Well, I decided since I’ve got plenty of time on my hands that I’m going to make a EPS core balsa skinned board.
I’ve read a few of these types of posts a while back but I don’t remember really what to do.
My plan though, is to get some EPS, hotwire the rocker into it along with the basic shape. Make balsa rails (two pieces of balsa shaped and the top skin is going to overlap the interior balsa rail) and then layup 3/32" balsa skin on top. What I wanted to do, is 6oz glass under the balsa then 6oz on top. Would this be strong enough? OR should I use some other type of adhesive then epoxy to first glue on the balsa then layup some glass on top? I’m just getting my balsa from a local craft store (3"x3’ boards) since it’s right by and cheap enough I guess.
Good, tips, comments?
I’ll post pics when I start and when I finish.
I really don’t know why I’m making this considering I no longer surf
For your other questions…it has a lot to do with your EPS density.
If 1#, use 6 oz inside & out on the deck skin, 4 oz inside & out on the bottom. (You can use all 6 oz, especially if you already have it, but it will be heavier and more overbuilt than necessary…)
If 2#, 4 oz everywhere is plenty, especially as 3/32" gives you a little extra for strength.
I think a lot of us are just using 1/16". I’ve used as thick as 1/4" and as little as 1/32" veneer…1/16" gives a good strength/weight/flex (at least for 10’ boards like I build).
We get plenty of waves on the gulf coast, so long as you are fine having fun in waist high surf a lot of the time. don’t know where you are at, but everywhere from clearwater to venice has surf with every cold front that passes through and during hurricane season.
Well that sounds more like preference than problems with the waves. The cleanup the day after can be great, so kite when there is wind from a front and then surf the leftovers, don’t need perfect waves to get out there and have fun, especially if you are shaping a new board, might as well use it.
