Shaping video

General Discussion
21

…hello,

I checked the clip…

I can add that if you continue with some of these techniques you will hurt yourself badly.

That hand on the blank, that wood diagonal in the path, the eplaner in the other hand, the stance, the cord…be cautious.

 

-Remember that first you should need to have is a concept very clearly then have the right plug for the design, then have several templates to adapt your planshape

after that, level your racks, then measure the plug and level it, check the thickness both sides of the stringer (s) (all of these is the preshaping)

then shaping.

 

Learn how to feel the curves and lines (you need to put side lights) by hand and with your eyes (develop a sharp eye)

Try to do almost all the work with the planer, do sharp passes (most times is better long passes)

Check the archives.

 

22

I can’t see the video, so I’m guessing you pulled it, and after the abuse given out I would have too. I got the shit kicked out of me for what felt like ages until I got my shit (somewhat) together and was given the knod. Even now after what feels like tons of boards(even though it really isn’t) I sometimes do something stupid - and I might add that it is usually due to lack of planning, laziness, or plain old carelessness.

Being around, and in and out of factories helps immensely, and if you don’t have that in your area, it makes it very hard to get that direct feedback. But, there’s another way to look at it, and that is instead of booking a gnarly surf trip, contact a few factories that you admire, and see if you can spend a couple weeks hanging around. Offer your help at whatever they’ll give you to do - no matter what it is it all helps - and you’ll find that when you get back home you’ll look at everything differently. It is a small price to pay for what will help you for the rest of your life.

After that mate, just keep mowing foam. Use the planer for almost everything, even your concaves, and you’ll find that the boards start to look better and better!

good luck, and keep at it. Real handshaping is a dying skil…lol

23

Welcome to Sways Tommy. Haha. BTW how old are you? I guess you learned some things you didn't expect. I wouldn't give you advise specifically on making boards because there are people here accomplished in the craft. I will say that a sober assessment of the state of your work is the place to start if you want your boards to be recognized as quality work. Have fun.

24

Grimey!

one of the best simpsons episodes evar…

for the record, I’m not man enough to post my video. ; )

25

You need more than a paper dust mask, 3M fly masks work well, are widely available and are not so expensive.

26

Measure, measure, measure. If you want repeat customers and be a hand shaper you must have a sound solid method that you follow. Like dot to dot, so you can get close to their last board if they love it. having said that, learn ratio then apply ratio to every aspect of your shaping (not the fins). This allows you to scale a design up or down.

Get rocker sticks

Wrap that cord around you arm

Shadows are your biggest tool (if you could call em that) you rely on them so much to keep your shaping true.

The eye can keep track off straights better then curved lines, bevel every thing-right down to, and around the rails, then round them off.

What you do on one side, do the same on the other.

Go slow (you look anxious or was that ego?)

Get grippy level racks

Planer to surform to rough block to softer block etc down to the gauze

You must always follow a set pattern, every time

Loose as much sleep as you can thinking about shaping.

The second your brain says stop “to deep” STOP.

Run your planer and pull up cutting just before you thing you should.

open your eyes, stop feel, check.

Walk away, clear your mind and come back.

Did I say measure.

Rip off your favorite board,  every single part.

Make templates

Take your time.

…after many boards you will stop measuring sooo much because you would have trained your eye step by step.

Take up video production instead…

mate a don’t think you got what it takes, I hope you prove me wrong.

Don’t go anywhere, a lot of the boys on here have given you time of day.

I’d like to follow your progress too.

I’m 36 and have been hand shaping for 20 years and have a self thought style and I know some people would not agree with my method, however, the biggest feather in my cap is when legend shaper Geff Darby (who shaped for Rabit in the first ever Stubbies at Burleigh against MP) adopted my style. To say I was proud is an understatement.

Here is my shaping  Vid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkOj-xZpbRo

A few of the boys on here have see it (just with better music and a few changes now)
But really, I just Like to look at myself and show off ha ha.

By the way a lot of the measuring have been taken out but you can get a general idea.

