Hi there, I am an eager novice, hoping to launch myself into the world of wooden surfboard construction and have an initial question for you experts out there (be warned, this may be the first of many!): I’m interested to learn what the general consensus is on the pros and cons of ‘solid’ versus hollow construction. I guess hollow boards require less in the way of materials, when you consider the substantial amount of waste that needs removing from solid boards during the chambering process. My hunch is that this makes hollow board construction more environmentally friendly than ‘solid’ construction. Is this the case, or are there other factors at play? Also, how do the two processes compare, in terms of the strength of the final product, the general handling qualities of each type of board and the relative costs of each process (in terms of both time and money). And FINALLY(!), on balance, which of the two processes is the more preferable? I have a great deal of respect for the craftsmanship of Paul Jensen, Grain Surfboards and Roy Stewart (among others) - all of whom seem to employ hollow construction methods - so I wonder if this may answer my question. I also love Tom Wegener’s boards; however, I am uncertain as to his production methods. Suffice to say, any input on any of the above will be gratefully received! Many thanks.
There is no rigt or wrong, better or worse. Either method of construction can produce a dog or a magic board. Different methods, different satisfactions. Doing things right vs doing the right thing, art vs science, . Go with your own heart, make what you feel like making, and stretch yourself to do the best job possible while enjoyiing the process. Go for it and enjoy the ride!
Richard McCormick
Yew get credit fir a lotta balsa even trying – I wood teak a look at RichardMc’s website–'s awsome
For what its worth, don’t forget the composite sandwich method (balsa or whatever over foam core). It produces a board that is as much a “wood board” as a HWS, and has some different characteristics and build requirements.
I guess hollow boards require less in the way of materials, when you consider the substantial amount of waste that needs removing from solid boards during the chambering process. My hunch is that this makes hollow board construction more environmentally friendly than ‘solid’ construction. Is this the case, or are there other factors at play?
Even on hollow boards there is still a pile of waste…
Which is more environmentally friendly…???.. Flip a coin…
I believe we as surfers / board builders are all pretty hypocrital when it comes to our own consumption…I believe you should be really aware of your consumption, question what you have and why you have it, then be at peace with it…Life’s too short…
Also, how do the two processes compare, in terms of the strength of the final product, the general handling qualities of each type of board and the relative costs of each process (in terms of both time and money).
I think a chambered board is stronger than a “hollow”…That said, I have yet to do any structural damage to any of mine, even in the strong winter surf here in the PNW…
For a couple years I had a chambered board…The ride sensation is that it really feels solid…
On a “hollow” they ride with a “tuned resonance”…Gotta ride one to know the feeling…
Cost: I build my boards for about $25 - $30 per foot of length…
Damn! Once again… blown away. What are those rails made of? That looks amazing! And the 13# is right around what a foam/poly board would be of that same size. You are definitely the HWS Master!
I have ridden both HWS and Roys Parael Profile system boards (PPS), both are unique in feel and act diffrently than foam boards. For solid construction, the board will obviosly be heavier, which is either positive or negative depending on your style of surfing. for a chambered or HWS, the weight can be brought down to 6lbs+ depending on the size of the board.
I found HWS to be super boyant compaired to the PPS , but the PPS that I made weighed 15lbs due to the heavy/dense balsa that I chose. You can see this board here with a little more info… http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=264885;
I am currently building a HWS single fin. So far, this board has only costed me $8 for the ply used for the internal frame. The skins were scrap balsa and the rails are going to be agave, the only other cost I’ll have to dish out will be about $50 for glass and epoxy resin. This is my second woodie, the construction method is less time consuming than the PPS boards, but I would say that the PPS boards will stand the test of time much more so than the HWS. As far as balance…Wider is better. For A HWS, I would go with a jig for the internal frame so that no twists develope while the ribs are beig lamanated, but I dont think a jig is really needed to warp the wood for the rails.
here is my HWS (Pre rails)
I’d let the “waste” of wood be an influence on depleting your pocket book and not so much on enviromential factors. I built my PPS with only two 8’ sticks of balsa (cost of $145) compaired to 6 8’ sticks (which would run you around $600)
The super scientific wooden board building equation is less materials= less cost= more work
YOW!
good going, you are an insperation to us all.
Hello Olaus, thanks for the compliment, this one is now ready for fins (3 of them), and will be launched as soon as there is swell. . … . it’s Poplar, Paulownia and Redwood the next 20 or so will be all Paulownia.
Got 20 boards in the works?
Kind of Rhino, I have got enough Paulownia for about 20 boards, it was stacked in my neighbour’s garage, she moved to Perth and sold it to me at a 95% discount !
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Right on,
That should keep you busy for a while.
I have got enough Paulownia for about 20 boards, it was stacked in my neighbour’s garage, she moved to Perth and sold it to me at a 95% discount !
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Lucky… paulownia is a great timber to build boards from, my 1st choice for build material on HWS, kite boards and outrigger canoes. Got a 12 footer HWS playing games in my head at the moment, a solid chambered board would be cool as well…and i would like to do a compsand with 3mm skins over eps out of paulownia…
Gentlemen, thanks very much indeed for your sound advice! Okay, next question: I know there’s no such thing as a free lunch but, given that I’m a board-building novice, which method of construction is ‘easier’ - solid or hollow? I’d like to get into both methods but would be grateful if you could give me your general feelings on which method would allow me the least painful entry into board-building! Please don’t be offended by my ignorance! I don’t mean to sound lazy and I DO want to roll my sleeves up and get my hands dirty. I hope you read this posting in the spirit that it’s intended! Thanks again.
I would say that A HWS is more involved because you need to make numerous measurments and go through several stages of building process (building frame, skins, attaching skins, attaching the rails, and shaping the rails.) With a solid board, you cut out your rocker, glue up the blank, and shape. But there is much more actual shaping because your skins are prettty much finialised on a HWS, so I guess there is no real answer, it just depends on your skills.
Cheers
Hi Rhino, thanks again for your input. My hunch about the workload for each type of construction method tallys with your advice. I’ll probably go chambered for my first effort - I’m really keen to get my hands on some Paulownia - and see how that pans out. There’s just the small matter of learning how to shape…! I’ll keep you (all) posted. Cheers for now, Olaus
Paul,
Your work is incredible. I want to build a chamber board first. Do you know of any books that you would suggest reading? I am still not clear on how chambering works, as you can tell I am a novice.
Thanks
I swear I don’t own stock in this guy’s company, he just has good pics up on his site and
has been incredibly generous with information and inspiration.
http://web.mac.com/katshultz/iWeb/JohnCherryWoodcraft/Simmons%20Project.html
The key step is missing between #11 and #12.
it’s at this point where you’ve broken the boards up after templating that you would
go and chamber out the sticks using a drill press.
here’s another writeup I’ve seen referenced here on sways:
http://www.chuckbassett.com/this_about_that.htm
http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=303055;search_string=how%20to%20chamber;#303055