Come to think of it, I haven't either. If the repairs are done right, it actually can become stronger and I think it is a misconception that repaired models become structurally weak. I'm not saying people should give their planes a CA or epoxy bath, but any brand of epoxy or CA will work well if applied right. I think brand is a matter of choice including what epoxy to use.

A ol'timer once told me that back in the 1950's when he was younger they put planes together with white wood glue. [X(] I don't think it would work with some of todays models- but what do I know. I'm just too chicken to try it and I'll stick with what I know works.

For me I use different thicknesses of CA for all the different types of applications I need it for. I use 30 min epoxy for the high stress areas and 6 min epoxy for the not so stressful areas, but need the strength that CA can't give me. Ultra thin CA for CA hinges or to make soft balsa stiffer, medium for the framing and some filling and thick CA for filling.

If I want to lighten up the epoxy and keep the same strength, or fill in those areas that have a gap then I will mix the epoxy with microballoons. Dents in balsa, I usually steam out with water and my covering iron. And I will use balsa filler for small holes or dents and cracks, (after mending it with ultra-thin CA) or use it to make sure I get a straight and level line removing slight skin warps on a smooth surface. (like using filler on a car body etc) The step by step method on how I use things is long and I don't want to bore anyone more than I already did. But keep reading the posts in RCU and RCG and you will learn a lot like I have over time, and you can decide what works best for you.

Everyone has their own way of doing things and none of them are wrong. I'm sure if everyone including myself can remember that, I think there would be less debates in the forums. For me when I build kits I usually use and do what the directions call for. It is rare that they are wrong, but that's why we have RCU and RCG build threads, so when there becomes a error in the directions we can spread the word a little better before there might be a Tech Update. When I "Bash" that's when at times I get a little more creative.

Over time everyone makes up their mind what works best for them in whatever application they are working with. Over time (things I must earn) in this hobby we all eventually learn what works, and from trial and much error what doesn't.


Pete