: Hi Les

: Moisture!!! When you added the filler ( saw dust ) it probably took all the
: moisture out of the mix. You have to have the moisture in the mix in order
: to get a good bond. Something like concrete. You can mix the rocks and
: sand and cement powder and water. The more sand or cement poweder you add,
: the more water you need to add. It keeps the mix wet enough to hold
: together and also to shape it in the scratches and also it helps the glue
: soak into the wood and get a good bite. I don't know about Durhams as I've
: never used it, but what I use ( on furniture projects ) is oil based and
: they have a solvent that works with it. When you use something to thicken
: it, you need to put a few drops of the thinner as well, to loosen it back
: up and get it to stick. Hope that helps.

: Rehd

Thanks, Rehd,

I think I've got the water ratio pretty good. The mix has the consistency of mayonnaise.

what are you using for filler on your boats?

Les