Cut or free lap on epoxy balsa board?

I’m getting ready to glass my first board and I was wondering if it is better to use cut or free laps on an epoxy balsa vacuum board (there is a nose patch of fabric)?

I’ve just used free laps. The longboard’s 6 oz E shows a little greenish where the laps double over each other and in the patch around the finbox. But not enough that I wish I had done a cutlap. The 4 oz E on the fish is water clear.

Dan,

Any cut lines, cross grain sanding marks or finger nail scapes will show up in the finish, so be really careful with the balsa and I always seal my balsa before glassing to reduce air bubbles. None of my free laps show, just make nice clean cuts on the fabric with scissors. You can use cut lines if you are going to use pin lines to cover it all up.

Poe Rava

Free laps seem to be the way to go for this board. I was wondering, how do you seal your balsa?

Dan,

I use a urethane with UV-inhibitor, then after it dryes lightly sand with 220, then glass.

Poe Rava

Oh and Dan, if you are using epoxy you can prime the balsa with the epoxy. Use a short hair roller to get an even coat. and after you prime the board only handle with clean rubber gloves, don’t get your oily finger prints all over it.

Poe Rava

Quote:

don’t get your oily finger prints all over it

.

Hey, what are you saying about my fingers… Thanks for the tips, I’ll have to give it a try!