I like the use of 3 cc syringes to measure out darn-near exact amounts of finish. What I do not like is the mess of finish on the outside of the syringe. Try as I may, I have not been able to overcome that until now. This is what I found as a cure, and it also speeds the process. The U-40 and Flex-Coat syringes all have a Luer-lock taper. They fit standard Luer components. I remember seeing shots given at a physicians office. The MD stuck the needle through a septum in top of the bottle and drew out only what he needed without contaminating the remainder. I gave some thought on how this could be done for thread finish. I also experimented a bit and spent some time researching methods.

I fastened a female luer fitting through the top of a spare plastic cap and held it in place with an external self-locking retaining ring on the shaft inside the cap. There was little if any gap between the hole in the cap and the luer fitting, but I sealed it with super glue. The fitting is held rigidly into the top of the cap and I have added a male luer cap to seal it.

To use the finish, I remove the male luer cap and put the syringe into the top of the female fitting. I invert the bottle and draw out what I need. No fuss, no muss, and easier to keep it accurate.

Now I will admit, that it took quite a bit of looking to find the appropriate fittings. However, once found, they will be in use for a while and the cap moved from bottle to bottle of the same material. I have adapted the same method to measure out Flex-Coat epoxy for assembly of handle and reel seat.

I found the fittings through McMaster-Carr, a large industrial supplier in Southern California. They have a presence on the web. If you are interested, send me a note and I'll mail you the details of how I rigged this assist.

Doug Weber
Weber Rod Works

Fellows,
The same method can be achieved by using yorker caps. A yorker cap is one like you find on a epoxy glue bottle. It has a lid. Some finishes already come with yorker caps. The top is pointed and is used to dispense drops. The tip has to be cut open to the desired width. I install the yorker caps on my LS bottles and cut the tips to receive the surynge tip. Just invert the bottle and draw out the correct amount and thats it. After your finished the yorker tip has a lid that covers the open point. This will accomplish the same thing as Doug described in case you have trouble finding the necessary parts to make his assembly.

Just another thought along the same lines.

Bruce Young
Landing Gear

I use a 4 oz bottle and put a hole in the side next to the screw on cap big enough to put the syringe in, I leave the syringe in the bottle all the time. When I want to use it I turn the bottle upside down and extrac the amount that I need. it didn't cost me anything to make.

I'm embarrassed to admit it but when my bottles get so low I can't easily extract that 'backwash' at the bottom, I toss 'em out and get a new kit!