Building a single fibreglass fin for a spoon

[img_assist|nid=1063491|title=Flexspoon velo edgeboard fin 1|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Started with a wooden template that was drawn in Corel to get the dimensions right. 10" height x 6 1/4" base. It should end up about 3/8" thick at the base. I’m going for a fairly thin and flexible fin. It won’t be hard to replace if it breaks.

In an attempt to conserve resources I kept the fin layup box fairly compact.


 

[img_assist|nid=1063492|title=Flexspoon velo edgeboard fin 2|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first 22 layers of 4oz are now under pressure. It worked a treat. Great Compression.

I put a layer of aluminium foil on both sides of the glass and put the wooden template fin on top and clamped the whole layup box to the bench.

I used laminating resin for these layers.


 

[img_assist|nid=1063493|title=Flexspoon velo edgeboard fin 3|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once the clamps were removed I peeled of the foil and was left with an excellent impression of the fin.


 

 

[img_assist|nid=1063494|title=Flexspoon velo edgeboard fin 4|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what the bottom looked like when I took it out of the mould.

The outline was cut with a jig saw, about 1/4" away from the final shape and ground down the rest on the linisher.


 

 

[img_assist|nid=1063495|title=Flexspoon velo edgeboard fin 5|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revealing the hidden potential of the fin. My Dad’s linisher was the perfect solution. I did put my dust extractor hose under the belt to suck up all the dust.


 

 

[img_assist|nid=1063496|title=Finishing the flex spoon velo edgeboard 5|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The first 22 lams after shaping.


 

 

[img_assist|nid=1063497|title=Finishing the flex spoon velo edgeboard 6|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To build the fin I used all the corner offcuts from the board to save and reuse valuable materials. They were the perfect size.

Using a more compact layup box helped to save on resin too.

I’m adding another 5 full lams, with laminating resin, to each side of the fin, giving a total so far of 32 lams.


 

 

[img_assist|nid=1063599|title=Fin foils 1|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the last step to glassing the fin. Adding the smaller foils to each side of the 32 lams to give a total of 42.

There are 2 patches, of diminishing sizes, for each side of the fin.

I used brown paper to cut the sizes and then pin the glass to the brown paper to cut them.

This is a good job to do while watching television. Just make sure you’ve got the vacuum cleaner (hoover) handy.

 

[img_assist|nid=1063600|title=Fin foils 2|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, I used the offcuts from the board glassing to make all these pieces. I will use a hot coat to apply these foils to make it easier to sand.

 

 

 


Now I will sand and foil the fin to the right flexibility for me. Will post images when done.

 

 

 

Hey Loftusum, 

I’m curious, how thick was your final product? Did 22 sheets of 4oz under your clamp down set up come out thinner than 3/8".

 

Steve

Hi Steve

Yes, the 22 sheets ended up about 1/8".

I have since added 5 more sheets either side and it is now about 2/8". Next time I’ll start with 30 sheets then start the foiling.

I will soon start layering 5 more sheets, both sides (a total of 10), progressively up the fin to create foil.

It should be pretty close by then. I have attached an image of the foiling.

regards Muchie

 

[img_assist|nid=1063507|title=Flexspoon velo edgeboard fin foiling|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=549]

 

I have done 38, 40, 42, and 44.  I know 42 and 44 sounds like a lot but they work great for foiling and I glass those on.  Im still just trying to figure out how I can create a router tool so I can just push the fin base through so it will come out perfect to fit in the box.  I have a hell of a time with the bases.

One of my 2012 resolutions is to not make or foil another fin until I get my dust extraction system set up.  All I need is some more money.  Maybe that should havebeen my resolution, get more money to build more stuff.

 

Steve

NIce work. I can’t remember where I heard it (probably here) but one sheet of laminated 6oz is about .01 inch. 3/8" = .38" so you would need about 38layers of 6oz for 3/8" thickness

Hi Steve

thanks for the input. I think you’re right. About 40 layers is going to be spot on.

Do you have an image of your fin base with some measurements? I may be able to help.

Dust extractor: I must agree. I couldn’t live without my dust extractor, especially as I do woodturning and woodwork too. It is invaluable.

Max