Neil wrote:
Imagine a small round hole and imagine me trying to fill it.

Bit difficult, I don't know what you look like.

I'll give it a go. Chris Evans with a filling knife. OK.

I apply filler to my spreading device, force some of it in to the hole
leaving a bit proud above the surface, then wipe with the edge of my
spreading device to remove the excess.

Spreading device being? Not the plastic thingy in the tub?

Now, say I wipe from 12 oclock to 6 o clock....why do I always end up
with a recess in a line above 1030 and 1330 where the filler seems to
get "pulled away" because of its viscosity?

First of all, try this filler;
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Ready-Mixed-...er/invt/600830

Its a new generation lightweight filler also sold as One Strike, Red Devil
etc. You won't believe how good it is till you try it.

Get a proper filling knife, it should have a blade so flexible it will
almost bend 90 degrees.

Top tip. Spit on the filling knife for the last wipe. Nothing works as
well :-)


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk