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System Three T88 epoxy is a high performance structural adhesive resin for wood, metal, concrete, marble and most rigid surfaces. This waterproof, non-brittle, two-part epoxy adhesive is designed to provide superior results under adverse conditions.
T88 may be used without modification in normally fitted joints, and will cure in any thickness without shrinkage. It is a clear amber and becomes virtually invisible when varnished. This epoxy exhibits outstanding adhesion and permanence on a wide variety of materials, and is endorsed by leading designers, builders, and organizations.
Working time is one hour, Tack-free in 4-6 hours. Tensile strength 7,000 psi. T88 is often used as a very strong woodworking glue.
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$69.12
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$636.72
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T-88 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Resin Properties:
Viscosity at 77 deg F: 9000-11000 cps
Specific Gravity: 1.10-1.12
Color: Clear
Hardener Properties:
Viscosity at 77 deg F: 8000-10000 cps
Specific Gravity: 0.95-0.97
Color: Amber
Mixed System Properties:
Mix ratio by weight resin/hardener: 100/83
Mix ratio by volume resin/hardener: 100/100
Pot Life at 77 deg F: 40-60 minutes
Full Cure at 77 deg F: 4-6 hours
Coverage: 80 square ft/gal
Maximum Service Temperature: 160 deg F
Typical Cured Properties:
Tensile Strength, psi: 7000
Tensile Elongation at break: 7.5 percent
Flexural Strength, psi: 11,500
Flexural Modulus, psi: 375,000
Lap Sheer Strength:
Polyester Laminate: 2800 psi
Concrete: 1100 psi
Wood: 1800 psi
Aluminum: 2000
Galvanized Steel: 1800 psi
Copper: 1650 psi
Use protective gloves when working with epoxy. Use soap and water or white vinegar to clean off of your hands. Use Denatured Alcohol to clean off your tools.
BRAND:
System Three
Material:
Epoxy
Number Of Parts:
Two Part
Rate Of Cure:
Medium
Strength:
Strong
Type:
Epoxy Adhesive
Questions & Answers about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
2012-10-30CHRIS J asked: Rookie question...Is it practical to glue teak boards together? Or, must you always use supporting screws? Thanks!
+Expand Answers
2012-10-30Nathan Fournier: Mechanically fastening is always best, but I recommend doing both to ensure a full waterproof seal, and high strength. Using only fasteners will leave a small unsealed gap in-between boards where water may enter (exterior applications). Thank you.
2012-10-30Chris J: Nathan, do you recommend a good teak adhesive? Thank you
2012-11-01Nathan Fournier: Life caulk is an excellent caulk for teak, check out our page "BTL-1036" which is the Teak-Brown Color, it bonds very well to teak with "good" adhesive power. If you're looking for more strength and waterproofing you can't go wrong with G/Flex Epoxy "WSY-650-32" there are also other options for the G/flex such as pre-thickened "WSY-655-K" and a clamshell kit that comes in liquid with a thickening agent which allows you to do both "WSY-650-K". This is an exceptional product and has endless applications, you can even bond damp wood to aluminum with this. Thank you.
Nathan
JD Store
(401)253-2986 ex.130
2012-08-23OFER HARGIL asked: what is the best storage temprature for the T-88?
+Expand Answers
2012-08-23CALVIN BROWN: I use room temp, 50-85 F
2012-08-24BRIAN HINTHER: Between 50 and 80 degrees would be optimum.
2012-08-24CHARLES MASI: The BEST storage temperature for ensuring T-88 stability is probably freezing, but it's impractical. The stuff is generally quite stable, however. I've never made special precautions for epoxy storage, and never had problems, even with material that has seen temperature swings from below zero (F) to 100 F. USE temperature is a whole 'nother story, however. The curing temperature is temperature dependent. Pot life is shorter at higher temperature. I try to mix and use it at 65-70 F. At lower temperatures, curing is a little slow, but the stuff does cure and bond strength seems okay. At higher temperatures, work a little faster.
