Spider cracks

[seacraftks]

What us the best fill for spider cracks and is there really anyway to stop them. Thanks

Kevin

[fg1]

Most spider cracks cannot be repaired with any sort of "fill". The exception to this is when the source of stress that caused the crack in the first place is no longer present. Two examples of this would be:
1. The ones we call "whack cracks". These are the result of over zealous use of a rubber mallet which is used to begin releasing the part from the mold. You are allowed exactly ONE hit with the mallet in each area, if you hit an area that has already released from the mold then you get the familiar spider shaped crack (small circle with "legs" coming out from the circle).
2. The ones we call "pull cracks" which occur when the part is overly flexed while removing from the mold. These usually occur in a corner or "fulcrum".

These two types can be fixed with fillers because the stresses that created them were one time events and no longer present.
All the other types, well, forget it! You'll have to determine what caused the stress, eliminate the problem and then repair with epoxy resin and fiberglass. Polyester is going to be too brittle to do much good.

[seacraftks]

Ok thanks