Actually I have a problem. Im new to this, how do I post up pics?
I think the easiest way to post pictures is to have them hosted first on a specialized site such as “Imageshack”, “Photobucket” and the like. Then, for each hosted photo, they will give you a link that you copy and paste into your post using the “tree” button (third from right above your comment).
Balsa's right... i have a free account at photobucket.com... when you want to post a pic on Sways, goto your photobucket account and right click/copy the text in the box next to "HTML code" for the pic you want... then, on the Sways page, click on the little tree icon above where you type. then right click/paste in the "image URL" box... choose alignment, left. then click "insert" at the bottom... works for me
Hey Tom Howzit? Along with everything else, start researching fins, and fin layout. You have an excessive amount of “toe in”. Check your side fins and compare to similar designs. You’ll see the difference.
I thought about that when I was putting in the boxes. I just just used a baton and matched one end on the tip of the nose and the other end at the bottom of where my rail boxes were going to be. Then I drew my 5" futures fin line up from there. Do you think I should adjust the baton more away from the nose so I don’t get the excess toe in? Maybe seeing what looks right and doing the same to the other side is the best option,
Yeah Tom, that’s a common misconception that all side fins point to the center nose. It’s how far off the rails and how far up from the tail that establishes your angle. most fins don’t have more than an 1/8th" to a 1/4" . You want to have some toe in for turns (fin engaging on an angle more parallel to wave face on a hard quick turn) but not so much as to impede paddling ability. A single fin will keep gliding longer (less friction) while paddleing. Multifins with the toe in, create drag in a straight line but provide thrust in turns. A single needs to have the turn drawn out longer as opposed to snap turns. There is ALL the info you need on fins in the archives. I won’t get into it here. Don’t confuse these with side bites. Many times they remain parallel to the stringer. The board in the photo looks very hard to paddle as thin as it is and with your fin placement. If you have any questions about fins; layout installation, size, foil, shape, Probox Larry is on this site and he is the guru of all things fins. He’s a real nice guy and helpful and VERY generous with his knowledge. Not only that, He stands 100% behind his product. That’s the kind of guy I want to do business with.
I almost missed this thread, but everysufer told me about it, and I am so glad he did. I didn't see the video, but this whole thread is so freaking entertaining and enlightening - Balsa, that is hilarious - elf shoe rocker!! I love it. You gotta love home builders who just get in there and do it! Life's a dance you learn as you go...
Tommy,
That’s an interesting board. How’s it surf? Maybe you’ll stumble onto something you really like surfing. I think your board shows imagination. Mike
Honestly Mike, when I went out with it I had two problems. 1. Its way too thin. The nose dipped on me so many times when I lining myself up for a wave. 2) I looked at the center fin box and it was off just by a hair. Besides all that, its not a bad board. Lightweight and feels pretty durable.
Well Tommy, one of the great things about building your own is you can probably sell that board and get enough $$$ to build another. Keep it going, have fun. It’s good you are starting young. I recommend the JC Shaping 101 tape for the first 7-8 boards and the Jim Phillips shaping DVD from Damascus for after that. Jim P. has already responded to you here. Your damn lucky. Print that response, frame it, put it on the wall of your shop, and read it every day. Mike
Tommy, keep at it, every board will be better than the one before. Your photos above resemble a modern thruster design. Next time you shape one, have a board made by a seasoned, pro board builder around so you can use it as a reference. If you don't have one, borrow one. Feel the rails, take measurements, pay special attention to the way it's foiled. There are some pretty standard fin placement numbers out there because they work. I am not telling you to copy someone elses design, but use the knowledge they have already gained to further your progress. The Master Shaper & Glasser DVD's are at the very least required viewing.
Yea I already have the Shaping 101 by JC tape. Im looking into getting the damascus glassing video and the Jim Phillips shaping video next. Including you guys, Ive heard very good reviews on it.