Ahoy, I have a full template that I made that was kind of inspired by 70’s boards like the Russ Short Bonzer and other similar outlines. That is at least what I was trying to achieve with it. I did not do too much research before I made the template, just tried to come up with something reminiscent of that type of outline. When creating the template I put the widepoint 5 inches ahead of center. I am wondering, say I wanted to build a board using that template but wanted to move the widepoint to only 3 inched ahead of center, what is the best way to manipulate the template so that this is possible. Can this be done or will it make the outline look wierd or something? Can I just mark out my dims on the blank and try to connect the dots? Or would it be better to make a whole new template with the widepoint where I want it? Thanks everyone!
Mark out your dimensions, and then use your template as a ‘‘French Curve’’ to fair in your lines. Sometimes it helps to use different colored pencils in the layout process, to get a better sense of the flow of the outline. Many times I’ll tape a roll of brown paper to the kitchen floor, and do my layout work there, before drawing the outline on the blank. Is this helpful to you?
Yes very helpful. I will definately draw it out on builders paper first like you suggested. The last board I shaped with the template I just shaped it to the exact outline of the full template. No manipulation necessary. Gonna give it a shot. Thanks again!
I remember reading that the Mead Hall Gang; Curren et.al., used to draw outlines on butcher paper and tape them to the ceiling. Then, lie under them and stare for a while to dial in the curves. I’ve tried it and it is a great way to view an outline.
Thats a good idea. Pat Curren is one of my favorite surfer/shapers so I will definately give that a try. Instead of counting sheep, I will sight up some curves.
I like the idea of different colored pencils Bill. I also use the unskinned blank to test out my outlines. Draw away. Multiple templates, curves and lines. This is the testing ground to see what curves look good to you. How many passes are you going to take off the bottom? That’s how many chances you have to get it right. Dress the deck, take a pass off the bottom. Draw your outline again and tweak the shape. If you don’t like it sand the lines or take another pass off the bottom. Repeat until you like the look or there is not foam left haha:)