2012-08-24GENE SCHMITT: we used it to anchor some bolts and steel in concrete worked good havent had any issue with it after that
2012-08-25WAYNE SUHRBIER: 75 degrees F is the temperature that the cure times are based on so that is probably the best. I've had some cycle between about 40 to 100 F and it has still worked well.
2012-08-28EB WICKES/RAINBOW MARINE: T88, like most epoxies, will crystallize after prolonged exposure to temps below about 40 deg. F. They can be revived by warming to 150 degs. F for a few hours. Storage @ 50 -100 degs. F should be no problem. Warm to at least room temp before using. Epoxies mix easier and perform best above 80 degs. F.
A good trick is to store and dispense epoxies from a box kept warm with a refrigerator sized light bulb.
2012-07-02WILLIAM RICHARDS asked: Can I use an additive to thicken T88 to laminate oak frames on a large wooden boat?
+Expand Answers
2012-07-03BRIAN HINTHER: You could, but the reason T-88 is called a structural adhesive and not just epoxy is because it already has a thickener built in. I'm not sure how much more it could use. Good luck with your project.
2012-07-03MARTHA'S VINEYARD CONSTRUCTION CO: It's pretty thick as is. I laminated a 18" curved vertical beam as is
2012-03-14A shopper asked: will this bond fiberglass panels to plywood?
+Expand Answers
2012-03-14WILLIAM WALLACE: This stuff is the best. The technical data sheet says it works with fiberglass so you are good to go. It is not brittle so it can stand some expansion differences and even glues to wet wood.
From the tech sheet:
"T-88 has exceptional adhesion to most clean surfaces including
wood, fiberglass, concrete, aluminum, steel and many plastics."
2012-03-14PAWEL DANIELEWICZ: Yes, but you should roughen the surface of the fiberglass. Remember also that the plywood has its structural strength and it needs to withhold the strain from the fiberglass. I am very pleased with this resin.
2012-03-14KEN RYAN: Depending on the porosity of the fiberglass panels, you may want to consider a thinner 'laminating' epoxy. T88 is quite thick so it can be difficult to spread evenly over a large area, but it will certainly hold! If the panels to be bonded are very porous T88's extra 'body' may be an advantage. In any case you'll want to arrange a good system to hold the parts in position while the epoxy cures.
2012-03-15JUDITH LYNN MEISSEN: I have not done that and would do a test first. Sorry
2012-03-17BRIAN HINTHER: I've never tried it, but my understanding is it should work just fine.
2012-01-10GLENN MCDONALD asked: I am building a 12 foot flat bottom boat out of marine plywood, I will be using screws and clamps to assemble such pieces my idea and question is will the T88 work in tight gaps if glued and screwed to prevent leakage?
+Expand Answers
2012-01-11BRIAN HINTHER: I guess that depends on just how tight the gaps are. I think they would have to be very narrow gaps for a boat. T-88 is a great epoxy, and its thicker consistency helps with small gaps.
2012-01-11JUDITH LYNN MEISSEN: Yes, it's higher viscosity helps keep it in place and you can stll use some thickener if needed.
2012-01-18glenn mcdonald: Hello Judith, Thank you for answering my question. I have another question what should I use for thickener - does the company make such an item or should I try some corn starch or maybe metamucil might work.
2012-01-18JUDITH LYNN MEISSEN: I already had West microbaloons and used those. Organic substances may not have the longevity you desire.
2012-01-14GERALD GLASS: I'm unable to help out on an application such as this. I used the adhesive to to seal and bond an aluminum panel to steel ( the joint was riveted, as well). This was on the top structure of a Delorean, and I no longer have the car.
2012-01-21GARY MERTL: I've found T88 epoxy to provide a very strong and durable bond. Since it is also waterproof, you should have no problems for use on your boat.
