Need Cheap easy sanding filler

I have used the lightweigt spakling compound, I use a paint brush dip it in water then brush it across the compound. I brush it on it goes on easy and sand very easy after dry. Dry time is about 2 hours or so. Is there anything I can make of buy (inexpensive about the price of the spakling compound or less)that will be light weight and work better?

Thanks Bill

add Talcum powder or baby powder to Nitrate or Butyrate dope. It has been the standard for many years.

Lately, Zinc Stearate is used instead of talc--it is reportedly lighter yet. Randy Smith of Aero Products sells the ZS.

LAST EDITED ON Oct-03-04 AT 04:09 PM (CDT)
 
In coming link: re Cornstarch.

http://www.clstunt.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?az=read_count&om=3373&forum=DCForumID1

I use this filler made by NHP. It is really easy to use, drys in about 20 minutes and only costs like $5 a container. They sell it at most hobby stores and at tower which is where the picture is from.

This stuff will be broken down by a real thick coat of dope! Works great under silkspan.

Thanks for the replies. I should have been a little more informative. I am looking for something to fill bad spots in foam. I’m looking for something that can fill in gaps and indents. The sparkling compound works well for filling gaps and low spots. What I am really looking is some type of paste, or something that can fill larger cavities.
But your ideas are great, I have used the talc power in dope before, never tried the cornstarch.
Thanks Bill

I use Taps Filler 500, its only about $7 for a quart and $3 for the hardener. Only problem, you have to work very fast.

I have heard of something called "Gesso" recommended for smoothing foam on bare foam RC ARFs. Artists use it to smoothen canvases before painting on them. Available in art stores.

I like epoxy and micro fill it does'nt crack and adds alot of strength the pastier the mix the easier it is to sand , and can easily be shaped with a wet finger.

any of the lightweight fillers(Dap, Red Devil, Model Magic etc) will work to fill the bare foam just fine. Just put plenty on the first time because I've found that once you sand it down a second coat doesn't like to stick very well and will just sand right out of small depressions. Also, you will never get a solid, smooth finish directly on the foam unless you pile on a number of coats of something hard and hence heavier.

Here's something to try. Called "Minwax Stainable Wood Filler". It is usually available in most hardware/paint stores. Here's what it says:
Stainable and paintable
Interior and exterior use
Fast drying/sands easily
Resists shrinking and cracking
Latex formula: Soap and water clean up.

I was recently painting a stunter outside, and holding the model by the landing gear while holding the spray gun in the other hand. Well, I dropped the plane and made a big ding in a wing tip. This filler, with a couple coats of clear made it like new.

The stuff is heavy, but when you have a big ding in balsa, it can save the day.