Select to expand quoteTed the Kiwi said..
Been a bit slow on updating this thread as I have been busy helping a mate finish his hollow wooden board build.
Finally shaped the beast this weekend - jeepers it made a mess !! Anyway the fin was beautiful and I was really happy with it. I took a long time for a change - making sure that I got the foiling even on both sides. It was looking smic - when I held it up to the light it had a nice even light strip the whole way round. I then did a light hot coat and shinned her to perfection. Was stoked. Then I bloody dropped it on the ground and broke the tip !!! I almost cried. So its being repaired before it has even been used. Fins do not like falling tip first on to concrete from 4 foot. The irony was that I was cleaning up at the time - can not believe it 
The new improved version will post some pics when its complete. Probably be a few more days before I get to finish it. These pics are action ones - way before it was finished.
Full respect to fin makers - a lot of work goes into getting them just right. Can not wait to start the next batch - yep no more offcuts - going to go hard and use sheets of glass next time. Will cost more in materials but a lot less in my time !!! I have also been working on a few wooden dolphins - will not bother you with these yet as they need a bit more work.
Your foiling is way out of shape. I suggest that you get it right using a hand block and files, it's almost impossible to get it right with a disc sander especially when there's a box tab involved.
Select to expand quoteRoyStuart said..Ted the Kiwi said..
These pics are action ones - way before it was finished.
Your foiling is way out of shape. I suggest that you get it right using a hand block and files, it's almost impossible to get it right with a disc sander especially when there's a box tab involved.
Thanks for your input and advice Roy - yes it was way out in that pic - I just held it up as a mate came past with the camera whilst taking pics of his new wooden board build - no planning ! It was looking much better until I dropped it. Will post a new improved pic when its all done. Since that pic was taken it had been nicely evened up and even had a hot coat applied for a final sand. Now it needs repairing
Thanks Mac 
Select to expand quoteRoyStuart said..Ted the Kiwi said..
Been a bit slow on updating this thread as I have been busy helping a mate finish his hollow wooden board build.
Finally shaped the beast this weekend - jeepers it made a mess !! Anyway the fin was beautiful and I was really happy with it. I took a long time for a change - making sure that I got the foiling even on both sides. It was looking smic - when I held it up to the light it had a nice even light strip the whole way round. I then did a light hot coat and shinned her to perfection. Was stoked. Then I bloody dropped it on the ground and broke the tip !!! I almost cried. So its being repaired before it has even been used. Fins do not like falling tip first on to concrete from 4 foot. The irony was that I was cleaning up at the time - can not believe it The new improved version will post some pics when its complete. Probably be a few more days before I get to finish it. These pics are action ones - way before it was finished.
Full respect to fin makers - a lot of work goes into getting them just right. Can not wait to start the next batch - yep no more offcuts - going to go hard and use sheets of glass next time. Will cost more in materials but a lot less in my time !!! I have also been working on a few wooden dolphins - will not bother you with these yet as they need a bit more work.
Your foiling is way out of shape. I suggest that you get it right using a hand block and files, it's almost impossible to get it right with a disc sander especially when there's a box tab involved.
Roy - would you consider giving us a bit of a demo (of course without compromising your trade that is brother!!) of your skills ???? I would love to see just a glimpse of your showcase is why I ask ..... cheers !
Select to expand quotethePup said..RoyStuart said..Ted the Kiwi said..
Been a bit slow on updating this thread as I have been busy helping a mate finish his hollow wooden board build.
Finally shaped the beast this weekend - jeepers it made a mess !! Anyway the fin was beautiful and I was really happy with it. I took a long time for a change - making sure that I got the foiling even on both sides. It was looking smic - when I held it up to the light it had a nice even light strip the whole way round. I then did a light hot coat and shinned her to perfection. Was stoked. Then I bloody dropped it on the ground and broke the tip !!! I almost cried. So its being repaired before it has even been used. Fins do not like falling tip first on to concrete from 4 foot. The irony was that I was cleaning up at the time - can not believe it The new improved version will post some pics when its complete. Probably be a few more days before I get to finish it. These pics are action ones - way before it was finished.
Full respect to fin makers - a lot of work goes into getting them just right. Can not wait to start the next batch - yep no more offcuts - going to go hard and use sheets of glass next time. Will cost more in materials but a lot less in my time !!! I have also been working on a few wooden dolphins - will not bother you with these yet as they need a bit more work.
Your foiling is way out of shape. I suggest that you get it right using a hand block and files, it's almost impossible to get it right with a disc sander especially when there's a box tab involved.
Roy - would you consider giving us a bit of a demo (of course without compromising your trade that is brother!!) of your skills ???? I would love to see just a glimpse of your showcase is why I ask ..... cheers !
Two things I want to know about this photo .1. What is that 666 paddle doing in the shed &2.Who is going to clean that shed[:D
Select to expand quotethePup said..
Roy - would you consider giving us a bit of a demo (of course without compromising your trade that is brother!!) of your skills ???? I would love to see just a glimpse of your showcase is why I ask ..... cheers !
I have a few videos of fin foiling but they don't show any special technique. I just foil in the direction of the water flow with a hand sanding block, and it takes a very long time. The trick is to constantly check that there's a proper foil section with no flat spots in the middle. It's time, care, and elbow grease rather than any trade secret, anyone can do it.
For a glass fin with a box tab I'd also use a bastard file to get the area where the tab meets the fin base. That's the hardest bit to get right.
Select to expand quoteweiry said..
Two things I want to know about this photo .1. What is that 666 paddle doing in the shed &2.Who is going to clean that shed[:D
I entered the sacred shed the other day & can confirm it's in tip top condition now. 
Thanks Vanders - even the lady thought I had done a good job cleaning up. Shame I never got to finish the project before heading away. Completion is still a little while away.
