Fin Box Templates...homemade?!

Hey guys,

 

Just wondering...has anyone made their own fin box templates for routing, rather than purchasing expensive shop sold jigs/templates?

I have been thinking of attempting an FCS jig myself...any thoughts on how to tackle it?

OR

Even a FUTURES jig, might be a bit harder as they have that 'stepped' ledge system going on!

Thanks again for ya thoughts!

M

i make router jigs for woodworking projects all the time. Can’t see why fin box jigs would be difficult?

Buy ProBox fin system.  They come with the jigs (for free) and are very simple.  

I’ve made jigs for the old FCS plugs and for high density fin inserts that plugs go into later. No problem at all.

Like Sammy says, it’s not difficult if you have a router with a top bearing pattern bit. Use an existing template to rout off of and make as many copies as you want. If there is no prior template, cut one out by hand, detail it so it is correct and lines are straight and use that with the pattern bit. Ocemco make a nice set up for pattern bits. 1/4" shank with replaceable cutters that thread on to the end of the shank under the bearing. You can get the cutters in handy little six packs. Ocemco is located in Paso Robles, Ca. But it’s hard to beat the Probox system.

thanks for the replies so far!!

been looking at the pro box set (jig/template thingy) and seems pretty good. Im in OZ and would prefer to use an Aussie made system (well aware both FCS and FUTURES are not Aussie made), but it seems the jigs are quite expensive, although Pro Box is quite reasonable.

Other issue with pro box, is the low number of fin varieties (size, material, type etc) available in Australia. i havent seen a shop where you can walk in and get a new set of pro box fins? I guess being able to use FCS means being able to use different types of FCS fins...but I do like the solid, entire base/insert on the pro box fins> this has got to replicate glass ons well?

M

[quote="$1"] Other issue with pro box, is the low number of fin varieties (size, material, type etc) available in Australia. i havent seen a shop where you can walk in and get a new set of pro box fins? [/quote]

FCS fit Proboxes no problem, no modification and you can change cant... yah, Probox needs to update their site, they've got tons of templates that aren't up there... you can also get them in G10, Bamboo, or whatever your fancy... i don't know about distribution to OZ tho... maybe Larry will chime in here...

aside from that, it doesn't seem like it would be too hard to make your own router template for any of the systems. 1/8" masonite or fiberboard, massage it to make it work, hmm... shoots, maybe a swaylocker near you has an extra install set they could send you?

... shoots, maybe a swaylocker near you has an extra install set they could send you?

I like ya thinking chrisp!!!....any body!?

Yeh thats what im thinking, masonite, take some measurements, do a couple of tests and bingo...shouldnt be too hard!

M

I made my own FCS fusion router template.

The tools necessary are a hole saw, and a coping or jig saw.  I dont remember the holesaw size or spread, but basically, get a hole saw 1/8" larger than the width of the Fusion box.  Measure the distance from grub screw to grub screw.  Drill two holes in a piece of 3/4" plywood the same distance from each other as the grub screws.  Then take your saw and cut out the “hourglass” center. Next go to Target or wherever, and get some rubber perforated shelf liner.  It looks like a bunch of tan beads glued together.  You’ll find it in kitchenwear.  Spray some 3M 77 spray, and apply the shelf liner.  That gives you the soft, no-skid bottom.

Put a collar on your router, and use a 1/2" router bit.  The 1/8" oversize on the template is so when using the router collar, it will cut 1/16" smaller all around. 

I never like router bit bearings.  Needs a specialty tool store to get them, and they burn out at 30,000 rpm.

[quote="$1"]

... shoots, maybe a swaylocker near you has an extra install set they could send you?

I like ya thinking chrisp!!!....any body!?

Yeh thats what im thinking, masonite, take some measurements, do a couple of tests and bingo...shouldnt be too hard!

M

[/quote]

ha ha, yah, we're not building rockets... i've got a bunch of Probox jigs, i could send you a few but, shipping would probably make that pointless.

chrisp...you are a gentleman! I have sourced the pro box jigs here price not too bad..its more just the availability of the various fin templates seems to be really low here?

Everysurfer: good explanation I rekn thats maybe where I'll head...you mentioned TARGET...you in OZ??? My next question, do you know where I can access FCS boxes??

 

Cheers

M

   Howzit saltbush, I wouldhave given you a set of jigs when I giving my finsystem tools anf such away before moving. John Delaney of outerisland underground glassing  on kauai got all my fin system tools and fins to boot for free.The thing is he aleardy hd all the same tools and install systems. Never thought to offer it all to my Sway Brothers. My Bad. Aloha,Kokua

kokua

 

no sweat!!

I think I'll be able to get sorted with some 'homemadies'. Im not even sure where to access FCS boxes (normal or fusion) in Australia as yet...anyone know?

Pro box still look pretty good and there install jigs are pretty well priced too> as mentioned its just the availability of their fins over here...??? I can always use my FCS fins in the pro box boxes...but just seems silly to use one tyoe of box, with the intention of only using another type of fin?

Good score though...all your fin templating gear etc...lucky man!

M

You could get a block of plastic, rout out an FCS thickness slot, and put in angled screw holes and make the first FCS adjustable fin box.

[IMG]http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/SURFFOILS/FCSfinBOX.jpg[/IMG]

 Its a wonder they havent thought of it before.

 

Probox is the way to go. All my FCS slotted in with no problem. The adjustment, even 1/4" makes a huge difference to performance, not to mention cant. I find myself readjusting every other surf to suit conditions. Makes you think about the waves you’re about to ride.

K

hey karl...

kool, so adjustment...are you able to adjust forward and back when putting FCS fins into pro box ? as well as the cant adjustment?

M

I’ve been using router bits with bearings for over 30 yrs now and have yet to seize one up with proper use. They are made for high rpms. It is the feed rate that kills them. Guys try to push them too fast sometimes.

ps.  Not a bad idea Surfoils, you’ve come up with a few. I’m starting to think you are a mad scientist.

“starting to think”…

have you seen the hydrofoil thread!?

he’s certifiable, god bless his heart.

OP…FCS fusion jig is just a figure 8…you can do it…it all depends on how good you are with your jigsaw.

I have done this before…wobbly jig outline makes for wobbly resin halo around box!

Hah! Yeah the hydrofoil is out there but it’s got great potential. Imagine riding unbroken open ocean swells. Ever seen the video of the Texas guys in the gulf of Mex.riding tanker bow waves?

Yep, full range of adjustment with FCS fins in Probox