If you have that, what s the point to have this forum?
I mean: “ok, I check that link, I have all there, etc” so, this main forum will die very rapid.
The thing here is the interaction, what type is what should be better, not caging information.
The Check The Archives theory doesn’t work because then there would be no more discussion of basic shaping, materials, tools, glassing, sanding or anything else because…It’s all in the archives.
So the whinging by people who are getting ‘so very annoyed’ by people asking basic questions is just that, dumb whinging.
I like seeing the same questions every now and then as they bring new comments and ideas and it gives people that are newer to Sways to have their say.
Some have fresh insight, some have kooky ideas, but it’s all good. The solid information is worth remembering but at the same time the wild ideas are inspirational and just as worthy.
I have no measure of your importance by whether you’re pro or am, right or wrong, just join in.
It’s meant to be a fun place to hang out and be yourself.
To preface, I am a newcomer. I have only been making boards on and off for a couple years, currently on #6 which is a remodel of #3.
Swaylock’s is awesome- lots of knowledge, lots of ideas, lots of opinions. It’s great to see noobs mixing it up with experienced backyarders, professionals, manufacturers, and oldtimers. I also think it can be overwhelming for a noob to be thinking about a first board and finding information on compsands and resin swirls and other things better left for later. If someone asks me about the basics I end up refering them to http://www.surfersteve.com for Stephen’s basic overview of making one’s first homemade surfboard. Could we also acheive a record of the basics here at Sway’s?
I really think a series of edited articles about the basic steps/pitfalls/remedies of shaping, glassing, fins would be helpful. What I mean by edited is that someone who is knowledgeable writes the article and another small group reads through it and helps by adding any missing points or reducing more complex ideas to beginners’ terms before it is published. I would make these ‘static’ and not part of the forum software so they survive forum rebuilds and don’t become muddied by off-topic comments.
This idea would not replace the forum, it would just create/re-create a referenece or how-to section. I could also see some of the more advanced techniques and some of the other epic threads being distilled down and saved as permanent articles with links back to the original discussions.
Thanks, -J
PS Thanks to all who have answered my noob-esque questions in the past via the forum and personal message, whether I did a good job searching or not.
Some good points made here, on all sides. Swaylocks is a site where newbie’s should feel comfortable to pop that “stupid” question without ridicule, but there is a lot of good info in the archives that gets overlooked too. I relate, because I’m still a newbie myself, after 16 boards I have barely scratched the surface.
Regarding those who want to come here and bash the site: long ago I learned a simple rule about being a guest in someone else’s house: show a little respect. You don’t like the site, don’t come here. 'Nuff said.
I appreciate all the suggestions, and appreciate all the imput from those who clearly want to improve the site and continue the great tradition of sharing and stoke that is Swaylocks. Maybe we could have a thread for newbies, as a compliment to Keith’s link thread, one where anyone who wants can add their insights on the basics.
someone posted a really helpful way to search a whle ago. just go to google, type in your seach words then site:swaylocks.com
works really well
swaylocks is awesome - i learned more about boardbuilding from this site than anywhere else and i grew up with making your own board as part of the surfing experience - my dad showed me the basics he has built his own boards since the 70s and my godfather owned a surfsop in the 80s when surfshop owners built their own boards. from sways, i learned a bunch of glassing/sanding/polishing tips, learned how to build hotwires and make blanks and use epoxy, how to vacuum bag, how to modify my tools, etc.
what i have learned from swaylocks helped get me a job working in a surfboard factory in hawaii and now a job working in a aerospace factory that builds composite airplane fuselages. also i have a couple surf shops and some loyal customers that i make surfboards for every year. i put in a lot of hard work in my garage and at school to get there but swaylocks has been an invaluable resource. its a free place - there is a lot of garbage but that it the internet. take from it what is valuable to you, try to contribute something positive back and leave the rest behind.
richard