For my next project I’d like to use the lokbox fin system, because I really like the fins they have.
I can’t seem to find a place to buy lokbox boxes. I live in holland, and I have already tried the local surfshops, only they want to charge me 60% more than they have to pay for the boxes…
I don’t mind ordering from the US or anywhere else in the world, as long as they’re sold for a reasonable price…
Also, the guy at the surfshop explained to me how they were installed on a surfboard, but I’d like to know from you swaylockians (as I believe you have better knowledge about this) how lokboxes are supposed to be installed. I’ve looked in the archives but couldn’t find any specific topic about the installation em.
Also, I see that magicseaweed is offering the boxes for a very nice price!! Just 6.99 pounds for a box? The guys at the surfshop wanted to charge me 140 euros for 4 boxes!!
I know it’s a bit of an investment, but the Lokbox installation jig for a compressor is just sweet. My glass-shop purchased one, and I now use only that one for my US box installs as well: it’s well-though out, practical and fast.
Not to say that you can’t do a perfectly adequate install with a mini-router or dremel-tool, but since you just saved a bundle on the boxes…
We offer 2 different installation Jigs. The vacuum Jig (on the left) which does after glass, or before glass installs, and also longboard center boxes. And a non-vacuum Jig specifically for EPS, but works great for polyesters as well.
If your a do it yourselfer with some tools and skills, you can do it without a jig, but we always recommend having the proper equipment if your after top notch results…
I installed FCS plugs without any kit, and looking at that link you gave me I shouldn’t have any big problems installing the boxes wihtout any jigs, but just so I know, how much does an install kit cost?
And is there a preferred way of installing the fins? Pre-glass or after glass? Why would you install them after the glassing If you’re gonna do a patch over them anyways?
Many shops prefer setting boxes after lamination (before hotcoat) when doing color. We recommend installing after lamination also when doing keels or big twinnies. When installed after lam the box sits flush to glass. Before lam it sits flush to foam. Stronger when pushing against glass. Standard thrusters or anything running 5" or smaller fins are fine installed pre-glass. Doesn’t mean you can’t install into foam when doing color (be sure and use a 6oz football patch over the box/under the lam layer) , just that lots of glassers in the US don’t want to deal with it. Funny though because glassers in other countries say it’s no prob. Here’s one from Japan -
And one from Black and White in the UK
Good luck! I’ll be off the forum for a bit but hopefully checking in in the next week or so if you have any more questions. Cheers
I’ve been really busy the last months and haven’t had time to really get into the shaping… Anyways, the last couple of days I’ve been building shaping stands and putting a shaping room together, so now I’m on it!! I finally have found the time to shape a few boards…
I sent Mick an email a few weeks ago, no reply, so I sent him another one just a week ago, still no reply… Jim, do you know what’s up? I’d really love to order some boxes and some fins…
Also, as I was reading this topic over again, I was wondering how much the installation set costs?