2011-10-13ROGER MOORE asked: where can i buy this product in the balto md area?
+Expand Answers
2011-10-13Ryan L: We can ship it to you from RI. You are only 2 days away ground shipping.
2011-10-12ROGER MOORE asked: whats the drying time ?
+Expand Answers
2011-10-12JIM DUCEY: Varies with temperature, but it runs like thick honey the first 3-4 hrs so you need to check on it running during that time. It was pretty solid by 8hrs and hard cured by 24 hrs. I was using it in a cool garage (60 degrees or so). It has quite a fishy smell, wouldn't use it inside a house, garage was bad enough. The System3 ClearCoat worked wonderfully with the T88.
I used T88 to join the wood leading edge of my biplane to the 12 ribs in the wings, and used it to join wet thin okume to the leading edge once it was in place, and the T88 worked wonderfully for both applications. The clearcoat made the okume look like a gunstock, and the ribs (which were darker wood) sucked it up and looked like phenolic. I hated to cover the wing panels as the woodwork looked so good. (Can see it on westcoastpiet under pics... for JIM D).
2011-10-12JUDITH LYNN MEISSEN: I don't remember what the label recommends but I always allow 24 hours before stressing the joint. Ambient temp will affect drying time.
2011-10-12DAVID ELLINGSON: From my experience working time is 30-45 minutes at 70-80 degrees. After that time it is too viscous to work. The glue is tack free in about 6 hours. I keep the work lightly clamped overnight (about 12 hours), I wait at least 24 hours before stressing the glue joint. The cure process is faster at higher temperatures, and slower at lower temperatures. I wouldn't use this adhesive if the temperature is below about 40 degrees. T-88 has been an excellent structural adhesive for my boatbuilding project.
2011-10-12MARTIN O'BRIEN: 12 to 24 hours initial cure time depending on temperature. In the summer it cures faster, in the winter slower. Initial cure time for most epoxies generally means that they are mostly cured (@80 to 90 percent). It takes about a week though to reach full cure. This applies to most adhesives. Thorough mixing of all epoxies is important.
2011-10-13THOMAS OSTRONIC: I used it a few years ago, so the memory is a little foggy. Normally I let it stand overnight and it would be fine the next day. Drying time was a little longer with high humidity.
I liked it because the color blended with the natural color of the old wood that was being repaired.
2011-10-13TED HEMMER: I let it dry for about 24 hrs.
If you are using it for serious structural application, follow directions.
Less serious, 6 to 8 hours, but is will be sticky.
2011-10-15STEVEN SOBBA: I do not recall actual time. # years ago.. the warmer the temperature (weather) the faster it would set up. My routine was to always let what I was glueing and assembling to set over night. Unclamp and of course it builds strength as it cures over the following days and weeks. Steve
While planning my 21 ft Dory I ran some destructive test using Pine 2x4s and 1/2" Plywood. I tried 3 different glues: 1. T-88 Epoxy 2. Gorilla ...Read complete review
While planning my 21 ft Dory I ran some destructive test using Pine 2x4s and 1/2" Plywood. I tried 3 different glues: 1. T-88 Epoxy 2. Gorilla Glue 3. Yellow Water Proof Wood Glue
The 1st test was with the 2 x 4 on edge with 4" of glue and held with 2 screws to the plywood. All three samples were precoated so as not to have dry joints and recoated after 5 minutes. After 24 hours the samples were broken. 1. The T-88 Epoxy Sample took wood from both the plywood and 2 x 4s. But only about 1/8" deep. 2. The Gorilla Glue also took some wood but less then the Epoxy. 3. The Yellow Wood Glue had only minor amounts of wood where broken.
