Everysurfer,
I think you just described what I was trying to say perfectly, but i didn't know how to word it. I didn't think that concave should be "added after" either because that would change the rocker. thanks for clearing things up :)
I could be wrong, but being a beginner I havent got enough of a understanding but what i do know is that the rocker line in the rails hasint changed, until I understand more of what your saying mate Im left a little bit mystified. Sorry about that.
Just the way I design… I lay out the stringer rocker first, and then work around that. You can just as well start with rail rocker, and then hollow out the bottom or whatever. But I don’t think you will be as accurate and true to your design without a final check with your rocker template along the stringer. The whole concept should be in your head before you pick up a tool. Great boards aren’t stumbled upon.
With stringer first, you have a definite design as your foundation.
For me, the one thing that doesn’t work is just following the blank, and going by feel. You can’t draw a six foot line without a straight-edge, so how do you think anybody can create a repeatable curve with just a planer and no guide?
You want it to be repeatable, or you won’t have a basis to refine on the next board.
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I could be wrong, but being a beginner I havent got enough of a understanding but what i do know is that the rocker line in the rails hasint changed, until I understand more of what your saying mate Im left a little bit mystified. Sorry about that.
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Just the way I design... I lay out the stringer rocker first, and then work around that. You can just as well start with rail rocker, and then hollow out the bottom or whatever. But I don't think you will be as accurate and true to your design without a final check with your rocker template along the stringer. The whole concept should be in your head before you pick up a tool. Great boards aren't stumbled upon.
With stringer first, you have a definite design as your foundation.
For me, the one thing that doesn't work is just following the blank, and going by feel. You can't draw a six foot line without a straight-edge, so how do you think anybody can create a repeatable curve with just a planer and no guide?
You want it to be repeatable, or you won't have a basis to refine on the next board.
[/quote] ahhh, ok, yes I know what your talking about and that is the slight fear that I have with this board, the concave was not planned, I am going to be working on getting some rocker templates made so yes I think I know where your coming from, will bring this discussion up my my friend as well because sometimes understanding can break down on the internet if you know what I mean
everysurfer wrote “** Great boards aren’t stumbled upon.” **
I respectfully dissagree my friend, 
Peace!
O.k.
I’ll give you that one ; )
Sometimes we all get lucky!
Just read all the recent posts on this subject and just wanted to repeat that the rail line rocker is most important, in my opinion. I use rocker templates usually taken from boards I know work, now what if I want to change the bottom shape, I just need to make mental adjustments to take this into account. You can move your template away from the stringer towards the rail and see whats going on as you move it to give yourself an idea of whats going on if you like.
It appears people on here use different techniques to shape in bottom contours and as long as it works for you alls well. There comes a point as your progressing with a board that you can see if it's going as you want it and use instruments for the odd check to make sure. I suppose it's down to sound consistent technique and experience.
bump