Can anyone tell me where I can buy the Red X fin installation kit? And what is the 7" base plate that everyone keeps talking about(what does it do)? Is it easy to install Red X fin system, and will a normal router work(if so what type/size blade do I need for it? thanks to anyone with some info. BUkky
bucky is that a loop of you shaping? i think you will have a hard time installing anything with those two evil spirits going off in the corner of your work space…I have a hard time just reading your posts withthat action going off…ambrose…install the red X.and incourage me to do the same…
Umm…thanks…I guess…(for all the help???)
go with the Red-X. What is your source for the system? If they supply the needed foam dams you can do it on your own. See if the supplier has jigs for fin alignment. Forget the jig for cutting the holes, you need a plunge router and a compressor for the cutting jig… You can use drill bits and hacksaw blades and pull it off. (I’ve had to while travelling).
Actually I don’t have a “source”(can you maybe reccomend one), I’m not really understanding what you’re talking about with the jigs and foam dams(sorry),could you maybe put it into lamens(15 year old) terms for me. Sorry bout that
In Lay man’s terms, The little finboxes are set into holes cut THROUGH your board. The jigs are plastic pieces with marks on 'em and they go into the slots where the fins normally go. These things help align and hold the boxes while you glue the boxes in place with resin. BUT, as you pour resin into the hole with the fin box in it (much like pouring concrete into a fence post hole with a fence post in it) the resin falls through the board onto the floor, because the hole in your board goes all the way through from the bottom out to the deck. Well, they make foam pieces to stop the flow. After the resin kicks, you can remove everything and sand it flush with the board. Then you can use it… …now with that all said, you can use modelling clay to do most of the stuff (Ive had to) of sealing and holding. You can even use the actual fins intead of the jigs, although they won’t go all the way into the boxes…
Might want to use glass on fins…
Thanks, good idea about the glass ons, I think that learning to shape/glass are enough for now, installing fin sys. etc might be too overwhelming. thanks for your time, btw I found the email that you sent me very helpful and I may be sending you a couple emails asking for more help a little later if that’s alright with you. I’ve got the jc shaping 101 vid on the way and that should help me some. thanks BUkky
No problem. A long-time friend of mine made that video. He also made two videos called Glasing 101 and Airbrushing 101…
good luck…
PlusOneShaper, above you said “might want to use glass ons”. Putting fins in for the first time (as i will soon), should i use glass ons? it seems as though everyone is saying glass ons are a pain, but the description you gave above sounds more painful to me than glass ons. I’m kind of split on what to do…a little help please???
Hey Greg, I think your success (and ease in doing the task) will depend upon the resources available. Specifically, what tools do you have for the fin system install? Red-X will require thier air-driven vacuum jig; if you have this tool, things are a snap, as you can get perfect holes for the entire set of fins in about 3 minutes! If not, then the process can take you hours. if you have some tools such as a plunge router with 1/2" dia. bit and more than a 2" depth, then you can rig somethng up. I can describe something to you if you really want to do this install. Other systems require less sophisticated tooling such as FCS but the utility of this must be weighed against the quality of the ride.
So,
Glass-ons will give you that quality ride, and require a minimum of tooling. You can glass one tri-fin at a time and if you are using UV resin, then you should be killing it. I didn’t mean to discourage in any way as you will soon be quite adept at the install of any of these methods just by asking AND getting in there and doing it. hope this helps.
Still waiting for the Lokbox part…
Quote:
Still waiting for the Lokbox part…
Ill ask.
Whats up with the lokbox install? easy? difficult? special tools? How about prices on fins + plugs and how can i get them here on the north shore of Oahu? Thanks
Thanks PlusOneShaper. I’ll look into FCS but glass ons sound easier since it will be my first board and I don’t really have that many resources available. Thanks again for your input.
Jtroy, send an e-mail to info@rainbowfins.com and ask for a pricelist and any other details. Distributor on the northshore will be active in a month or so. You can also see some of the available fin templates at either www.lokboxfins.com under “fin catalogue” or at www.rainbowfins.com under “shortboards”. Installation is highlighted under the "installation button. Similar to futures. We reccomend the dewalt dw621 2 horsepower plunge router, which works well for longboard boxes as well. Vaccuum Jig comes with plates for bahne center boxes.
Thanks
I’m still looking for Bahne LB boxes. thx
Hey Plus One, I sent you an email regaurding the shaping help that you gave me a little bit ago. If you could read it and guide me from there that would be terrific. Thanks so much. BUKky
Fins unlimited - 760-753-0255
Hey Bukk,
will do, thanks.