The 2nd test was made only with T-88 Epoxy as it was the clear winner of test #1. With this 2nd test I once again made samples using 2 x 4s and 1/2" plywood. 1. Tight joint as in Test #1 with T-88. 2. Loose joint with one end touching and the other end 1/8" loose but fully filled with glue. 3. The 3rd sample was also loose in the same way but I added some 1/32" chopped fiberglass to the epoxy. ( 3 TBS for ¼ cup of epoxy) Sorry for the cooking measurements. 4. The 4th sample was also made with the glass filled epoxy, but the joint was tight.
After 24 hours I broke the parts. 1. The tight joint with T-88 took a small amount of wood and was about the same as the first test results. 2. The 2nd sample took a little more wood. 3. The 3rd sample took wood about 1" deep in the 2 x 4 and ripped the plywood. 4. The 4th sample also took wood but about ½ as much as sample #3.
OK, so the clear winner was a loose joint with glass filled T-88. (So much for wood class and making a good tight glue joint. Lol)
My boat plans called for face to face gluing of 2 x 4s and so I glued some samples using 18" long boards glued at one end forming a 90 deg part. I made 2 samples of each. 1. Sample #1 was glued using glass filled T-88 and held with two 3" deck screws. 2. Sample #2 was the same except I drilled a hole 3/8" diameter 1/4" inch deep at each screw. (Glue Faces) I filled these holes with glass filled epoxy and reclamped with the screws.
After 24 hours I removed the screws and broke the samples using a hyd press. All 4 samples were very strong but the samples with the filled 3/8" holes took a lot more force to break. Also these 2 samples failed by breaking deep into the board.
After getting these results I have started my boat and made all of my joints with glass filled T-88. I now have it ready to apply the plywood.
Bottom line is, I trust T-88 Epoxy. No I don't work for System Three.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
poor produce
Product runs when applied in a vertical position. Very runny. I expected a much thicker working consistency. Dries hard but is not feasible for use in vertical construction applications.
Product runs when applied in a vertical position. Very runny. I expected a much thicker working consistency. Dries hard but is not feasible for use in vertical construction applications.
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
Use this product to turn 3" hardwood flooring into stair treads. kind of an unconventional idea but this product helped bring it to life. The look great.
Was this a gift?:
No
1/14/2012
5.0
T 88
By Moke
from Indiana
About Me Advanced
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
Very strong & good working time
Was this a gift?:
No
1/1/2011
5.0
Great Glue
By jbdhere
from Southern Indiana
About Me Casual/ Recreational
Pros
Easy to Use
Cons
None
Best Uses
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
Bottom Line for me is, the wood breaks before the glue joint. I also find a loose joint works the best for me using T-88.
Was this a gift?:
No
12/27/2010
5.0
Testing Proof To Myself
By jbdhere
from Indiana
About Me Casual/ Recreational
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Indoor
Outdoor
Quick Fix
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
While planning my 21 ft Dory I ran some destructive test using Pine 2x4s and 1/2" Plywood. I tried 3 different glues: 1. T-88 Epoxy 2. Gorilla Glue 3. Yellow Water Proof Wood Glue
The 1st test was with the 2 x 4 on edge with 4" of glue and held with 2 screws to the plywood. All three samples were precoated so as not to have dry joints and recoated after 5 minutes. After 24 hours the samples were broken. 1. The T-88 Epoxy Sample took wood from both the plywood and 2 x 4s. But only about 1/8" deep. 2. The Gorilla Glue also took some wood but less then the Epoxy. 3. The Yellow Wood Glue had only minor amounts of wood where broken.
The 2nd test was made only with T-88 Epoxy as it was the clear winner of test #1. With this 2nd test I once again made samples using 2 x 4s and 1/2" plywood. 1. Tight joint as in Test #1 with T-88. 2. Loose joint with one end touching and the other end 1/8" loose but fully filled with glue. 3. The 3rd sample was also loose in the same way but I added some 1/32" chopped fiberglass to the epoxy. ( 3 TBS for ¼ cup of epoxy) Sorry for the cooking measurements. 4. The 4th sample was also made with the glass filled epoxy, but the joint was tight.
