Simple math

After sanding the bottom lap, tail and nose.  My next step is layout for the fins.  For my project board the set-up is simple.  It's copying the board that I made my plans from.

My 6' 6" Torq is a really fun board.  The Punt fins make it turn with ease and hold when they have to.  

Once I determine my center-line the set-up is simple math.

Laminated 6'7" Fish

A couple days ago the bottom got laminated.  For this board I used 4 oz. S-2 glass with Suncure Polyester resin.  This afternoon, I sanded the lap and glassed the top.

Next, I have to prep the fins.  I just got a quad set from my fin guy Lance.  He makes them nicer than I would.

Ready for glass.

The boards is ready to laminate.  It's light and fragile.  I'm happy with the outcome.

Humm babe

With the right tools shaping the rails are easy.  I start by doing a shoulder cut and work it from there.

On the bottom I don't soften the rail for the last 30".  The next thing I need to do is install the leash plug.

Satisfaction

One of the most fun parts of this build is squaring up the rail strips.  I've always liked the feel of a plane peeling wood.  Balsa cuts easy and doesn't make much of a mess compared to many other types of wood.  

It's very relaxing to plane.  Kinda like therapy.  I worked on the top this morning and roughed it in.

The board is light and strong.  It's starting to take shape.

I'm really looking forward to shaping the rails after it gets cleaned up a bit.

Shaping the bottom.

It's been a while since I've worked on the board.  Yesterday, I glued up the last of the balsa tile pieces at the nose.  Today, I shaped the bottom.

Planing balsa wood is probably the most enjoyable part of the build.  I like to use a small modelers plane.

The board still fits in the cradle like it's suppose to.  It's a good check to make sure there aren't any twists.

Baby steps

Probably the most time consuming phase of any of my builds is gluing on the rail strips.  The first one is the hardest.  With a little shrink wrap and a lot of patience it can be done.  I'm at the easy part where I can clamp the second one to the first.  Depending on how much you pull in the nose or keeping it fuller.  That will determine the size of the individual pieces.

It's pretty easy at this stage.