It Is Done!

Since the last post, I routered out the well for the fin block and epoxied the block in. Sanded that nice and flush then applied the final layer to the bottom deck. For the leash plug I had to wait for some Forstner drill bits to come, then that was epoxied in no problem. After a few mishaps with the resin separating and having to start again, Friday I applied the final coat!

I can now say I am the proud owner of a surfboard I have built myself. Next will be the ride report from when I either take it to Cromer or after my holiday in Devon.

It's been a while since I last posted. I've spent the last week and a bit glassing my board. I've applied the sealer, lamination and filler coats, and now the template for the fin block is taped to the board ready for being routered. I must say, I do like the smell of epoxy in the morning... Though I have been told it's Cyanide I can smell... Damn!!

All I have left to do is the fin block, leash plug, and then the final gloss coat of epoxy.

My next post may be announcing the completion of my first hollow wooden surfboard! Can't wait!

Holes are filled and sanding is finished, take a look at the photos!
I burnt the logo on today, the next step is glassing. I've made myself a mini surfboard which I used to practise the logo on before the main board. I'll use this mini board to practise glassing on later this week.

Just waiting for my mixing pots and foam brushes to arrive!

Sanding... Sanding... Filling Holes... Sanding... Sanding...

Wooo!! The deck is finally finished!
The best bit (other that the test run) is next... Shaping!

Sweet event 18/19/20th June at Newquay on Fistral Beach.
I wish I was going:
UK Pro Surf Tour event 2, the 'GUL NIGHT SURF'!

Made a start on the deck this week. I'm using scrap Pine from college so there are plenty of knots and holes to avoid. I selected the planks I'm going to use and mitred the ends instead of just butting them together.
I had little Isabella in the "workshop" today, helping me undo the clamps.

The deck is on course for being all glued down before the end of the week, after which is the big job of sanding, shaping, and then glassing...

Quick update...
I have finished gluing on the rail strips. I might glue on a few pieces here 'n there to prevent gaps showing up when I start shaping. The nose block is glued on and I might get the tail block glued today, if I get back from Skegness in time. The fin block is glued and shaped. You can see the ingenious way I weighted it down in the photos.

Next up... Vent and deck!!

Rails are coming along nicely, they should be finished before the end of the week. Yesterday I made a pair of shaping stands. They use the common template of allowing the board to either lay flat or on it's side. But thanks to Huck, I have borrowed his brilliant design feature of an extra slot at a 45-degree angle. This means it's even easier to see what I am doing while shaping the rails! Thanks Huck!!

You can see my shaping stands in the latest lot of photos.
I've also updated the website with descriptions under each photo.

Now A Video That Best Shows My Surfing Style!

LOOK AT MY LOGO!!!
I think it looks great! When the board is finished it might be a bit bigger and just below the nose block. It's burnt onto the wood using a soldering iron.

On with gluing on the rails. It's soo fiddly with strips only 1.5ft long!!

Over the last week I have 100% finished the rocker table, and glued the ribs and stringer together and to the bottom deck. The chine strips have been glued on and I have also made a start on gluing the rails. If you look at the photos, you will see that I have made a start at shaping the nose block. I will be doing a similar type of thing for the tail block, but I am still undecided on what timber I will use for it... Either Ply or Pine...

Rocker table is built and set to the rocker of my 8ft Mal, only thing left is to buy some Ply to make the top row of clamps. The ribs are cut and drilled, just need to drill the stringer and then that is ready for gluing together. The Ply for the bottom deck is cut to width and sat on the rocker table, weighted down with logs and water bottles. With any luck it will untwist and hold close to the required rocker.

Next on the todo list is:

• First make the top row of clamps, completing the rocker table.
• Drill holes in the stringer.
• Cut some blocks to square the ribs as I glue them.
• Decide the method of finishing the nose and tail.

Working outside in the sun is great!
Got the ribs and stringer cut out. Will need to drill some holes to save on weight and allow air flow. The rocker table is ready to be partially assembled, still need to buy threaded rods for the clamps. On top of that, I will need to fork out for glue, a leash cup and fin blocks/plugs. Then decide a way to form a water-tight air vent.

Also quickly knocked up this website.

Made a start on my first Hollow Wooden Surfboard.
Bought the timber needed for the rocker table and the Ply for the board. Only took 18 months of planning and research!