Fave fun

27

Yorky do you have a pic of those calipers? I want to copy them. If thats cool with you.

28

Yorky, good post, better advice. How much dust does the bird inhale? Where’s his mask?

29

Well at this point, I feel like there is no point to continue. Perhaps Yorky is right, maybe this is not for me. Even though I love the shaping and all the elements that surround it, the feedback I have gotten from this post placed me right where I belong. After all, this is a craft that requires a bit of money and for right now my pockets are empty. If this is the last thing you read from me, know this…

My intention for the video was actually to feel like you guys. Im sure you can all agree I look the part more than I really am after watching it. However do not be mistaken on the assumption that I do not possess the passion for shaping. I very well do. 

For the past 6 months, I have been doing extensive research on board building from start to finish all by myself, which now I believe was my greatest regret. (Believe me Yorky, I turned myself into an insomniac let alone just losing sleep over it) Even with the countless notes I have on shaping styles and lamination/tool techniques, it is very different from working hands on with it. I would have loved to have worked side by side with somebody who knows the craft as opposed to my bone head friends who struggle tying there shoes. Shapers are hard to come by on Long Island, NY as opposed to California, Hawaii, or Austrailia. If I found out I ever lived close to one, I would be annoying him at his shop all day long asking to see and learn from his process. 

I had a wild dream that people would look at Long Island more than just a place to find good beaches and incredible fishing. Surfers like me try to stick out as much as we can so were noticed in only the attempt to promote something that should be a way of life here. For me, shaping surfboards is an attempt to bring a stronger surfing culture. At least respect me for that.

Be well guys

 

30

Don’t give up kid. Just like the guys said in the beginning you got to earn your stripes. If you hang around and learn you leave here with more respect than your gonna have at this moment. If anything get you a blank and practice mowing foam work on your tech? Dunno I’m new also. 

31

you march back in there young man, and don’t come out of the shaping room until I say so.  you’ve got work to do.  don’t let me hear another peep out of you until you have mastered it.  go on, get back in there.  now.

 

(I mean, really, I’ve got about 12 years of just non-stop learning. It never stops.  Give yourself 5 or 10 years and then see if you want to quit.)

32

I couldn't watch the whole thing.  From the terrible music to the techniques.  I lasted 20 seconds.

33

Mate don’t cry about it.

Sounds like you want this! go after it, its not rocket science.

All boards work, some just better then others.

You look like a stand up sort of guy.

I’m sure the boys here would be happy to help.

PM me any time on your next project, I guarentee you we’ll nail something x10 better then the one on the vid.

cheers Bro, No one here wants you to go or fail for that matter.

You love surfing as we do.

peace, keeps it up, for your sake!

 

34

Bullshit Tommy!!! Get your ASS back in the bay and GET TO WORK! If you have the passion, this won’t, CAN’T make you stop. Ask every surfer you come across, go into all the shops. Guys here are having a little fun because they can remember when they were in your position. We all have taken gas and still do. Do your research here on Sway’s follow a couple of build threads. Look up Squalyboys’ builds. There are guys here making their own blanks out of building materials for cryin’ out loud. You can do this! GET BACK TO WORK!!!

 

 

ps. follow as many “build” threads as there are available.

35

Tom, when the need arises, pm me any time even if you think it’s a stupid question. I’m no hotshot but I can help I think.

36

I wouldn’t throw in the towel yet TG, you need to get more familiar with your tools. More importantly do it without losing digits. If you make something a paying customer enjoys you are a success. There are legends around here and some have given you great advice. Video good or bad can still teach and it’s your heart you say so you’re probably correct about having something to offer your community.

 

37

 

cool mate, no problem it won’t be for a couple of days though. I’ll post a pic

38

He’s DEAD! flew onto the blank a I ran over him didn’t I, He was my best friend:-(.

39

Yorky, now you’re just taking the piss out of me.Say it ain’t so.

40

Thanks Bro, no rush I have some homegrown ones. Yours look like they will work better than mine.