cutting it....

[Rick Denney]

Use a Marine Fiberglas Repair Kit from someplace like Home Depot or from a boating supply place.

I would suggest something a little stronger.

The repair kits at the home centers use polyester resin, which isn't particularly waterproof or strong.

Instead, go to the boat store and get the epoxy fiberglass filler made by the West System (you can also get it from an online marine supplier like Defender.com, which is a lot cheaper than the retail stores). The epoxy is far stronger than the polyester, and it also adheres to the existing materials much better.

If you are gluing tubing into a sleeve, just the epoxy will work with proper surface preparation. For repairing cracks, though, you need to sand a depression and then fill it with epoxy-soaked fiberglass fabric.

Rick "who has learned his lesson about cheap polyester resin" Denney

[tubatooter1940]

I like West System now that I bought dispenser push button faucets? that dispense the exact amout of epoxy and kicker. I am told West System has unlimited shelf life. The half gallon I had left over from my new boat bottom has lasted me 10 years and is still fine to use.
Talk about a great household glue! I mix it with fine sawdust strained thru a screen to make putty for outside use.