Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: lakeshore on September 02, 2014, 09:11:55 am

Title: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: lakeshore on September 02, 2014, 09:11:55 am

Hi
 
just finished balsa planking RS 750 hull, sanded and has quite a few fine gaps and a few depressions. Do i fill these with P38 filler then sand and then glass over or do I resin first then fill with P38 then glass the hull.
any help with this please.
 
John.

Title: Re: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on September 02, 2014, 11:21:35 am

It's best to fill and smooth before applying resin.  The P38 is porous.


ken

Title: Re: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: lakeshore on September 02, 2014, 02:02:33 pm

Hi Ken
 
thanks for the reply, first time I have ever planked with balsa, so would the P38 be any good as a filler or are there others better suited to the job before glassing.
 
John.

Title: Re: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: inertia on September 02, 2014, 02:27:12 pm

John
You might find that the P38 is harder than the balsa, depending on the grade of balsa you've used. That would leave ridges where the filler is. Have a look at Deluxe Materials' Model Lite or Wonderfill instead. I've not tried the latter but the Model Lite is a permanent stock item in my workshop. http://www.deluxematerials.co.uk/pages/building.htm (http://www.deluxematerials.co.uk/pages/building.htm)  Certainly, as Ken says, you should use filler and sand it smooth before glassing.
DM

Title: Re: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: lakeshore on September 02, 2014, 02:36:06 pm

Quote from: Inertia on September 02, 2014, 02:27:12 pm

John
You might find that the P38 is harder than the balsa, depending on the grade of balsa you've used. That would leave ridges where the filler is. Have a look at Deluxe Materials' Model Lite or Wonderfill instead. I've not tried the latter but the Model Lite is a permanent stock item in my workshop. http://www.deluxematerials.co.uk/pages/building.htm (http://www.deluxematerials.co.uk/pages/building.htm)  Certainly, as Ken says, you should use filler and sand it smooth before glassing.
DM

 
I thank you kindly for that info .
 
John.



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I have done it for you as above.

ken

Title: Re: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: Stavros on September 02, 2014, 02:51:11 pm

Do yourself a massive favour go to halfords and buy some EASY LIGHT filler ....it is so so easy to rub down far eaasier than P38.....obvioulsy apply it after a coat of Resin as balsa is a VERY SOFT wood
 
Dave

Title: Re: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: lakeshore on September 02, 2014, 04:37:42 pm

Hi Dave
thank you kindly for that
 
so thats a coat of resin then Halfords easy light filler then sand and glass.
 
John.

Title: Re: Fillings for balsa planking
Post by: lakeshore on September 02, 2014, 04:51:52 pm

Quote from: lakeshore on September 02, 2014, 04:37:42 pm

Hi Dave
thank you kindly for that
 
so thats a coat of resin then Halfords easy light filler then sand and glass.
 
John.

Dave is it U-pol easy lite Polyester body filler £9.99.
 
John.