Filling gouges and scratches in balsa

[Bartman]

Was just wondering what everyone else uses to smooth out gouges and scratches in balsa before covering. I've used Elmers wood filler but I lost my tub of it when we moved and the new stuff (Wood Filler Max) is horrible!

Any suggestions? maybe some 45 minute durabond?

 

[yakken]

I am wanting to know the same thing.getting ready to cover my jtec.

 

[kwj48]

Hobbylite balsa filler or left over balsa sanding dust and wood glue.

 

[Bartman]

Hobbylite balsa filler or left over balsa sanding dust and wood glue.

thanks for the reply @kwj48

monokote sticks to it ok? i've got a few larger areas I need to smooth out

 

[edgewise]

Dents,gouges,and scratches can be removed by spraying water onto the area and then use a very hot iron to steam them out. It won't work if there is balsa missing though.

 

[kwj48]

thanks for the reply @kwj48

monokote sticks to it ok? i've got a few larger areas I need to smooth out

Sticks ok. If needed I have heard of using hairspray to get a little tackier finish but haven't tried it.

 

[kwj48]

Dents,gouges,and scratches can be removed by spraying water onto the area and then use a very hot iron to steam them out. It won't work if there is balsa missing though.

This works well too.

 

[Bartman]

Dents,gouges,and scratches can be removed by spraying water onto the area and then use a very hot iron to steam them out. It won't work if there is balsa missing though.

i've done that in a few places already, it's really the larger areas that I need to fill

thanks

 

[Terryscustom]

Dents,gouges,and scratches can be removed by spraying water onto the area and then use a very hot iron to steam them out. It won't work if there is balsa missing though.

Ding ding ding! Winner! This saves my ass all the time.

 

[Jetpainter]

Bart, this is what I've been using. It's been working great. Very easy to smear on and sands easy.

Like steaming the wood it's an idea I stole from Terry.