Hey guys!
I just recieved my paulownia timber blank to start on my 1st alaia. I’m really interested about it. But i’m not really sure what kind of tools do i need. Apart from an electrical jig saw, what other tools do i need to shape the board? Do ireally need a hand plane to shape the it? Hope you guys can help me out! Thanks in advance!
Defiantly need a hand plane if you don’t have one bye it new or second hand it will be a handy implement to keep for ever. Its best to find a professional very experienced carpenter and get him to teach you how to sharpen it and set it up also how to cut the grain. You will find most old chippers will be happy to teach you.
From John [retired carpenter]
Kramyx - just saw your post - I'm no expert and I used cedar but my take on the tools for shaping alaias please see the thread "Alaia build cedar" .
Hopefully someone with more experience than me will pick up on these threads because I have questions on the finishing part - I'm not sold on the oil finish.
Hope that helps,
JW
Regarding leashes:
http://www2.swaylocks.com/forums/wood-leash-plugs-your-wood-alaias-and-hws
http://www.taiyosurfboards.com/news/?p=269
http://www2.swaylocks.com/node/1026057
http://www2.swaylocks.com/node/1024250
http://www2.swaylocks.com/node/1015233
I suspect there is a also thread on the old paipo site.
Regarding shaping - do a google search alaia + tutorial or alaia + paulownia
There’s plenty of stuff out there. A handplane or an orbital sander will work fine on paulwonia.
Bob