Return-Path: Received: from [65.33.163.227] (account marv@lancaironline.net) by logan.com (CommuniGate Pro WebUser 4.3c2) with HTTP id 790923 for lml@lancaironline.net; Sat, 12 Mar 2005 20:55:28 -0500 From: "Marvin Kaye" Subject: Re: [LML] Plugging holes To: "Lancair Mailing List" X-Mailer: CommuniGate Pro WebUser Interface v.4.3c2 Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 20:55:28 -0500 Message-ID: In-Reply-To: References: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"; format="flowed" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit "F. Barry Knotts" wrote: """ I occasionally need to add micro or a layup over or near a drilled hole in a composite structure without filling the hole. I've used Silly-Putty (It's a silicone polymer, I think) to plug the hole and done the micro or layup over the Silly-Putty plugged hole. Then I just drill or pick out the Silly-Putty and redrill the hole. I think I picked up the suggestion at the Builders' Assist. I've only used this method on non-structural assemblies so far. But now I have a structural assembly (rear fuselage access door on a LIV-P) and I'm hesitant to put a silicon based anything near a layup. Should I be concerned? Are there alternative methods? Should I glue a soft wooden plug in the hole to be drilled out later? (That's a lot more work.) Or is there a really slick way to accomplish the same thing? """ If the makeup of the putty is the main concern I'd suggest that you use Play Dough... it's water based, takes awhile to harden, but when it hardens it drills out very easily. There's nothing in it that would ever get in the way of bonding and it's not as elastice as silly putty (ie, it doesn't pull and stretch)... you just wipe it in the hole and trowel/scrape it off. Works great, I've used it many times in situations similar to what you describe with fine results. FWIW.