Alternative filler for plastic shell than J-B Weld mini-pack

[OldEastRR]

I bought one of these a while back, now can't seem to find them in  any stores anymore. Somebody said that any brand clear epoxy works just as well. Anybody got thoughts on this?

[Philip H]

What sort of filler are you looking for? Or rather what are you filling on the shell?

[mmagliaro]

I don't know what the "mini pack" is, but the standard JB Weld blister pack, with 2 tubes of material,
is everywhere, including auto parts stores and Wal-Mart, and it only costs about 5 bucks.
You can also find JB Kwik  in most auto and department stores.  That hardens in 5 minutes and
is terrific for filling and bonding when you don't want to wait overnight and don't need super-duper strength.
(I wouldn't glue a loco frame with it, for example, but anything else ... the stuff is still mighty strong)

They both make good fillers in my experience.  They can be sanded smooth and take paint well after hardening.

[LV LOU]

 I've never seen an auto parts store that didn't have JB Weld..Man,if they stopped making that stuff,I'd kill myself.Just today,I used it to fill holes in a few rare vintage graphite RC car chassis I'm restoring,and I fixed an oil gallery in a Harley Shovelhead motor with it..I go through a half pint of this stuff a month..

[OldEastRR]

I'm using the JB Weld to fill in holes I cut in loco, passenger car, troop car. etc and to blank out unneeded windows, etc on the equipment I modify. There was a thread somewhere that discussed this technique. Yes, J-B Weld the large tubes/bulk packs are everywhere, but the Mini was a double syringe of both epoxy parts but in only a couple of ounces -- enough to do many N scale window blanks. I liked the double-dispenser because it measured out the exact amount of small quantities of each fluid, and was easy recap.
The mini is listed on the J_B Weld webpage. It's perfect for N scale jobs. I really don't need 5 -10- 20 ounces of epoxy - I'd never use most of that size.
I'll check out auto supply stores, thanks.

[rschaffter]

Amazon has it, but it's over 7 bux with shipping....

http://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8212-S-Clear-Syringe/dp/B000R5NQKE

[LV LOU]

Amazon has it, but it's over 7 bux with shipping....

http://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8212-S-Clear-Syringe/dp/B000R5NQKE

That Mini pack isn't "JB Weld",that's just epoxy.The JB Weld you want is the real stuff,no mini pack,ETC,it's a self leveling,gray paste that's as strong as iron..

[peteski]

The JB Weld you want is the real stuff,no mini pack,ETC,it's a self leveling,gray paste that's as strong as iron..
[/quot]
...and takes a lifetime to set....

This stuff is great for certain applications, but I would never dream of using it as a body filler in N scale.  Life's too short. 

[LV LOU]

...and takes a lifetime to set....

This stuff is great for certain applications, but I would never dream of using it as a body filler in N scale.  Life's too short. 

 Actually,it's probably the best filler there is if you have better things to do.You can tape over a hole with plastic tape,[Masking tape has adhesive that's too rough,leaves a lousy finish on the surface,and since it's paper,it bows out under the weight of the filler..] Then carefully fill it in from behind,if you do it right,it needs virtually no sanding.Same wit almost everything you fill,if you put on just the right amount,it levels itself and needs almost no work to contour it..

[Pennsy]

I've been buying a similar product at the dollar stores. A clear epoxy in a double tube syringe. Works great, same proportions dispenser and takes about 5 minutes to cure. Comes with a cap and I've taken over a week to use a whole syringe or all at one time.

Jim

[peteski]

Actually,it's probably the best filler there is if you have better things to do.You can tape over a hole with plastic tape,[Masking tape has adhesive that's too rough,leaves a lousy finish on the surface,and since it's paper,it bows out under the weight of the filler..] Then carefully fill it in from behind,if you do it right,it needs virtually no sanding.Same wit almost everything you fill,if you put on just the right amount,it levels itself and needs almost no work to contour it..

Ok, why is it better as a filler than any 5-minute epoxy?  I can do all that (exactly as you described) and have it ready about 12 hours earlier using 5-minute epoxy. 

[LV LOU]

Ok, why is it better as a filler than any 5-minute epoxy?  I can do all that (exactly as you described) and have it ready about 12 hours earlier using 5-minute epoxy. 

Five minute Epoxy doesn't sand as well,and doesn't stick to plastic as well.  JB weld is the closest thing to actual plastic there is,it paints over better,and over big gaps like a window,it doesn't shrink over time,and it's much stronger.I only use fast clear epoxies on the few things it's actually better on,porous stuff that has to flex,and only as an adhesive..