Super Filler

Rob_Owens · 12 December 2002, 03:59 PM

For those of you who don't already know, a purely technical modelling tip. Toss out whatever you're using for filler, and substitute the following: mix Superglue/CA (I find Medium viscosity works best) with talcum (Baby) powder (I do the mixing on a vinyl-type plastic coffee can lid) to the consistency of slightly runny toothpaste. Apply in a thin layer, and start sanding in 15 min. Don't ask me about the physics, but this forms a composite material that possesses a great deal of tensile and shear strength, absolutely does NOT shrink (my first try resulted in more sanding time, since I applied too thick a layer), and sands as easily (about midway between hard styrene and resin) after 15 days as 15 min. This is NOT the evil baking soda/superglue mix, which gives off toxic fumes while curing, and becomes eventually harder than the plastic/resin it's filling. It bridges considerable gaps, and can be sanded to a razor edge. Yes, for grins, I sanded a chip of the stuff to the finest edge I could get, drew it across my thumb (already scarred by many cuts), and cut myself!! (fortunately superglue makes a better bandage than BandAid!) Auto modelers have be using it for years (so I'm told) to make body modifications, so I assume it won't suddenly decompose after a few years on the shelf. I'm starting to wonder if it might be a substitute for resin in casting parts?? All the Best, Rob Owens