Im interested in building a hollow wooden board, like the type that Grain make, with the internal plywood skeleton. I dont want to buy the kits from grain or anything, Id rather do it from stratch. Ive got a fair idea of how im going to make the skeleton, but im not so sure how thick to make the planking. Ive got a few different types of timber I can use, such as harder heavier woods like ash, or lighter woods like pine. Ive got the tools to cut it all, and im used to working with wood, but I dont want to end up with a board that either weighs a ton, or is quite fragile.
Any advice, or links to resources or plans would be greatly appreciated.
Google "tree to sea", there are two forums dedicated to wood boards, check 'em out. With wood boards you fight to keep the weight down. Some guys (myself included, and Roger Hall for another) like our boards a bit heavier. My latest is 16 lbs., I'm very comfortable surfing a board at that weight.
Like you, I just dove right in, no kits or plans, devising my own methods as I went. But there are some good kits and plans out there - Paul Jensen (google the name), and wood surfboard supply (Brad Tucker) are two that come to mind. Or Grain, as you mentioned, another good kit.
My personal advice is keep the ribs and stringer to a minimum, but go every 5" on center (most guys space 'em out further) Then go with 1/4" or 3/16" planking. I used 5.2mm plywood on my last few boards, and my latest has no internal structure at all. No heavier hardwoods at all, unless a tiny piece for accent. I use redwood and cedar a lot, but balsa and paulownia are lighter still. Pine - too heavy. Ash - too heavy.
Here are some videos that might help…start to finish hollow wooden surfboard. I’m no expert, but this is how I do it. I’ve tried most methods that are out there. There are good and bad with all of them. This might give you some insight of where to start.
looking for a quick, easy, lightweight HWS build methodology? check out mike torres’s threads both here and at T2S. his stringer-template rail assembly method is the most compelling, most economical setup i’ve seen so far. i can’t recommend it enough
Those videos are very good, interesting to see the fin design. In essence, quite simple, but I can see that the most important thing is planning it, making sure you clamp everything up properly, cut everything straight and clean, and just take your time.
I will have a look at those threads you suggest too.
