I have been using Bob Smith 30 minute epoxy for  cementing rod handles and reel seats. Is there a better epoxy available? Is there a difference in strength or longevity  between the 5 minute and 30 minute versions?

Slower curing epoxy might be stronger but if surfaces are prepped and epoxy mixed correctly, fast set should be fine for rod building 

I like U-40 "Rod Bond" because it mixes to a paste/gel consistency and stays where you put it. I hate when the glue runs all over the place. Rod Bond is also very strong. JMHO

I have been informed by epoxy experts that there is no difference in strength between the fast cures and the slow cures.  I know there are those who don't believe this, but it came from someone who has been in the epoxy business for many years.  And they could take a significant hit in strength and still be strong enough for rod building.  One thing in our favor most of the time is that we work with large areas.

 

Surface prep is very important. I took a rod apart recently and found that much of the epoxy adhesive between the grip and the blank never bonded to the blank and I could pick it off with my fingernail in places.  If this had been a skeleton seat with minimal area, it may have failed.  This article tells how to ensure this doesn't happen:  https://www.rodbuilding.org/library/waterfree.html

Good info, gents! You guys are the best!

Thank you.

i've been trusting rodbond for years.

Edit wrong post