After 24 hours I broke the parts. 1. The tight joint with T-88 took a small amount of wood and was about the same as the first test results. 2. The 2nd sample took a little more wood. 3. The 3rd sample took wood about 1" deep in the 2 x 4 and ripped the plywood. 4. The 4th sample also took wood but about ½ as much as sample #3.
OK, so the clear winner was a loose joint with glass filled T-88. (So much for wood class and making a good tight glue joint. Lol)
My boat plans called for face to face gluing of 2 x 4s and so I glued some samples using 18" long boards glued at one end forming a 90 deg part. I made 2 samples of each. 1. Sample #1 was glued using glass filled T-88 and held with two 3" deck screws. 2. Sample #2 was the same except I drilled a hole 3/8" diameter 1/4" inch deep at each screw. (Glue Faces) I filled these holes with glass filled epoxy and reclamped with the screws.
After 24 hours I removed the screws and broke the samples using a hyd press. All 4 samples were very strong but the samples with the filled 3/8" holes took a lot more force to break. Also these 2 samples failed by breaking deep into the board.
After getting these results I have started my boat and made all of my joints with glass filled T-88. I now have it ready to apply the plywood.
Bottom line is, I trust T-88 Epoxy. No I don't work for System Three.
Was this a gift?:
No
10/30/2010
4.0
great for bent wood laminations
By Frodo
from Middletown, Ohio
About Me Advanced
Pros
Great for lamination
Visually Pleasing
Weather Proof
Cons
Messy
Best Uses
Indoor
Outdoor
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
great for glueing up laminations when bending wood using this method. no creep even after years. long working time is a big plus when setting laminated piece into forms.squeeze out can be a problem because of glue viscosity.
Was this a gift?:
No
10/22/2010
5.0
T-88
By Flaco
from La Porte, Texas
About Me Casual/ Recreational
Pros
Easy to Use
Weather Proof
Cons
Best Uses
Indoor
Outdoor
Wood Trim
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
I have used T-88 for years and have always been satisfied with it.
Was this a gift?:
No
9/10/2010
5.0
T-88 Structural Adhesive
By Ike
from New-Jersey
About Me Professional
Pros
Easy to Use
High Viscosity
Protects Well
Visually Pleasing
Weather Proof
Cons
Messy
Best Uses
Indoor
Wood Trim
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
I used this product in several traditional wood boat construction, specially in gluing 1/16th mohagany, on spanish cedar in control temperature. It become difficult to glue when the temperature dropped below 60 degrees.
Was this a gift?:
No
6/25/2010
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
1.0
poor produce
By epoxy 101
from united states
About Me Advanced
Pros
Cons
Difficult to Use
Messy
Best Uses
Outdoor
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
Product runs when applied in a vertical position. Very runny. I expected a much thicker working consistency. Dries hard but is not feasible for use in vertical construction applications.
2/25/2010
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
Bombproof adhesive!
By Barley
from Montauk, NY
About Me Professional
Pros
Easy to Use
Good flexibility
Protects Well
Weather Proof
Cons
Best Uses
Outdoor
Shellfish growout gear
Wood Trim
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
We use this for all wood joining in our shellfish growout gear from wooden block tops and gear boxes to 20' long growout rafts. It is a bit messy but all adhesives are, just be prepared. It dries to a slightly flexing finish which is great for the rafts as the adhesive doesn't crack when the rafts flex.
8/4/2009
4.0
System Three T-88 Structural Adhesive
By BobB
from West Greenwich, RI
About Me Recreational
Pros
Weather Proof
Cons
Messy
Best Uses
Outdoor
Comments about System Three T88 Structural Adhesive:
I used the T88 epoxy to joint parts of adirondack chairs that I am building. They will remain out of doors once completed, and I want them to last a long time. The product is easy to work with, and the gap filling property is appreciated since the T88 is not one that flows readily.
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