I want to order some supplies from RAKA online, but I am unsure of which one of the fiberglass cloth types to pick. They have a multitude of options. I know I would like to get some 4oz and 6oz, That I will be using it on an HWS build (cedar planking), and because of that I will be using Epoxy resin as is recommended for hws construction.
What weave type is best for boards?
(ps here is a link to them: http://www.raka.com)
Thanks!!
First…Why that place?
Why not a place that sells actual surfboard supplies?
Like… Fiberglass Florida. Surfsource, Greenlight, Surf Supply, Fiberglass Hawaii, Fiberglass Suppy, EZ or one of the many other Surfboard related sites.
Furthermore… if you go on RAKA… It says underneath which application they are best for. A lot of the differences are weave and finish. If your are doing a wood board the finish isnt going to play as much of a factor as you are not looking for bright and optimal white.
Go on the surf sites and study the materials
I think because their prices were better per yard than most I have seen, and they are quite close to me, hence shipping might be a bit less…
I have a few places around but their prices seem the best if I need to ship. But if I can drive to a place I think id go the EZ route and atlantic surf supplies out of melb beach. quite nice people…just too far to drive 
I think you’d be better off with thayercraft…just call and tell him what you need. Prices are great and include shipping. I’ve ordered e and s glass from him, as well as some tight weave 2oz e glass and been very happy.
Thank you very much! Will check them out
RAKA is a great company to deal with. I’m a garage guy and I’ve used them a bunch. The owner, Larry is quick to cut a deal and also send samples of new cloth to try. I vacuum bag only and they tend to carry the heavier cloths (9oz,12oz bi-axial, 21oz tri-axial, and some carbons) in wider rolls, that I cut down the center and save a small fortune. Best bet is to figure out what you like, that they have, and buy a roll of it so shipping isnt killing you every time. i went through a 3 gallon kit of their epoxy and loved the stuff. no additives, no fisheyes, no yellowing, it did take a bit longer to cure that the leading epoxies, but the hotcoat came out so nice I never had to sand it.
Thayercraft 3.2 oz… 44" wide, cut lengthwise…
Thanks for keeping it real and giving the surf guys some props!
One thing to look at that isn’t being mentioned too much is how the cloth is woven, if the fabrics are twisted and how it’s finished? Surfboard specific fabiric is finished in a different way than most cheaper fiberglass fabrics of the same weight. We’ve been designing fabrics for decades and we’ve seen all kinds of 4 oz fabrics that are super cheap and can be used to build a surfboard. The thing you are sacrificing is strength, flex, brighness, tightness of weave, absorption and ease of use…so pretty much everything. Surf fabrics cost more for a reason.
Exactly. That was what i meant when starting this thread. There are so many weaves and such and I don’t know which ones are better or worse. Is there a guide somewhere?
Do you guys offer free shipping after a certain $ spent? Im all for supporting the surf guys but i just hate to think of all the jet fuel burned to get it to me in Orlando FL. For me raka makes more sense as far as ecological sensitivity and shipping etc…