Paulownia wood shortboard build- can I get away with a solid blank?

General Discussion
1

Hey,

 

I've come up against a dilemma though and was hoping I'd be able to find some wisdom on this forum.
The idea of building a solid unglassed board from Paulownia was so that I could experiment a little with shape by starting off with bigger broader dimensions and adjusting them after surfing it. I assumed that a solid board would work fine mostly because there were so many posted on the wooden board blogspot from the wooden board event in Currumbin, Australia.

However, now there’s a couple of statements on the net about how the
buoyancy isn’t great unless you chamber the board. I’m not overly
concerned about weight. But I don’t want to be sitting too low in the
water. My board is currently glued up and unshaped in two symmetrical
halves, so it’s the last chance to take out any wood although it would
be awkward.

Thoughts anyone?

Also everyone (online) talks about the magical linseed oil/turpentine
gum finish. But no-one seems to know the mixing ratios etc

Anyone know the best seal for paulownia?
 

I’d really appreciate any help.

Thanks,

Olivia

 

2

For some reason there is a myth that paulownia does not absorb water.

My first build is now 2kgs heavier because water got in through a crack.

Best way to seal paulownia is with epoxy inside (if chambered) and outside.

Your short board must weigh about 14-16 kgs.

Proper staggered chambering method reduces the weight by 50 per cent.

I would suggest reducing weight by a few kilos with a drill and a speed bore.

No reason why you can't drill in the full length of the speed bore.

Make sure the hole you drill in one half is directly opposite the hole in the other half, this means more glueing surface when you glue the two halves together.

The raw linseed oil gum turps mix is 2/3 gum turps and 1/3 raw linseed oil first coat.

2nd coat 24 hours later 1/2 gum turps and 1/2 raw linseed oil.

3rd and 4th coat same as 2nd coat.

Heaps of info in the glassing section at the Trea to Sea site.

 

3

Hey,

Thanks so much for your post. Sorry for not replying sooner. I work at sea and life has been hectic recently. My board however, is waiting at home in my new shed and I will be getting onto it soon. 

I think the speed bore is the best option. I’m going to refine the two halves a bit first and then get into the chambering. 

Interesting what you say about paulownia absorbing water. 2kgs is significant. It’s been much-lauded for it’s lack of absorbancy. I think I will go with a sealing coat of epoxy without glass. 

Tree to sea was down last I checked but it’s back up and running now with a very tempting mentawai’s workshop on the homepage…

Thanks so much for all your help!