Hey guys,
Im working on a wooden solid body. I just found some good prices on Western Red Cedar, and I wanted to be sure that it would float for a board. Originally I wanted to do a shortboard, but I figured that if any solid body would float it would be a longboard. So I just want to be certain; do you guys think that this board would float made of cedar? Or do I have to some how find some balsa or Paulowina? Also where can I find fiberglassing kits or supplies without it costing an arm or a leg? Really appreciate it guys.
-Will
Will,
You obviously need some guidance.
I work as a docent at the Surfing Heritage And Culture Center and have handled literally hundreds of wooden surfboards. I also have been a woodworker for over 30 years.
If it's wood,the bigger the board, the more it weighs, regardless of wood species.
A WRC solid longboard will weigh in the neighborhood of 50+lbs or more. Add a glass job and it will be more like 75+lbs or more and reduce flotation.
A solid wood board does not need a glass job.
There are also plenty of ways to lessen the weight of a wooden board. All discussed here and/or on tree to sea.
You need to do your home work before you waste money and wood.
Check it out;
www.shop.fiberglasshawaii.com
Let us know if you have any questions or need a shipping quote.
My HWS Cedar 9’7" x 23"x 3" weighed 21.5 lbs when first glassed in June '03
Through repairs, and reenforcement, it is up around 23.5 pounds, and still my goto and favorite longboard nearly 10 years later.
I wouldn’t go solid. Too heavy, Too much wasted wood.
If in S Cal, I’d enjoy knowing of a source of kiln dried WRC. I’ve got a hankering to create a new shortboard.