Spackle?

Has anyone ever used spackle on fin edges like this? How does it hold up? I haven't had much luck with Bondo.

auto body putty might actually work...but I assume you mean glazing putty . from what I have seen, spackle is fairly soft when dry so it may need to be hardened after shaping with ca.
Rex

If you are going to put something on your edge to smooth or shape, I would suggest JB Weld.

Check out Durham's Rock Hard Putty. I've used it successfully to fix gouges in MPR and LPR fins.

Or Epoxy mixed with copious amounts of phenolic Micro-balloons to the consistency of peanut butter. Spread it on with an artists spatula. Light, fills gaps/voids, and sands easily once cured.

I've tried spackle instead of wood filler, didn't work so good. Too soft and crumb!y.

I've used light weight spackle on foam and solid balsa wings. Its the one that feels empty when that container is picked up. Each one I've tried had slightly different characteristics, some remained soft, some didn't sand well, and some worked great. The current one I'm using is Lepage Polyfilla Big Hole Repair. It sticks and seem to sand well and there have been others I've liked but some I've hated too.


Richard

My experiences with red Bondo putty haven't been all that great either. When I could find it, the green 3M glazing putty was very good. Haven't seen it in years, tho.

Epoxy and microballons or the recommended additives should work. I use West Systems and their various additives. There's an optimum time frame between mostly cured and fully cured where the material can be be easily shaped as needed. Fairing filler is lighter and more easily shaped.

I'm a fan of wood flour and epoxy or wood glue, but I happen to have a bucket of wood flour in the shop.... Not sure if it is available in small quantities.

https://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/hca/hcahcar3401.htm

I wonder if that stuff would work , what i have is too dried up to test

I have used spackle successfully for filling balsa grain but think it might chip if used to fill larger areas. I have used good ol' fill-n-finish to fill chips like that. Lots of them as I have used my broke down, dull bladed jigsaw for larger fins. I have never had a problem with the filler popping off or anything like that.