hi I am a brand spankin’ newbie. I’ve searched and searched but I haven’t come across anything quite like my question so I’ve decided to post. I had a old 9’6" triple stringer that I used to use as a loaner. no longer use it and it had become a q’cell graveyard (including about one 18" repair down one rail) so I decided it would make a nice blank for my 001. After all, I learned how (and how NOT) to fix dings/delams with the board, I might as well learn at least how not to shape with it rather than just abandoning it to some toxic waste dump. maybe I’ll get something to ride.
I got a nice template from a 5’11 Swift (much thanks to the guys at MolluskNYC). but when I got the glass off and dug out all the qcell, the board was about and inch or so too narrow. If I weren’t 6’4 200 pounds I probably wouldn’t worry about it, but alas, I am a pretty big guy and a pretty poor surfer.
here are the options I am considering: cut the board a little longer 6’2 ish, shape the foam as is, fill the craters with some leftover foam/qcell and make due with a board with a little less foam and a little less curve in the template than I would like, OR widen the board gluing strips of leftover foam on both rails to match the original template. I was thinking I could use polyester to glue the extra foam, but make sure only to use enough to get a decent bond, but leave the area I will shape till after I shape it fill in the gaps with a little qcell. (if that makes any sense)
has anyone tried this? I understand it may not be worth the effort, but seriously if that were a consideration I’d have scrapped the board and bought a decent blank to begin with.
any tips? there is probably a bit of magic in ANY 001, but I’d sure like to end up with something I can surf.
I would say to buy a blank and start from scratch. Sure it may cost you about $60 more, but it will save you a few headaches, and the board will turn out much nicer. Plus, a 3-stringer for your first shape would be a pretty big challenge as they’re a little tricky where the stringers meet the rails.
I think I’m looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-20.5" It was around 21" before I peeled the glass, but there was major rail repair right where the widest part of the board ought to be.
as far as the stringers on the rails, I solved that problem in the tail by placing them right at the points of the swallow tail- it looks good, and reinforces what would otherwise be a weak spot. up front I recognize its going to be tricky, thats the fun part right. so far I cut it a few inches long which ought to give me enough space to screw it up, cut it to size and try again.
I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get pictures, but I’ll see what I can do.
depending on where you are, i would say just get a blank
i thought that i would save some cash on my first board and do what you are proposing
it ended up being a supreme headache and the results were far from good, although it was a great learning experience
if you are going to hack up an old board, take it apart gently
gluing rail strips is not a bad idea, but use gorilla glue, it is the closest consistency to foam and will leave you with fewer bumps
and works great if you just mist some water onto the strips. (gorilla glue and foam dust mixed with a spritz of water works great for filling holes too!!!)
if blanks are unavailable in your area, go to it!!! take it slow and take lots of pictures, if you post them here, people will give you pointers and help you out.