Now that several opinions are in, perhaps I can summarize what's been said
since I started the thread.
1. Superfil has better consistency than Expancel + Epoxy, but this is user
dependent.
2. Superfil mix ratio can't be changed.
3. Superfil must be applied and cured at fairly high temps (77F)
4. Superfil sands easily, but not necessarily any easier than Expancel
5. Superfil is harder and therefore more resistant to denting than Expancel,
but is somewhat
rougher and may not offer as smooth a fill
6. Superfil is lighter than Expancel+Epoxy
7. Superfil may save some time
8. Superfil is not good for thick buildups beyond 1/8"
So from this, there isn't a clear win for either option. The issue of
lightness and durability seems
most germaine, so let me follow these opinions.
1. Just how much filler are we talking about on a typical XS? 1 Gallon?
2. How much lighter is Superfil than Expancel+Epoxy? Poly-Fiber quotes
Superfil at 3.7lbs/gal.
3. How much lighter in total? A few ounces? Several pounds?
4. Expancel is heat-expanded gas-filled plastic spheres. We get the
expanded stuff. Does Expancel
suffer further expansion under post cure/use? Does Superfil?
Thanks -
Shaun Simpkins
A207
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonathan Moyle" <jmoyle@epo.org>
Subject: Re: SuperFil vs. Expancell...
>
>
> JohnJMoran@aol.com wrote:
>
> > Superfill was used to finish up some areas, especially around the
> > windshield, cowl, and fin joint. I found it more difficult to smoothly
spread
> > Superfill than Expancell, probably because of the inability to adjust
the mix
> > as was done with Expancell as well as the low workshop temperatures
(around
> > 60-65F by the time Superfill was used). The filler in the Superfill I
> > received seemed coarser than the fill particles from Europa, sometimes
> > resulting in fine lines in the surface as the filler was spread.
> >
> > Overall, I preferred the Expancell filler with West epoxy for its ease
of use
> > and sandability. However, workshop temperatures may have affected the
> > apparent characteristics.
> >
> > John N44EU
>
> I agree with John that the temperature required for Superfill is a
downside. On
> the container both the working and cure time are stated at 77F.
>
> Jonathan & Carla (kit 330)
>
>
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