Just for you beginners. You may see the balsa filler at the LHS at $7.00 for a small container. Go to the local hardware and buy the light weight spackling compound for 1/4 of the cost, same stuff.

Chook is so right here. I buy the Red Devil light spackling and I see no difference from the stuff you get at the LHS.

I prefer Wall joint compound over Spackling. Shrinks less and sands better.

Thanks for the info. I was just about to go by some from the LHS but now I will just use the spackle I already have.

Elmer's Carpenter Finishing Putty works great also. Plus it's already the color of wood. Sands easy and goes on great.

Careful using the joint compound, it weighs quite a bit more than the lightweight spackle.

My preference is for the Dap spackle 'cause that was what was on sale the last time I needed some...

great post! ya learn everyday huh, is this the same stuff they call" micro balloons" what the heck is that anyway, I was gonna try some wood filler anyway because I thought wall mud would be too heavy.....THANKS ,,,Rog

I use LIGHTWEIGHT joint compound or wall mud . I get it at Walmart . Micro balloons can be used to add to epoxy to thicken it, I have heard of guys using baking powder for that too.

You can also use talcum powder in the same way you would use micro baloons.