I am just about ready to start shaping my first board. I’m planning on a 7’6" egg single fin. What I would like some input on is should I fiberglass on the fin or should I use a fin box? If a fin box is recommended, what type? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Jon
I am just about ready to start shaping my first board. I’m planning on a > 7’6" egg single fin. What I would like some input on is should I > fiberglass on the fin or should I use a fin box? If a fin box is > recommended, what type? Any input would be greatly appreciated.>>> Jon If you are planning on a single fin. O’Fish’l or Fins Unlimited Boxes will give you the most options.
Fins Unlimited 15" box.
If you are planning on a single fin. O’Fish’l or Fins Unlimited Boxes will > give you the most options. Thanks Tom, is there any special things I should know or look out for in putting in the box? I searched the previous discussions and found a few different approaches. I was considering using resin and finely cut up cloth to seat the box in. There were some comments on reinforcing over the top of the box with another piece of cloth, is this a good idea? Jon
Fins Unlimited 15" box. Thaks Mike, I hadn’t even considered what size to use! Jon
Thanks Tom, is there any special things I should know or look out for in > putting in the box? I searched the previous discussions and found a few > different approaches. I was considering using resin and finely cut up > cloth to seat the box in. There were some comments on reinforcing over the > top of the box with another piece of cloth, is this a good idea? Jon Jon, Both The Fins Unlimited and O’Fish’l boxes will fit the same fins. The Fins Unlimited Box is an easier install than the O’Fish’l if you are just doing a single install. Check the archives on tips for installation. There are to many tricks to list again. But, milled fiber and laminating resin will always give you a stronger install.
They also make a 10". 15" would obviously give you more variation in moving the fin around. O’fishl are based around jigs set to a particular router (I know that you can buy different size bases, but who wants to do that for the occassional use). The fins unlimited will be cheaper and easier to use. I just use a jig I made out of cardboard that works with my cabinet trimmer (small plunge router). If you are putting a lot of tail rocker in your board, you might not want to use the longer box. You want to avoid grinding too much of the box away after you have set it with resin. You don’t want the top of the base of the fin sticking out of the top of the box when you set your fin all the way forward or back in the box. Like Tom said there are lots of tips in the archive on setting fin boxes. Good luck.
They also make a 10". 15" would obviously give you more > variation in moving the fin around. O’fishl are based around jigs set to a > particular router (I know that you can buy different size bases, but who > wants to do that for the occassional use). The fins unlimited will be > cheaper and easier to use. I just use a jig I made out of cardboard that > works with my cabinet trimmer (small plunge router).>>> If you are putting a lot of tail rocker in your board, you might not want > to use the longer box. You want to avoid grinding too much of the box away > after you have set it with resin. You don’t want the top of the base of > the fin sticking out of the top of the box when you set your fin all the > way forward or back in the box.>>> Like Tom said there are lots of tips in the archive on setting fin boxes. > Good luck. I was planning 2.75" of tail rocker so I think I’ll be o k with the longer F/U box. Thanks for the input. Jon
Hey Jon, while i am a big fan of the glass-on, i think you should go with the finbox. being that it is your first board and it most likely wont come out perfect, you are going to want to be able to adjust the fin and fin placement to make up for any little mistakes you have made. also, finding the perfect fin to fit the board is a big task. if you glass something in and hate it, thats it. so play around with your fins and figure out what you like, etc. as far as putting the box in the board, i agree with tom. use the milled fiberglass and lam resin to glue it on in there. GOOD LUCK!~ -steve