Microlight 410

[Orinoco]

I'm in the process of ordering some micro balloons and I notice this product by West System called Microlight 410. The description says it's "the ideal low-density filler... mixes with greater ease... and is approximately 30% easier to sand, also more economical for large fairing jobs". Costs about $27. for 4.3 OZ.!! A pound of micro balloons is less than $9.00. Anyone know anything about this stuff? I'm not sure but it looks like they intend it to be a replacement for micro as a filler. Easier sanding is always a plus, but...

 

Mike

[Lynn Erickson]

I'm in the process of ordering some micro balloons and I notice this product by West System called Microlight 410. The description says it's "the ideal low-density filler... mixes with greater ease... and is approximately 30% easier to sand, also more economical for large fairing jobs". Costs about $27. for 4.3 OZ.!! A pound of micro balloons is less than $9.00. Anyone know anything about this stuff? I'm not sure but it looks like they intend it to be a replacement for micro as a filler. Easier sanding is always a plus, but...

 

Mike

it is phenolic micro balloons, it is slightly lighter then glass balloons. it was used on some of the first Ezs but because of the price is not used by most builders. does sand easier but not that much easier to make the extreme price difference worth it.

[Kent Ashton]

Costs about $27. for 4.3 OZ.!!

Yep, the filler is expensive. I've used it on three airplanes and buy the largest size. It will take about 2/3rds of a large box for a Cozy. I'd say the West filler is about 25% easier to sand than regular micro but that's offset by the cost. Time or money, take your pick. I still use regular micro on the leading edges--more resistant to dings.