ATM Epoxy for plaster tools

[Sean Scott <sscott@prxm.com>]

I've just completed casting some plaster tools, and I'm getting ready to   
seal and fasten tiles. I've seen postings suggesting that 'five minute   
expoxy' be avoided, and others that recommend sealing the tool with   
epoxy.

My question - what kind of epoxy am I looking for? I have two large, well   
stocked hardware stores (er, I mean 'DIY Home Centers') nearby, and my   
choices are either tiny little tubes of 30 or 60 minute epoxy glue, the   
forbidden 5 minute variety, and epoxy resin used for fiberglassing.

The 30 minute glue tubes are all small - look like there's barely enough   
in them to fasten three tiles - and the stuff is really thick. I don't   
see that this would apply well for general sealing of the tool, though   
I'm sure it would fasten tiles quite well as long as I bought enough. I   
know the fiberglass resin would apply well and seal very effectively, but   
I'm not as sure about it securely bonding the tiles. It's also $25 for   
about 10-12 total ounces of the stuff. (Sigh - glass tools were so   
easy...!)

So do I get lots of tubes of the 30-minute stuff, or a can of the resin,   
or something I haven't seen yet? Anyone care to share their expertise, or   
ignorance, in plaster and tile tool making? Provided, of course, that you   
restrain from getting into a heated debate over the effects of   
evaporative cooling of epoxy solvents on the resistive properties of   
bathroom tile? <g>

Thanks,

Sean
sscott@prxm.com