if you dont care too much, just read this line: surfboard halves reconnected, it was a heck of a project! or if your curiosity prevails, read on:
I had a vision of what i wanted, but the whole process completely exceeded my expectations. The board is now a 6â5". Ended up shaving off 2â7"(this was not preset, it just ended up the way, dont ask me how many times i sawed:)
I am proud of the technique i used to maintain the rocker while drying (strings, weights, same angled wall and board, eyeballing⌠
but despite my thrill of finding workable solution(s) there was not one stage in the mending that didnât throw me for a loop. Many oh _____ moments.
Now, as the board is, it could be surfed, but since the two halves did not line up flush (not a sharp bump, but rather gradual, more so on top than bottom) and since i did not fill the voids, post sanding has given way to some holes. I thought id just fill it with resin, re-glass, or just re-resin (glass includes resin and fiberglass, right?). Im skeptical of doing another wrap because of the weight. However, now that time isnt pressing, i am even tempted to cut the whole thing down again, and really zone in on lining it up, perhaps using a molded section from the sawed off foam to match the two halves. Or, i was thinking of possibly sanding it down to even the surface, but considering as many corners i ran into already, it may be best to leave it as is, until it snaps again, although it seems pretty damn strong with all that resin, fiberglass, and dowels and all.
Iâll get a photo on here to show you whats up.
Some key points which were learned and re-affirmed:
measure twice! that aint no joke. there was quite a bit more to measure than i realizedâŚ
supplies are key: had all the tools for it to work, but it would have been nice to have a cloth measuring tape, a new or properly fitting respirator, and a panel saw, or power saw and table to alow an inexperienced sawer to achieve flush and straight cuts.
time, time, time
resin, fiberglass, gorilla glue, catalyst, acetone: that is some toxic sh*t, i think ive been surfing too long, to finally realize or come to the opinion that considering what surf relies on, it is time to start seriously considering other means creating a surfboard. Theres definitely some great things out there, but i guess it all comes down to $ and âŚtime.
heat dude! the shed has gotta be toasty man! This was really frustrating since time was tight.
wooden dowels and a little bit of GG, works really well. before i glassed, the halves seemed strong enough for a good paddle and ride.
Surfboards are one technical piece of equipment!
the internet is really cool. through out this process i thought about where id be with out the internet. swaylocks has provided very well. trial and error prevailed, but i definitely was able to overcome many obstacles with the click of a mouse.
explaining art & physics with regards to a surfboard, is, well thats may be something for another day.
thats all for now. thanks for reading and thanks to those for earlier input.
Last night i was running a caliper down the rails of the two halves trying to see if after shaving a foot, two or three off i could re connect the halves and have them line up properly. From my observation with the calipers it appeared it could be done. However, the calipers i used only stretched a couple inches toward the stringer. It is unclear to me if thickness from rail to rail would line up. if this will work, then great! or if i dont have a clue, please put me in the know! :^)