Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Feb 17, 2007 01:22am | #1

   Hi Dave,

   You can find some great board-building resources on a Web site called http://www.silverfishlongboarding.com. They have a forum where people share building ideas, as well as some how-to articles.

   There are basically three methods you can use.

   The first is with a vacuum bag where the veneers are pressed against a foam mold. This really is the easiest and fastest method but it requires investing in the hand pump kit or a vacuum pump. 

   Another method is with a simple clamping press (drawing attached), which I used prior to discovering the vacuum bag method. The only problem is that it produces a flat board with a kick to the nose and tail. It doesn't allow you to add concave along the length of the board or camber along the width. These are two features that make boards easier to ride (and look cool).

   I've never tried the third method, which is called a "ribbed press." It gets that name because it's a clamping press comprised of a series of custom-shaped clamps (which look like ribs) that each have a different curve and height. This allows you to clamp the veneers with concave and camber. I've seen lots of photos on the forums at SilverFish. You might want to check those out, free registration is required by it's a great resource. 

   Matt Berger
   Fine Woodworking

1. 
   MBerger | Feb 17, 2007 01:24am | #2

   sorry, here's the attachment

    

   
2. 
   DaveNorris | Feb 20, 2007 04:00pm | #3

   Thanks Matt!

    

   After all the searching I've done, I've never come across silverfish.com before.  I'm sure this will be very helpful.  Thanks again!

    

   Dave Norris

2. 
   DaveNorris | Apr 10, 2007 08:58pm | #4

   Hi Again Matt,

   I've been doing some additional research on short board building, and I just read your article on the roarockit.com kit.  I might give it a try, but one of my concerns is making the board concave but still getting the convex "wheel wells".   I'm thinking of going with a vacuum press/clamp as my board research has led to me think they are pretty functional.  If I used an actual store bought board as a mold, and supported it with foam, would a vacuum pump actually apply enough force to bend the laminate layers into both the convex and concave curves on the board?

   Also, any advice on how to mill my layers to be laminated to the right thickness?  I'm thinking that 1/16th will be about the maximum thickness for each layer?

    

   Thanks

   Dave Norris