Hey Greg… What can you tell us about using your epoxy/fiberglass to make fins…???.. Flex characteristics…???..Siffness…???..etc…???.. http://www.hollowsurfboards.com
We have two different resins for laminating. A high modulus which is very stiff and a high impact which is a bit more flexible. They would produce two different flex patterns depending on which you used and what fiber your cloth is. If using Carbon for instance you’d probably want to use the 2000 which is the stiffer of the two. For a more flexible fin you’d use 2020 resin with a synthetic cloth or possibly e-glass. Really e-glass kind of fits in the middle so it can be used with either resin depending on what the end use is. I think Rich could probably tell you some real specifics.
I’ll be using it in the future…Support the small guys… Any chance of Fiberglass Supply carryin’ yer goops…???.. Paul http://www.hollowsurfboards.com
Where is fiberglass supply?
Greg: I am working on a flexi-tail board and am interested in going epoxy…In the past (too long ago), I’ve used 6 oz flat weave Volan with dion isothalic resin with real good results. The result is a fairly soft flex but great memory and little fatigue. Will your stuff work? Thanks
Here are a few things that I’ve learned so far. First Off I don’t know where The Aluzine that I get from Fiberglass Hawaii fits into the picture when it comes to Greg’s 2000 and 2020 resins. I really would like to know where they fit into the picture. I have found that when I do a layup the same thinkness with poly as a I do with the Aluzine that the poly layup is more transparent and the epoxy is more translucent. The weave of the cloth needs to be diaginal to the way you want fins to flex. I haven’t found much difference in the flex caracteristics of warp glass and e-glass. I think it’s the warp glass that holds the weave shape when you handle it, though I could be wrong. It’s nice to have the weave pattern of the glass stay uniform. You get a more consistent product. Polyester is definitely more flexable that epoxy. One of the tricks I’m using now for a 9" flex-tip center is to make a thin spine of polyester that has a little more flex than I want to finish between two layers 1/8" high density foam. Then I foil the fin out and put an epoxy shell over. A little epoxy/glass lamination goes a long way when you want to stiffing things up. If you want a rigid fin. Just put three layers of 5.4oz carbon cloth in the center of the lamination and lay the whole thing up with epoxy and it’ll be almost as rigid as a piece of cast iron. Some surfers like flex some don’t. I really depends on your style, the waves you ride and how your board is configured. If you want to surf off you fins real hard and drive off them you want pretty stiff fins. If you have a board that the bottom is really lively and you can generate a lot of performance off it you want you’re rails to work more, thus you’ll need less fin area and possible a little more flex depending on the set-up. Just for the record I prefer epoxy unless I want something transparent. Maybe Gregg has the answer to this one too. Every time I go out I learn something about fins cause I seldom surf the same set-up more than 2 or 3 times unless the conditions cry for something I know will rip. By the way Gregg. I just sent the money off today. Enough for two gallons of resin – I think I want the flexible stuff. I think I can make I as rigid as I want to just by using carbon fiber. Which of the two do you use for surfboard lay-ups, Greg? I think I broke some new ground at the Hook today. 8’0"x17x21.25"x15.0" rounded pin with 6" rigid liddle flex rails symetrically foiled and a 3" orca dorsal center.I was amazed a how well it drove of the bottom and the straight away pocket speed was unreal. Had to stall it to let the wave catch up a few times. For me a board that real free to set up a line with but holds well as you accelerate is best. Everybody surfs so differently it’s great to try new things. In the end I think it’s better to be a little under fined. At least you’ll be able to go little faster. So much for the rambling. I still have lots to learn! Stay Stoked, Rich
See, I told you Rich was the one to ask.
Fiberglass Supply, Inc. Company Information Fiberglass Supply, Inc. 314 West Depot P. O. Box 345 Bingen, Washington 98605-0345 Telephone: (509) 493-3464 M-F 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time) Fax: (509) 493-4053 e-mail: Web Sight: www.fiberglasssupply.com Motto: “Itching for Fun!” Technical: Doug Austin Order: Sherl Andrews Fiberglass Supply is located about an hours drive from Portland, Oregon or Vancouver, Washington in an area designated as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. We are located just off Washington State Highway 14 in the back (south facing) side of the Bingen Mall, the large gray building on your right entering Bingen from the west. We are directly across from the Amtrak Station. Fiberglass Supply is in the business of providing materials and supplies to the fiberglass reinforced plastic/composite industry. Originally, we concentrated our efforts by providing the specialized materials required for boat, surfboard and sailboard (windsurfer) fabrication to the craftsmen who carry on this trade. However, our equation of breaking down bulk materials to user-friendly quantities, has received wide-ranging acceptance from a diversity of individuals and business that work with reinforced plastics. We serve a growing customer base in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Western Canada. In addition, we ship to many individuals who have discovered us while visiting the Gorge to pursue their sports of sailing and kayaking. With nearly forty years of hands on experience in the reinforced plastics manufacturing and two decades of recognized leadership in the distribution of reinforced plastic/composite materials we are uniquely qualified. http://www.fiberglasssupply.com/