Wood filler

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Nov 25, 2022
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Saratoga Springs, NY
I'm second planking my Amati Fifie that has been sitting dormant for about the last 6 months. There are some minor gaps that need some wood filler. Doing a search here found a couple threads that suggested saw dust and glue. Neither is a problem as I have a stack of 1"x8"walnut planks and a 10" table saw that will make all I want as that's the plank wood I'm using regardless of the fact that this model will be painted. Yes, I'll sift the sawdust for lightest dust paticles.

OK, with that as background, what is the preferred glue type? I know Tite Bond Ultimat or 2 are probably out as they dry like a rock and very difficult to sand
 
I use Elmers Wood Glue Max. I thin bottle with a tiny bit of water as it's pretty thick. (HERE) And I also use Titebond II and III (HERE). All great glues. I sand some pieces of the same wood as hull, then use the sanded material. I apply glue in the crack and push sawdust into the crack. I then sand the hull in the area which generates more sawdust and also generates a little heat to almost immediately harden the glue.

If the crack is small I only put glue in the crack with a sharp instrument then sand. Enough sawdust is made by sanding to fill the crack.
 
All good information though have found that Titebond ll and lll extremely difficult to sand based on woodworking use. I've not tried Elmer's for model building but may give it a try
 
An old Japanese carpenter’s trick is to mash sawdust with a bit of cooked rice. Dries very hard but still sandable and accepts stain better than PVA. On the other hand, if you’ve seen much Japanese carpentry, you’re possibly wondering what use they have for wood filler…
 
I'm second planking my Amati Fifie that has been sitting dormant for about the last 6 months. There are some minor gaps that need some wood filler. Doing a search here found a couple threads that suggested saw dust and glue. Neither is a problem as I have a stack of 1"x8"walnut planks and a 10" table saw that will make all I want as that's the plank wood I'm using regardless of the fact that this model will be painted. Yes, I'll sift the sawdust for lightest dust paticles.

OK, with that as background, what is the preferred glue type? I know Tite Bond Ultimat or 2 are probably out as they dry like a rock and very difficult to sand
One of the reasons for using a sawdust/glue mixture is to match the wood being patched. Walnut sawdust for a walnut patch. If the patch is to be painted there are a number of wood filler products that apply easily and are very easy to sand
 
If you are painting, I like CA and baking soda. Put a small amount of baking soda on the spot, followed by a small drop of ca glue. It dries instantly, sand lightly and you are ready to prime or paint right away. This is what I like to use and it works for wood, plastics, and papers.
 
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