Thats quite an offer from MD. Hmm either watch a video or take a blank to a world class shaper for a quick tutorial. Seems like a no brainer.
Having watched Mike shape one of my boards a few years back I was blown away at his pace, and accuracy. He was able to transition from rocker to bottom contour, foil to rails all the while the planer never really stopped moving. It was like watching a machine mow down a blank with ridiculous precision. Mike works at a production pace which means rail bands are done really quick and look really really easy along with everything else in the process.. In all honesty I wish I was able to watch him shape after I had fumbled my way through a couple of boards. I think after having made some of the mistakes I made things would have made more sense.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this until now... make sure your outline is clean and square. Make sure your thickness is foiled. Maybe trace your outline pattern on bottom and deck so you have some reference lines when you cut your outline? Use a square to check for 90 degrees along the edge. If your outline isn't square you've missed a step that will compound your troubles down the line.
Back up one more step and check your blank for any craziness. Most blanks have some booboos that need cleaning up before you do anything else.
Shaping rail bands is but one step in what should be a standardized methodical process. Miss a step and it will make your job tougher as you progress.
I'd just give it up and go buy a Surf-Tech. Based on the advice I've read in the previous two or three pages; I don't see how you could be anything but seriously confused.
I agree Mcding. I don’t know how anyone can learn something by reading ‘how to do it.’ Unless you have done a few already. And for a new guy trying to figure it out watching a pro cut railbands on you tube is only a little bit better. The best beginners video I have seen with clear step by step instructions is the John Carper Shaping 101 video. With all due respect to Jim Phillips and his video. Jim’s is good if you already have some of the basics. Some of the advice given is about as useful as telling someone to,“Use the Force, Luke.”
Or, you can design a board on one of the Acushaper type deals, e mail it to the guy that knows how to clean up your files and have the thing milled, then post the result on Sways and say,“check out board number 1”. I wonder about the professional looking first shapes I see sometimes…
I like those wood covered surf techs. I’m not buying one though. Mike
Thanks everyone for their comments. Im sure that some of the best shapers riders had to just get out there and do it over and over again until they got it right. And they had to stop researching and asking everyones opinons and stop watching the pros do it and just do it themselves. I would love to drive down the 100 miles to see Mike in action. I have also been offered some lessons here locally. So when the time permits, I will take them up on their offers. I think though, I want to do it myself first and see how well I can do it. Cause even the best shaper in the world had to pick up a blank and start somewhere by himself.