Thanks for all the advice, especially about taking the leg off to prevent gluing them together (i might've missed that).
I ended up using regular JB Weld, as Home Depot didn't carry the Loctite I wanted (only fast setup kind). So far so good. I'll see in the next 2 weeks in Costa Rica if it holds.
I think you dodged a bullet by not using Loctite. That is an adhesive more for threads on bolts. JB weld somtimes has metal filler mixed in epoxy. Filler like that reduces adhesion. Works great for filling a hole on a muffler but you need strong bond.
Michael
Best epoxy I know is West System epoxy. You should be able to get it from any major woodworking store (Woodcraft, Woodworkers warehouse, boat-building supply- boatbuilders use the stuff a lot).
If there are any boat-builders in your area or places where professional furniture makers congregate, stop in and ask to buy a few ounces from them. Take two of your own, clean glass jars with lids. As them to double check the mixing ratio for the particular epoxy you get. That's really your best and fastest bet w/o spending $40 on a bunch of epoxy you won't use the majority of.
I think you're on the right track with two-part epoxy. JBWeld is a great option. Most hardware or auto stores should have some, and it is available in small kits.
Michael Sangio wrote:
I think you dodged a bullet by not using Loctite. That is an adhesive more for threads on bolts,
No, he was referring to Locktite 2 part epoxy, not Locktite thread compound.
Dennis,
West System Epoxy is great, (expensive!) and it's certainly an excellent suggestion. However, I doubt it's better than any other really good epoxy, for metal-to-metal. It's main thing is that they make several different types, for different applications. Since one of them is specifically for fiberglass, and another for wood (mahogany) to metal, it is huge in the boating industry.
West Systems makes one resin, 105, works on wood, metal, fiberglass, etc. They have several hardeners that vary working temps and time. I use it everyday, excellent stuff but way overkill for this job.
Jack M wrote:
West Systems makes one resin, 105, works on wood, metal, fiberglass, etc. They have several hardeners that vary working temps and time. .
They also have various fillers, designed for different applications. #'s 403 - 407. (407 is the sandable one that looks sort of like Mahogany wood) I know as I have the full kit in my shop.
-So it can be confusing. The OP would not want to use ANY fillers, but that might not be obvious when ordering. Anyway, again, this is why the West system is so popular with boaters. - Not because it's especially strong.
Also as you say, they make three different hardeners, #s 205-207. - For different working times.
==============
quote: "If Feisol was having serious problems you would see people complaining."
I agree completely. Still, I'd like to know which model and from what year.
Michael Sangio wrote:
I think you dodged a bullet by not using Loctite. That is an adhesive more for threads on bolts. JB weld somtimes has metal filler mixed in epoxy. Filler like that reduces adhesion. Works great for filling a hole on a muffler but you need strong bond.
Michael
Loctite and other brands produce two part 'metal / concrete' epoxy mixes that are generally much stronger than the generic 5 minute stuff. You might buy one for the trip (or just bring the unused JB weld) in case the repair fails or the other two legs decide to jump ship.
When I contracted Feisol for help after mine came apart (it was 14 months old) they could not have been less interested in helping me. I had to send several emails and their only offer was for me to send it back to Taiwan. I'm very dissatisfied with them.
yosemitehiker wrote:
When I contracted Feisol for help after mine came apart (it was 14 months old) they could not have been less interested in helping me. I had to send several emails and their only offer was for me to send it back to Taiwan. I'm very dissatisfied with them.
I'm curious - who exactly did you contact?
Did you contact Feisol directly, or one of their dealers? Typically this type of thing is facilitated through the dealer, and which dealer you purchased from can make a difference.
There is a guy who sells out of Europe, but has a website called "Feisol USA" The url is www.feisol.net/ and it's hard not to bump into it if you Google "Feisol."
This guy has slightly better prices than Kerry at Really Big Cameras (a retailer with a stellar reputation around here) and I would imagine the reason for the lower prices is zero customer service. You get what you pay for. If that's who you've been contacting, try reaching Feisol directly if you can. Or heck, ask Kerry for help. He'd probably do it.
Sorry for the problem.
Please send the tripod back to us for repair.
Here is our shipping information:
FEISOL
No.6, Lane 158, Nanyang Rd., Fongyuan City, Taichung County 420, Taiwan
Please mark [return for repair] on the shipping box. And E-mail me your shipping address again.
Please do not use UPS for shipping, UPS will charge us the customs.
Best regards,
Orion
On Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:36:38 -0700
"Kent wrote:
> 2nd Request for Help with my Feisol tripod. This tripod was purchased
> by
me
> just last year.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> From: Kent
> Sent: Saturday, October 24, 2009 5:35 PM
> To: '[email protected]'
> Subject: Defective Tripod CT-3441S SN/71144
>
>
>
> Dear Feisol
>
>
>
> I have a Defective Tripod CT-3441S. Attached are pictures showing one
> of the legs separated from the main tripod.
>
>
>
> Please let me know how this can be fixed. This failure has me
> concerned about the longevity of a very expensive tripod.
>
>
>
>
>
> SN/71144
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Kent
>
>
I would email them again and let them know that you would like to fix it yourself and would like instructions for doing so. I suspect part of the problem is a language barrier.
