Planing First Rail Bands.

General Discussion
1

I’m about to plane my first rails. Bit nervous. Anyone have any last words of encouragement?

Thanks…

2
Quote:

I’m about to plane my first rails. Bit nervous. Anyone have any last words of encouragement?

Thanks…

Hey we’re in the same boat.

I’m thinking I might lay the template on the deck, with the straight edge a few inches past the stringer, align it so that I get a nice inside parallel to where I think the first band should run then lightly mark a line. At the same time marking the template so I can duplicate the other side.

3

YOU CAN DO IT. Just cut away stuff that doesn’t look like it belongs on your surfboard.

4

Using the template sounds good. I’m sure alot of things are going to make sense once it’s all done. Good or bad.

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Quote:
YOU CAN DO IT. Just cut away stuff that doesn't look like it belongs on your surfboard.

This is the motivation I’m looking for!!!.. Thanks.

6

Go for it! It’s easier than you think!

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Starting to feel better…

8

Use a pencil to draw where you want to remove material. Then stay within your lines with your planer. It’s sort of like a painting that way- it is much easier if you have a pencil sketch to follow, instead of just slopping the paint down first. -Carl

9

The template idea’ll only work in the middle section of the board, it’d be better to use whatever flexible thing you used for your planshape if you what a pencil line all the way, that way you can blend the curve into the nose and tail. I’d just mark the middle and go for it, use you surform and sanding block, and enjoy watching those curves take shape. I found it one of the most exciting moments when I shaped my 1st board, looking down the symetrical curves of the railbands.

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Thanks all. I like the idea about using the thing i used to make the outline. (long flexible metal strip) Just got finished watching Shaping 101 foil and rail section 3 times. Still thinking he makes it look incredibly easy. Planer coming in the mail tomorrow.