which shapers can i bring a blank and have them shape it? what is the price range? if i bought a blank for $50 and had a shaper shape it, will i save money as opposed to “buying a board” from a shaper?
You are going to have to buddy up to some people here on sways if you want a cheap personally shaped board. I know a few people who have shaped a board or two for me where I paid for materials and a case of beer. or, if you dig around, you could learn how to make a board yourself. but If you’re hellbent on getting someone to do it for you and then cutting off contact with them, post an ad in the “wanted” section saying something to the effect of “need shaper in santa cruz area…_____ construction. need it in X days…willing to pay X dollars”… _____ being poly or epoxy, X being a number. you also have to factor in glassing costs. but in general, a blank will cost $75 all said and done, shaping ranges from a case of beer, to $200. glassing, depending on type, can cost from $100 - $300… however, all these prices vary depending on size of board, who you get to do it for you, and what quality you want. buying off the rack might be your best bet for now. If you stick around Sway’s and get to know people here, then I’m sure you can meet up and have someone shape a board for you. I wish you the best of luck finding a shaper. make sure you get all the info before you start the process… you dont want any “surprise” costs appearing.
Gaffer, you are going to pay the same price for the blank as the shaper. He is going to add like 20% to the cost of the blank. So that means you are going to save 20% of $50, or $10. If you go to the Haut shop you are going to pay a few dollars more then if you go to the Freeline shop. If you go to the Freeline shop you are going to pay a few more dollars then if you go to the Arrow shop. We will not even talk about what will happen if you go to the O’Neal shop. Here in Santa Cruz we have quit a few good under ground shapers. Do some home work, or PM me and I will give you some names of shapers that I know that can make you a good board. You did not talk about glassing. Who is going to glass the board, who is going to hot coat the board, who is going to sand the board, gloss?
thanks for your answers. i’ve used a couple of different shapers here in santa cruz. i’m not trying to get something for nothing, i’m simply trying to avoid having to pay $600 for a clear glossed and polished shortboard. off the rack prices aren’t much different than custom, i know that. thanks again.