hey guys i know there are threads just like this and yes i know the search function is a wonderful tool… i am brand new to fin making and i need a detailed tutorial on how to make wooden fins. i would like to glass them into a Paipo that i am making. if you could direct me to a full detailed tutorial or if you can make one for me it would be greatly appreciated! thank you!
Pretty simple version. Find wood. Than your choice is glue up in a panel or keep it how it is. Cut the wood outline to the template of your fin. You can use any fin just trace the outline. From here foiling your fin begins. The way I foil is start at the fin base always move base to tip in full passes. Create bands the same as rail bands on surfboards I use 1/8 inch increments on the trailing edge and 1/4 leading edge. U wan to foil almost a triangle pattern. Once foiled take sandpaper and round the edges. Than use a jitterbug. Could be palm sander dremmel or just regular angle grinder. To get everything smooth. Than more options begin. You can laminate your fin here than tack them on the board and glass on as normal with roving. Or or laminate the fin onto the board. Tack just the wood fin to lam. Than laminate cloth up the fin. Than process to hotcoat. Making perfect symmetrical fins is very hard. But I enjoy making fins That’s the basics. But I’m sure chippy or some of te other guys can help you more. Also read the let’s see your homemade fin thread
I dunno if its mentioned in that long paragraph above (which exceeds my limited attention span LOL) but my main advice is to be sure to leave yourself some "grab room" at the base, to clamp and hold the fins while foiling, glassing, etc. Then cut it off once you're finished.
nice fins huck
Has anyone had much experience with making wooden fins with FCS nubs on the bottoms? i have the fins cut out and foiled and im about to glass them, any tips for glassing them?
Everyone here has got good tips. Wanna see it illustrated? Mr. Gully of Almond makes some fine fins, as seen in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-C0tqAY39Y
It seems easy enough, but oh, it gets annoying.
Fun and rewarding stuff though.
Flat side is glassed before foiling…
Full fin glassing video here
You might want to drill holes in the FCS tab shape and reinforce with steel dowels about 1" into the base of the fin, otherwise they may break.
~Brian