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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.
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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.
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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.