Rudder repairs

   Hi, looking for some advice on the best way to go about repairing the trailing edge of my rudder blade, which has become damaged over time.  The blade is a Milanes, wood type with a fairly sharp trailing edge.  This has a few knocks in it and the wood is starting to crack a bit.  I've bought some epoxy repair (Plastic Padding brand) to try and sort the problem.
Has anyone used this?  Do you just paste it on then sand it smooth or is there a better technique?  thanks.

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WildWood Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 14 Nov 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 136	Post Options Post Reply Quote WildWood Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Rudder repairs Posted: 15 Jun 07 at 11:53am
	Hi, looking for some advice on the best way to go about repairing the trailing edge of my rudder blade, which has become damaged over time. The blade is a Milanes, wood type with a fairly sharp trailing edge. This has a few knocks in it and the wood is starting to crack a bit. I've bought some epoxy repair (Plastic Padding brand) to try and sort the problem. Has anyone used this? Do you just paste it on then sand it smooth or is there a better technique? thanks.

FireballNeil Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 03 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 654	Post Options Post Reply Quote FireballNeil Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jun 07 at 12:06pm
	I just made sure any damaged material was removed, sanded any shiny paint or varnsih, slapped plenty on to make sure you fill the whole missing chunk, made sure it was really dry before taking the worst off with a coarse file, then went from 400 to 2000 grade wetndry, didnt bother repainting it, didn't have time! My best tip for the filler is to make sure you put plenty of hardener in, cos there's nothing more annoying than trying to take filler back of a rudder that hasn't cured properly! I know
	Neil

Granite Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Far too distracted from work Joined: 12 May 04 Location: Scotland Online Status: Offline Posts: 476	Post Options Post Reply Quote Granite Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jun 07 at 1:25pm
	You can try taping a small section of plastic to one side of the blade to reduce the ammount of sanding on one side. If it is Epoxy you have bought then the mix must be exactly what is written on the pack or it will not go off. If it is Polyester adding more hardner (catylist) will speed up the reaction but in the middle of summer you do not need to go crazy. in hot wether it will gell in 5-10 mins
	If it doesn't break it's too heavy; if it does it wasn't built right