JPVegh
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2011
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I picked up a jar of the Hobbico HobbyLite filler with my last order from Hobbylinc. This is a water based balsa filler similar to Elmers wood filler but lighter and fluffier. The intructions say to mix well before use and sparingly add water to thin if necessary. The instructions also say to apply with a spatula but I found my finger to be the best tool for application. The filler goes on pretty well, better than unthinned elmers, it also dries a bit slower than the elmers, about 10 to 15 minutes to completely dry. Once dried it sands pretty much the same as elmers, very easy to remove. The sanded finish is smooth but still wood like, not like dope based fillers that take on a plastic like feeling. There was some warpage as the fin dried but it flattened back out after sanding. I also used the filler to fill the grooves in the body tube and found that like elmers it doesn't stick well to glassine. The product isn't bad, it's easy to apply, easy to sand and fills balsa well. The price is $4.99 for an 8oz jar and judging by the ammount I used for four fins it will last to do many rockets. That said I doubt that I will buy another jar, it is similar enough to elmers to make Elmers the cheaper and easier to find item and I really prefer dope based fillers anyway.