using a cheese grater on filler

[AmadeusCharger500]

I am finding this most frustrating.

First of all what kind of grater should I be getting. Isn't this a fairly generic item. I bought one from Advance and bent it in the 1st 30 minutes of use. Which leads to my next question.

How do you know when the filler is ready to shape with the grater. I am using medium filler from evercoat. It says to wait 20 minutes. The filler is still gooey after 40 minutes and there is no way it is ready to shape by then, or is it?
Am I using too little hardener, Is it too cold(35 to 40 degrees in the garage).

[Silver R/T]

if its still wet after 40 minutes you screwed up. take it all off. You generally use 1" strip of hardener to approximately one golf ball of filler. It usually dries within 20 minutes even in 60's and much faster in hotter temperatures. If you know how to apply filler you do not need cheese grater, I generally do not use them.

[resq302]

sounds like you didn't put in enough hardener.  that is the typical results if you have too much filler and not enough hardener.

[Charger-Bodie]

the temp also is part of the problem most auto body products want a temp of atleast 60 f to work properly

[resq302]

Oops missed that part about the temp.  Yes, that could be a factor too.  I know when I paint it has to be a certain temp as well as relatively low humidity especially for parts that are black as the black turns a whitish haze.

[jaak]

I agree with everyone else on hardener and temps, and on the 'cheese' grader, I wouldn't even fool with it.... if your really want to pre-shape it, us a DA or electric sander until you get close then finish off with a block. Or just block it all, thats my method.

Jason

[AmadeusCharger500]

Thanks that helps.
Actually it was closer to 20 to 30 degrees in the garage, I did use a large bead of hardener.

I checked on it later in the day and it was very hard.

[jordyjim]

i agree with jason, use plenty of hardener,but get it in quick, use a da, if your used to it, or blocksand for more accuracy, use 80grit get in shape then skim it again, if its a dent  go well past it they are bigger than wht you think. finish off with a 320 grit then skim again with a stopper to fill any pit marks, you can wet sand this with a fine 1200 or 600 if your usiing base and lacquer,320 is ok if your using single stage solids, make sure its dry before you prime,,,jim oh and make sure you mix the  filler and hardener really well

[daytonalo]

Graders are only to be used by body professionals . They are what they are , only to be used to rough in plastic filler , then use whatever

[jordyjim]

use an easy sand filler takes the sweat out of the job..jim

[Silver R/T]

I use cheese grater only on very big filler patches. After about 20 mins I start out with 40 grit if I need to remove excess filler, its usually still soft/pliable so you can shape it easily. Once its all set I sand it with 80. I like go to over with a skim coat of filler or glazing putty over entire repaired area and sand it with 120grit. After that its ready for primer.

[AmadeusCharger500]

All great ideas, thanks.

Actually I was just stalling to rest my muscles from the sanding.

No really, thanks for all the replies/

SilverR/T are those the only 2 kinds of filler I need. It always confuses me when I look at products and it seems there are too many types to choose from.

[Silver R/T]

There's many fillers out there, some with fiberglass strands in them, aluminum, etc. Just a regular Evercoat lightweight body filler is all you need. It doesnt have much if any pinholes if mixed properly, sands easy, doesn't shrink. I go over that with polyester self leveling putty just to cover any deep scratches, pinholes and to see how level the panel is. Polyester glazing putty sands even much easier, do not put on too thick though, only put on skim coat to finish off panel

[BlueSS454]

As stated before, don't waste your time with a grater, I find them particularly useless.  So long as you apply the filler evenly in single passes, you won't need one.  Also about the temps, just my opinion that you should at least use a heat gun to warm up the metal.  The filler will have poor adhesion in those temperatures.

[jordyjim]

you can warm the filler gently, that sets it off quicker,amadaes? use chopped strand[glass] as a bridging filler, holed fiberglss panels etc ..jim

[AmadeusCharger500]

Thanks everyone. I've taken a break due to cold weather and the airl tools acting up. Next few days will be spent insulating the garage.

Glad to hear I am not the only one puzzled by the cheese grater.

I am in the middle of two quarter panel patches both of which I have to fabricate the panel since there are none available.
Sorry guys this on a Satellite, I do own 2 chargers so don't get mad.

I finished one side. Lots of work making the outer and inner panels. Now all thats left of course is to make it look decent, then start on the other side. So I will probably be back with more filler questions.