I have been thinking about shaping a board for a long time and I think I am ready to give it a go. I have read and researched quite a bit of info on the topic but I wanted to get some perspectives from a wide variety of of different shapers. Here are my questions for the DIYer's
- What is the easiest board to shape? I reall want to make 9'0 quad but it sounds pretty complex with vee and concave and stuff.
- Is it best to glass it your self or take it to a glasser?
- What tools are absolutely neseccary?
- What words of wisdom do you guys have before I start this project up?
Hey Mac, your questions require long answers. The easiest board to shape is the one that turns you on the most. The one you can see in your head, what you always wanted to ride. The quad you are thinking of can be fully researched on this site. You’ve got to understand what all the features you want to implement do for the ride. #2: If this is your first board and it comes out nicely and you want it for posterity, I would say take it to a glasser. #3: This question scares me a little. If you don’t have a good idea of what it takes to physically shape a board, maybe you need to do some more studying. No offense meant here. Get some videos of the process. There are many recommended here; Phillips, Loehr, Carper. Get one or two and watch over and over until the process is in your head. Everyone shapes with different tools and methods. It is a matter of taste. Some will use a Surform, others will throw them as far as they can. The point being, educate yourself first and know exactly what you want before even starting. Go on You Tube and watch all the available videos if you can’t afford to buy any.Once it is more clear as to what you want then feel free to pm me or cast out questions to the crowd here. There are a lot of VERY sharp folks on Sway’s and Very accomplished board builders. People will be more apt to help when your questions are more pointed instead of generalized. Good Luck.
i just finished my #4 so, i'm not too far ahead of you.
- easiest to shape? i don't know if that's even answerable. it may be easier to shape a copy (or close to it) of another board that you have. if you want to make ea 9'0 quad, go ahead and do it. flat bottoms have their merrits. you don't HAVE to put in bottom contour.
- i say glass it yourself. you'll learn tons and have more of a sense of accomplishment. on the other hand, you will have far less problems if you have a pro glass it. most of my problems making boards happens during glassing but, things are getting better and i actually look forward to my next glass job because it's getting to be fun... personally, whenever i see someone post their #1 or whatever, i feel it needs to have an asterisk next to it if they didn't glass it. sure it looks great but..........
- absolutely necessary? you'll get a bunch of different answers for this one. in my opinion, minimum tools needed are: sanding block, sand paper, mini hand plane, and some kind of racks. most of the common shaping tools after that will GREATLY increase your chances of making a better board. some more tools that most people have or have access too that will come in handy are: hand saw, jig saw, pencil, large hand plane, sanding screen, racks specifically built for shaping surfboards, tape measure, T-Square, masonite for making a template, and probably more that i'm forgetting... where are you located? there may be someone near you that can let you borrow some stuff before you buy a bunch of stuff.
- words of wisdom? DO IT! even if you only do one, your understanding of the process and design will go through the roof. plus the satisfaction of riding something you built is great!
Like Crisp said- words of wisdom? DO IT! even if you only do one, your understanding of the process and design will go through the roof. plus the satisfaction of riding something you built is great!
And if I might add, the next time you walk in to your local surf shop you will have 10 fold respect for the guys that have been doing for awhile. Not just the shapers but all the other guys that glass, sand, polish, make fins, etc.
I started out not knowing anyone with the knowledge to teach me. I bought the prada and JC videos and took it from there. I also recommend the master shaper and glasser vids also. The glassing one is a must.
As far as tools go, look at your budget. I saved up and went for it because my plan was from day one to make the boards I ride. If you just want to shape one, skip the planer and the nice sander, not that practical for other uses. Get the other stuff that the guys recommended. Make your own racks to start out.
Most importantly, buy a blank and take it from there. And spend countless hours on Swaylocks.
Thanks for the comments. I have a buddy who is has shaped boards before and we were going to shape boards at the same time. I am going to rely a lot on his knowlwedge and experience. I am looking forward to it. It should be a lot of fun!