Hey, I was just back in the archives and I was reading through that thread about using diaper filler instead of cabosill etc. Since it has been a while, has anyone had problems with this stuff? Was it just a fad or do you still use it? And what about that gel stuff for flowers and candles? Did that work out? There were a couple of shapers in that thread who were going to try it out, but never posted back with results. Anyways, it’s been long enough that if there are problems they’re likely known of, so I was wondering if and how this stuff is still used. Regards, Red
The flower stuff is WAY more expensive. I have no experience with diaper gel except when used on children. Rob Olliges
…I use it exclusively,no need for milled glass or cabocel/Qcell.Much stronger than resin with any of the other additives,the silica mixes and changes the chemical make-up of poly/epoxy and creates a new super tough polymer plastic.The fibers act as a bonding agent ,like milled glass/D.E. ,but much more compatible. …I still from time to time use noodle’s D.E.(FOUND AT A POOL SUPPLIER/SUPERMARKET)… …Here’s a new one.I’ve been using a new/OLD thickener instead of cab/Qcell …try corn starch,cheap and easy to use and aquire.Baby rice cereal works great as a thickener,also cheap and easy to aquire,both are strong and add strength rather than subtract it. As we use to say in the E.O.D.“IF YOU SEE ME RUNNING BY YOU’D BETTER CATCH-UP!”.Herb
in 1963 or 64 a buddy and I used oatmeal to repair the nose of my 9-0 Dewey Webber. It worked fine! Roger
…Being a disadvantaged kid in my childhood,I had to make,create,invent,things to use…Now days, I can use whatever $ can buy…I still use my scavenger attitude to create,make,invent things,but with more resouces,and funds that my wild little child’s brain could image back then…Rice cereal is the sh*t for thickening,as well as chop sticks are great for stur sticks…don’t forget the cool whip bowls either.Herb
Howzit Herb, The chop sticks are great and I get 60 for about 90 cents. Aloha, Kokua
Herb, I AM a disadvantaged kid living in “The Great White North.” That’s why I was wondering how the stuff worked out, because it is next to impossible to get blanks cheap in Canada. And anything else for building boards is hard to come by too. I was wondering if you have any more skinflint tips for making do you might be able to pass along. If you are willing to share some of this knowledge but don’t want to make a public thing of it, email me at I likely have no handy hints to pass back to you, unless you want help with making custom riflestocks or glass-bedding(that was the first time I every used epoxy) or pillaring rifles. So yah man, I got nothing to offer in return, but I’m hoping you can help here. Regards, Red
Howzit Herb? I’m coming back out. I’ been lurking for a while …couldn’t stay away. Swaylock’s is a fine place compared to the competition. I tested the plant/flower ice - water absorber. It won’t absorb polyester or epoxy resin. It must be a different formulation from the diaper stuff. Oh… and the diaper stuff? You have to use new, not used… Phewwwww! I also tested the Diatomaceous Earth /epoxy formula on a bike application. Its compression strength seems pretty low compared to epoxy /fiberglass. I would use it as a fillet structure, not where high compression strength is required. Time to crow. My son just got his PhD in Nuclear Physics. I just wish Ramon was still around to compare notes.
noodle(or anyone needing EPS blanks)–contact me in Dickinson,Tx at Craig
…Red ,my weapons are 100% ,but some info might be needed from time to time,and fishing stuff works too.I’ll take it on a marker,and I’ll either email you or post it here.Got to feed the wolves right now.Herb
.me too.Thanks and good to hear from you,man.Herb
Hey! Welcome back! Any progress on your waterbike?
Hey John, No progress on the water bike. However, I just completed building a 26-26 steel high racer for my son’s graduation present… flies like a bat outta hell. If only I could quit “testing” it and get it too him. Organ grinders have no idea what they’re missing. 
Whoa… you built that?! Unbelieveable! Looks great Noodle!
No, not my creation. Rans makes the production bike closest to my design. Put a sling seat (lawn chair) on the Rans and extend the lower struts forward across the head tube into the boom, and you have my bike. Mine was half completed when the Rans came out. Bacchetta started the high racer craze with the Strada. It has a sling back, but it’s monotube, reportedly a little flexy: 
Congrats on your son’s achievements! Great to hear from you again Noodle. I’ve worked my way through about 8 lbs.of DE since that great tip, not to mention a few gallons of Epoxy. Take care. Tom S.
Hey Tom, Thanks. How’s the hotwire coming? You doin’ your own now?
Noodle: Nice bikes…and welcome back. Patrick
Hello Patrick, are you the shaper living on Vancouver Island? If so, where do you find blanks, or do you know of anyone who supplies cheap block foam? I don’t know if I’m asking the right guy, but I’m pretty sure that there was a man named Patrick Shannon who shapes off the BC coast. Regards, Red