Bedding Compounds and Epoxies

MicroBed is out of business! We have a new product to replace it. This new bedding compound is unlike the old Microbed product in that it is structural where MicroBed was not! I have learned through my own experience that an epoxy product draws a healthy line between a metal part and the wood and is structurally sound for use around the breech. For building a gun which you want to last as long as possible with good outdoor use and stand up to normal abuse, its use is an excellent practice. It will stop the moisture (sweat) which accumulates behind a metal part mounted in the wood from entering the wood, which causes the wood to mildew and subsequently degrade. It is not for purists, since it is not authentic. For those who want the best of both worlds, use sparingly and it will never be seen under normal circumstances.

Use at the breech for strengthening, underneath permanent and semi-permanent inlays for inlet edges which are tattered or not a good fit, sideplates of locks and patchboxes where a large area may not be inlet level below the part, or where an inlet has been put too deep and the surface needs minimal raising. This product is structural; meaning that it will stand up to shock as underneath or beside the barrels breech, or in locations under stress such as wood screws, lock or tang screws. Use it with confidence, to fix irregular edges of inletting, and to stop moisture penetration! It is offered in a deep brown in color, mixes equally one to one and hides well! Full cure overnight with 1 hour workability. Soft margarine consistency. Complete kit has release agent, stirring sticks, brush, thickening agent;  everything you need! Comes in two wide mouth 2 ounce tubs for easy access. I tried it and this stuff is easy to use and is very good.

A most understated product indeed! Acra Glass serves two major purposes. It was initially designed as a repair epoxy. It has fiberglass in it. The second purpose is the bedding of barrels. It provides such a stable solid and structural platform for your barrel that it has been proven as an accurizing product for serious competition shooters.

I offer you two types of Acra Glass. The original runny-as-water type, 2-Gun Red Label, has its own special uses and is well known as a professional builders choice for repairing fatal breaks, severe and minimal cracks, and adding on whole new sections in restoration projects. It is the number one selling structural epoxy for gun builders. This first type which heats to a temperature you cannot even stand to touch when it is setting up, is so thin it will permeate into any crack or crevice it is exposed to. Keep that first in mind. You must gate any location you do not want it to run into. I use bees wax to pack the threads in the back of the plug at the barrels breech. Do the same! Also, think in terms of a part releasing out of its bed. Don't leave any bevel that would trap your part. This is called 'inletting draft' when a bevel is filed on a parts side. The part pulls tight as it lowers into the wood but will release just as easily. Our kits come with black and brown dyes to mix your own color, mixing cups and instruction.

AcraGlass Gel is of butter consistency and is not runny at all. In fact, you can spread it where you want it and use it more comfortably. I use both types for different applications. Easier to mix with 1 to 1 mixing ratio and more time to work.