I was wondering if anyone, which I am sure there is, has shaped a wood (bolsa, palonia, etc.) surfboard before. I really want to shape one, preferably palonia wood, and was wondering where could I get some wood that I could shape with…? I live in California around santa cruz (and sonoma) and in the summers I live down in orange county…any suggestions? where to look online or somewhere ? thanks to whoever has input.
when i wonder anything around here, the first thing i like to do is take a look at that big search box on the top of the page and put something in there and give it a shot. most any topic imaginable has been discussed here by the experts and enthusiasts. a search for “wood” will bring up lots of results for you. using words like “balsa” or “paulonia” (the correct spelling) will probably provide more targeted results for making complete boards out of wood.
You will like these sites:
http://www.hollowsurfboards.com/index.htm
http://www.tomwegenersurfboards.com/
http://woodensurfboardbuilder.com/
I’m trying to convince myself to do a wood board too…
Al,
Track down General Veneer in South Gate, or Frost Hardwood Lumber in San Diego. Take your time and enjoy the process of shaping balsa. It will make a SHAPER out of you, not just a blank skinner.
Quote:
… using words like “balsa” or “paulonia” (the correct spelling) …
These two spelling are correct : paulonia and paulownia
Thanks Pierre! I forgot the “w” in there! Spelling it that way will bring up much better search results. Thanks.
Paulownia Tomentosa, grows from root tubers or tip cuttings.
I’ve had these trees in the past and if you are prepared to wait 3 years you could grow your own board.
I’ve grown one from a cutting to 25’ in that time.
Worth a thought…
cheers
Hicksy
Just a thought…
…can you bind a rocker gauge to the tree trunk so as to get certain curved lumber? Kind of like a giant Bonsai tree.
Plant one every 4-6 months, knowing what rocker you plan to use. You could even grow rail outline trees so the pieces fit your outline perfectly!!!
Hey +1
I was thinking of that too, grow the tree inside a square frame 6’ tall 6" inside all round. Probably work too.
Just like the square watermelons they have in Japan…
cheers
Hixy
Al,
Here’s another balsa site for ya, www.balsaflite.com . Skip makes very nice hollow balsa blanks in Ecuador. The prices that he shows on the site are not cast in stone. I have a four blank order going so far, if you want to jump in let know, the more blanks I order the cheaper the shipping costs are. When shaping wood make sure all your tools are really sharp, this helps. And Thrailkill’s right, shaping wood will make a shaper out of you.
Poe Rava
hi,
if you live in Australia, it may not be too hard to source.
Addiction Kiteboards uses paulownia cores.
In the US, supplies seem pretty scarce.
You might want to chat with these guys:
http://www.woodfinder.com/listings/009121.php
http://www.paulowniatrees.org/news.htm
-bill
anyone know what the weight and strength of palownia is compared to balsa?
density of paulonia is between balsa and cedar.
supposedly, strength/weight ratio is as good as balsa
added plus’ are:
- less resistant to rot
-less likely to suck up water.