Skinned the blank this morning and started in on the rocker a little bit. Did not go too far because I don’t have glassing supplies yet and I thought it would be a good idea to wait so that I can glass it as soon as it is shaped. S-glass and RR epoxy should be here Thu. I even remembered to order a leash cup at the last second.
How is the epoxy going to work in low temps + high humidity? Not well, I’m guessing.
[img_assist|nid=1056476|title=Peeled blank, round pin|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=426|height=640][img_assist|nid=1056474|title=round pin rocker or lack there of|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=426]
Nearly ready to glass. The good surf has been impeding my progress. Forgot to order the fusion box jig so I’m waiting for that. Started reading about shrinkage issues with Epoxy over PU and now I’m worried. I want this board to last more than six months. A UV inhibitor will help? I’m not seeing one on the foamez site. Of course I didn’t order the Resin Research CE epoxy with the UV inhibitor…I didn’t know it was an option, just got the standard stuff. Is there something I can add to the mix to help it or should I just cross my fingers?
[img_assist|nid=1056567|title=First handshape from old clark blank|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=426]
Well, it took a while but I finally finished it.[img_assist|nid=1056993|title=6'1"x19 1/4"x2 1/4" top|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=426]
Yeah, it’s already got wax on it. I basically finished sanding it, threw some fins in and drove down the gravel driveway to my local break. I hadn’t expected to really surf, the internet said no hay, so I figured I’d just go for a paddle. I also wanted to try out my new Isurus wettie. When I pulled up to the break I saw a little set come through that looked very surfable. Then a real set came, overhead and peeling .Clean, offshore winds, not a car in the lot. I was racing to get some wax on the thing and suit up. Forgot ear plugs, forgot a leash, didn’t matter much, there was a good channel. The board worked so damn good. I built it for this wave and it basically, somehow, feels exactly how I’d hoped it would. I couldn’t believe it, really. I already have some small pressure dents from a couple floaters and a really weak air. I expected it to dent because it’s all soft core foam and only two layers of 4 oz. cloth. The thing is fast and loose and yet not twitchy, really, rather smooth compared to the admitedly limited number of boards I’ve ridden. We’ll see how it handles real juicy waves but with the full outline I’m guessing it’s not going to be the best in open beach power.
I’ve got about a hundred ideas for different shapes floating around in my head. I kept a journal for this build, just some resin amounts and tips to make it easier on myself for next time. Glassing with epoxy is not hard but it is hard to do well, so far. Still not exactly sure how to sequence it so that the fiberglass overlap areas come out smooth. Sanding this stuff was a pain and I need to figure out how to cut down the work in that area. More Add F and power tools? We’ll see. Stoked on the PU-Epoxy combo. I think I could definitely roll with that again if I can’t get a hold of EPS blanks. There’s another clark foam blank in the rafters, an 8ft. gun. I’m scared to shape that one because I’d feel obligated to ride it.
This would have been a lot harder to do without this site. I tried not to ask every little question I came up with. I just used google to search swaylocks and found just about everything I wanted and then some. Ended up reading some really interesting stuff completely unrelated to what I was looking for but very helpful to my general knowledge of surf craft and the design and construcion of. What I’m trying to say is, thanks.
Clean, functional, working with the available blank.
First shape with so many other shaping ideas going through your head…an auspicious beginning, that is certain.
You know, I live so far inland and my surfing activity (of all types) is dwindling, so I’ll just offer again to let keep the name. You’re the real moss :0)
Foam shrinkage is a foam problem, not so much an epoxy problem. You reused a blank that had already lived a full life so I doubt you’ll have a problem with that foam.
Put some heat on that finished board in order to get the most out of the epoxy lam. Heat curing, like maybe 120* for a day or so. Without the heat cure the epoxy is actually a bit soft. Personally, I like to a bit of heat on a board prior to sanding.
Thanks, original moss. I’ve already made a new account named “testpilot” and I’ll just use that from now on to avoid confusion.
Gdaddy, I cured it for a few nights in a row by the wood stove. Kept a thermometer next to it and had the heat about 105* to 115* for a good 5-6 hours each time. I’ll probably do it again tonight.
I was able to ride the board again this morning. The waves were bigger but more closed out. Got a few fun ones. Going to mess with fins for tonight’s session. I think with the width through the tail the board definitely needs some good sized fins. We’ll see how the FG7’s feel.