I couldn't continue working not knowing why the fiberglass was not hardening. So I created three samples and layed up 2 BID flanges on some scrap pieces. The first one was just what I had always done. Then I mixed the epoxy in an old soda can thinking maybe it was the bowls. Then I stirred the hardener and resin separately thinking maybe something had happened there. I mixed that result in a soda can as well. I layed up the BID and waited. The next day the fiberglass that had mixed the epoxy in the paper bowl was pliable while the two others were essentially cured and stiff. So it was the bowls. I thought I had been using the same bowls all along, but upon closer inspection these paper bowls may have a wax coating. I had bought a second batch of bowls at a different super market. I don't know why a previous layup did not have this problem. So I am switching to the aluminum cans for mixing. I just thought I would let everyone else know in case they ran into this problem. I knew not to mix in wax covered paper bowls. I thought the bowls were simply paper.
-Kurt 141 Hours in AZ
