Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Devcon bedding question for the experts

I've bedded quite a few rifles thru the years using Accraglass. I'm about to make my 1st attempt using Devcon 10110. Can you guys tell me what you use to clean up this product with? Will anything cut it or thin it? Thnaks in advance 163bc

I use Acraglass for hunting rifles and Devcon for bench rifles I have never felt the need to have anything cut it or thin it, maybe I don't understand your question.
Phil

Cleanup is no different from any other epoxy. Alcohol, acetone, or vinegar will do the job.

As far as thinning, I doubt the manufacturer of Devcon would recommend it. IIRC, Devcon aluminum came in both putty and liquid forms, and some gunsmiths would use the putty for the bulk of the bedding, then a thin top coat with the liquid. I've bedded a few rifles with Devcon, but it was years ago.

I stopped using Devcon when the price went sky high. All epoxy got expensive, but Devcon went just crazy.

Paul

I guess cut or thin was the wrong way to phrase the question. I'm looking to see what is best to use to clean it and be able to get it off a stock or anything else that I don't intend for it to be on without damage. I've always had good luck w vinegar and was wondering if there was a magic formula for Devcon? Thanks for the replies. Sam

Clean up for me, is getting it off as soon as possible before it has time to set up. I use Q-tips and go around everything I can see. You can make your last pass with WD40 on the Q-tip and it will not hurt you stock finish (or at least the ones I have done). All the other Q-tips were dry except for the last pass.

If I'm bedding a finished stock, I tape the exterior of the stock anyplace that the epoxy might go. I clean the majority of the excess epoxy with Qtips. After it is dry and I've pulled the barreled action, I carefully file the unwanted epoxy with a metal file down to the tape, then pull the tape.
Phil

Yep. This is a good way to go.

I don't really "thin" the epoxy, but I seem to have had decent results heating the material (JB or Devcon) with an incandescent lamp before application. Seems to make it flow a little better and reduces bubbles. Or maybe it's because my wife keeps the house so damn cold....

What to you guys use for a mold release?

Johnson's Paste Wax. Avoid anything containing silicone.

Plug gaps with plumbers' putty or beeswax. I've found that kids' play clay is too greasy, makes a mess. Artists' modeling clay is good too. Get it at a crafts store.

Paul

good info guys thank you

Thanks

I use AcraRelease spray. I've always felt it will do a better job of getting into small places that my fingers can't get into to spread a wax. Makes me less nervous. Costs a lot more but really?
Phil

I usually use RENAISSANCE WAX and have never had any issues with it. I'm sure Johnson's works just as well. Next one I do I'm going to try this aerosol can of LPS Dry Film PTFE. Supposed used in industry as a mold release.

Johnson's paste wax for a release agent, be careful with the vinegar it will pit metal if not completely removed.

Hornady one shot case lube is easier to find and works just as well.

Hornady here as well, always works.

Thank you gentlemen for all the replies and feedback. I used the Devcon 10110 and it turned out quite nice. I used Johnson paste wax as release agent. Acetone for minor clean up. Rem oil worked good to clean up the paste wax. Not a lot different than Acraglass but the grey color matched up w my stock perfectly. Good Shooting

My technique with Devcon is the same as it is for Acraglass. The only thing I have learned about bedding in recent years is that the chemical reaction requires heat to allow the epoxy to set correctly, so if the metal is too cold, the epoxy will not achieve full strength. Learned that from the excellent book by Hambly-Clark.

I use clear boot wax on everything I don’t want the devcon to stick to, and q tips to clean up the stuff that squished out. Does a beautiful job.