I am just a new backyard hack filling out my own quiver(currenty working on my third). I LOVE everything about the process of building boards. It’s a groove i’ve fit in rather well (so far).
Anyway… on to the reason for the subject line. Every time i think i get something figured out… i come on here to research and finalize some details and i’m taken into the realm of infinite possibilities and approaches so much it makes my head spin. I think maybe i should just stick with my gut… build more boards… then come back when i feel i’ve established more of a foundation to bound off of. LOL
I guess i’m trying to say that i have an enormous amount of respect for the craftsmen on here and am grateful that you guys take the time to share what you create. I hope to one day be able to contrubute something useful as well…
its a great way to shortcut the learning process, learn from the others and not have to make all the mistakes and spend time figuring stuff out...and you should do what you want to, the way you want to, probably start with basic construction then try other things that may interest you...as for being able to contribute, just post pics and ask questions, thats what its here for, a great tool for shapers and board builders of all levels... I design, shape and spray boards, I have a glasser but I still learn alot from here, we can all learn more and there's plenty on this forum who can help, some great craftsmen and surfboard knowledge on this forum.....
Just like almost any other form of craftsmanship, there are half a dozen ways to do every job in boardbuilding. Finding what works for you is part of the challenge and a big part of the satisfaction you feel when you’ve nailed it.
It can be frustrating when you want an exact answer for something but there is plenty of knowledge and inspiration here to fuel any ones imagination to create their own!
It can be frustrating when you want an exact answer for something but there is plenty of knowledge and inspiration here to fuel any ones imagination to create their own!
i am in my pre 1st board phase. Gathering info, learning what i can from where ever and whoever i can, but getting super excited to just start shaping. i realize that i can read and watch instructionals forever, but just need to start shaping foam to make mistakes and have fun.
i love pridmore’s advice
“its a great way to shortcut the learning process, learn from the others
and not have to make all the mistakes and spend time figuring stuff
out…and you should do what you want to, the way you want to”
so once i start, i will post some stages. not overly worrying about if i am doing it ‘wrong’, its only value may be for you guys to snicker at. i plan on making some kind of frankenstein board, but heck it just might float and ride the way i intend. odder things have happened. if not, that is what the 2nd board is for.
LOL at the thread title. All you young (and not so young) guys out there in your garages are the wellspring of hope for those of us that want to keep planer-shaping and design innovation from the underground alive and well.
I've had lots of good advice from some of the pros and advanced hobbyists contacted via private message. Some of the guys are more willing to share specific answers to specific questions rather than spilling all of their secrets on the discussion board.
Thanks to the guys who have answered my questions. You know who you are.
Howzit RISE, You have to realize that Swaylocks is a well spring of information when it comes to making surfboards that you have found and the fact that there are more than 1 way to build boards gives you choices tht may be hard to find anywhere's else. When I found it I was so happy since I now had alace to pass on the things that took me years to learn through tutorship and trial and error. You don't know how lucky you are to be able to ask questions or look in the archives for answers to questions that some of us had to ask our mentors when we finally had found one who took us under his wing to teach us the art of board building. I wish we had a Swaylocks when I was learning but then again there was no internet then also and some times I feel that the hands on learning from a tutor may have it's advantages. By the way,welcome to the club. Aloha,Kokua
I jest with the whole “sucks” thing… this place is awesome. Yesterday i just had a moment of frustration because i was stuck here at work wanting to be in my shop finishing the couple of boards i’m working on now. I look on here in thwe meantime and whenever i do… i see all the possibilities and it makes me feel farther and farther from my goal. I know… Boo Hoo Hoo Blah blah blah…LOL
It’s Friday and i’ll have some foam flying by 7pm tonight or at the latest… 8 or 9am tomorrow… I’ll be foiling my first wood fin as well. =)
By the way… here is one thing i’ve had cooking for quite some time. I’m nearing completion and this will be my first glass job.
I can remember being on this site nearly 10 years ago when there was only 3 threads about cutlaps… now there is probably hundreds, maybe thousands… LOL.
waht I did was, anytime i found advice that was really helpful I copied the text into my own document and labeled appropriately. That document is now about 20 pages long, and still growing… and I still reference it from time-to time.