[TowerTalk] JB Weld

Bill Powell whp at att.net
Sat Apr 11 19:15:48 PDT 2009


A quick and dirty test for JB Weld as an RF insulator:

Mix up a small lump, let it harden and microwave it (along w/ a cup of water).
If it get's hot it has absorbed microwave energy and is a questionable RF insulator.

Bill - WB1GOT

>   8. Re: JB Weld (Mike)
>-----Original Message-----
>From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
>[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dennis W0JX
>
>JB Weld is a wonderful adhesive. It has better tensile strength than most
>epoxies (listed as 3960 psi on the package). It will adhere to plastics in
>situations where most other epoxies will not. It will adhere to aluminum
>tenaciously if the surface is cleaned and roughed up a bit.
>?
>However I question its insulation qualities at RF. While the packaging says
>that it "does not conduct electricity" the packaging also states "The unique
>J-B Weld formula of liquid steel and compound hardener..."
>?
>Therefore, I would avoid using it where a radiating or parasitic element
>touches the compound itself. However, you could put some kind of appropriate
>insulating barrier between the J-B Weld compound and the radiating/parasitic
>element.
>?
>Dennis W0JX/8


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