First off, swaylocks rules.
I posted earlier about quantity of supplies to buy and got some good advice. In doing some more research I found a place close that I can pick up EPS blanks ( I am not trying to advertise: sfoam dot com) without paying the shipping for a clark. The blank price is basically the same. Then reading the cheap epoxy threads I stated to wonder which path I should go down. What are some of the pitfalls of Poly over EPS (fin boxes, having to seeling, airbrushing, microballons?) and vice versa. A found a section about EPS tools and making a hot wire, but are the steps the same? My goal is to make fun, fairly inexpensive boards for myself and anyone that asks.
I have never shaped a P/U blank, but from what I’ve seen they are two different beasts. But in the end you end up with a surfboard.
I like Working with EPS cause I am not limited by the blank, as I make my own, nor does the density of the foam change as in the P/U blank.
But I am no expert, so stick around and someone else may have some good advice.
man i like your user name!
depends on what you want from your surfboard…if you are a progressive surfer then EPS all the way…its more work to go EPS for sure…Clark foam is easier to use (get started with) by comparison…the archives is just loaded with info…use that search box like your bible…
Quote:
My goal is to make fun, fairly inexpensive boards for myself and anyone that asks.
Hi, if that’s your goal, i’d suggest you EPS, go for it, i’m just finishing my first board out of it, (using a Eps block) so be patient for some more days and you’ll see one of the many EPS swaylocks inspired board, it costed me something like 60Euro, unfortunately the aestetic of eps cann’t be compared with PU, but i guess i’ll solve this with more experience…eheh maybe within 20boards 
Cheers Flavio
—< I am not trying to advertise: sfoam dot com >—
so are you in Houston? Sure Clark/Walker are easier to use than making your own EPS blank, but getting a close tolerance EPS blank from http://www.sfoam.com sounds like a great option. I can’t get them (with out shipping) so I started clark and am going HomeDepot/Lowes EPS next.
let us know how the blank works out
I’m in houston. I am chickening out and going with Clark. There is so much information that I think it would be best place to start. I am ordering extra supplies so I can have that as a future project.
Ah - Don’t chicken now - if it’s your first time, you got nothing to compare it to anyway, so just go for it. The $$$ savings, and personal satisfaction, will make it worth it. Taylor