What I mean is: Why doesn’t simply make blanks that are finished shapes. Oh, I realize one would have to sand off the lines from the seams and, perhaps, patch a spot or two, but all that would really have to be done is to take a piece of sand paper and sand it a little. No shaping required.
Understandably, this would only work in a general way. Obviously we are all different shapes and sizes/skill levels, so we all love custom boards. However, as Surftech has shown (outsourcing scoundrels), one size-fits all has a little bit of merit. There are some designs (some longboards, most fun boards, a few standard shortboards) that can be used by anyone.
So, again, I suggest that Clark simply make molds that reflect the finished product. Does that seem logical? Is it theoretically doable? Is it ethical? Profitable? Logical?
the finite shape from the mold is what the molding guys are doing,it has been done and the boards of that method sold well in drug stores and supermarkets …perhaps just the venue for the new molded boards…
You should have seen the blanks around 1963.You would have 12 inches of foam on the floor before you even started shaping.Nowadays its one pass top and bottom and turn the rails.A little Hitachi Planer would last about a day. RB
I believe that it was Clark & Hobie’s original intention to mold to the finished shape, and then go straight to glassing with out the blank being touched by a shaper.
But they couldn’t get a good enough finish on the blanks.
I just found out that the blanks are moulded with the bottom up making it stronger with more dense foam than the deck. Seems stupid but i think they do it to get more consistancy in the nose and tail sections
The reason they don’t mold them so that no shaping is required is because each blank expands unequally in very small increments after being taken out of the mold. The rate of expansion is dependant on temperature and humidity.
the mirror Image corresponding factory being built in a small coastal town south of Vladavostock on the Russian coast adjacent to a 5star hotel Bjortstislavik, recently purchased by chinese surfboard moguls, will blow the blanks to Exact dimensions…got any?.. ambrose…in close telepathic communication with the chief of opperations at the plant,Krang Klip the hot regular foot that rips the point that learned to surf with Drouyn who is the real brains behind the chinese take-over of the northwestern pacific send fealty in the form of cash to drouyn c/o Maltese Falcon resturant Hong Kong…all dimensions will be immediately patented and the property of King Drouyn
simply make blanks that are finished shapes. Oh, I realize one would have to sand off the lines from the seams and, perhaps, patch a spot or two, but all that would really have to be done is to take a piece of sand paper and sand it a little. No shaping required.