Shaping & Glassing a Retro-Modern 6'6 Surfboard // CUT MY CURE TIME BY 89%

Would you consider a 6'6 a midlength? Another start to finish shaping and glassing video. I try a UV curing technique I learned from a veteran of the trade! Still have a lot to learn, but getting there one step at a time! Learning from my own mistakes and taking different approaches.
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[@jameso8418]

a quik tip on planing: try to cut at a 45 degree angle on flats as the planer cuts cleaner. Then on deck near nose you can turn the nose of the planer to fit the curve better as the flip on the blank will not allow you to cut enough foam out if bed if planer too straight. Also, be mindful of the thickness there at nose & tail side's as it can get thin there fast. Sometimes if blank is getting too thin I'll not shape 12" at the ends on either side so as not to go too thin. 👍 then come back later to dial it in w less aggressive tool's etc... Cut all full speed w the trigger. No stopping & starting until planer is off the blank. Not that you were doin that. I just see a few people doin that, but it rips foam up.😂

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

This is very helpful. I’ve been working on becoming more proficient with the planer. I’ve watched Zack Flores videos and it’s helped but there’s definitely a lot more nuance to it! I’ve been struggling to skim the deck on PU boards because it comes already domed. I don’t understand if the goal is to flatten out the deck as best as possible or if I need to get good enough to work the rails from an already sloped surface on the rail. I don’t know if that makes sense.

[@jameso8418]

@@paulzeye_surfboards not sure if they put a slight dome in the blank? If it's a US blank poly I just shaped as I go... If I want a flatter deck, or more crown (dome) I just visualize the board in blank, and remove whatever is not part of the design. As a shaper it's prob best to know what you want. Then shape. I was lucky I was exposed to a lot of board makers in Santa Cruz, CA - when hand shaping was the only way. Be so i learned from watching almost every shaper in town. If possible try to rub shoulders w shapers you respect, and they can give you tips. Watch what their hands do, watch & learn 👍

[@jameso8418]

Rails. I start on the bottom, and you're doin rail bands. I usually do 45° angle cut so you tilt the planer. Then break down bands. This is something harder to explain!😂 it's easier to show vs tell. If you watch enough shaping you can figure it out. But start at the bottom, and then do deck. There's really no rules on how to make a rail. But you can make them how you want it. I think that's best bcos you're the one riding it. If you know what you want then your set. Nothin wrong w copy n rails. I suggest you look at board's. Take a feel, look n learn. Copy a board is a excellent way to learn how to shape better.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

@@jameso8418 the arctic blank I just shaped had like a 1/4 in concave and slightly domed deck. Is it normal for shapers to flatten the board to have an even starting point or do experienced shapers generally build off the domed deck? Unfortunately most of the local shapers here in Portland are too busy doing their own hustle. I’ve asked a couple and they seemed hesitant and also busy. I understand it though. Fortunately, there are people online that are willing to help! Plus all the videos on KZbin! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

@@jameso8418 maybe the next board I do is try to copy my first magic board so I have a frame of reference! Good advice. 🙏🏽

[@powerlooper9121]

Nice job on your first polyester layup. Also I like the portable shaping lights. You’re doing good work in the limited space. Although I once built an entire board in a fire escape. I had to break down everything after each work session Lol.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

Thanks! When I built this shop I thought 200sq ft would be enough for both shaping and glassing. It’s definitely enough, but it’s a tight space for sure. I can also work on being more organized. That’s wild! When, where, and why did you decide to shape an entire board in a fire escape? 🤯

[@powerlooper9121]

@@paulzeye_surfboards I built a 6'6" twin fin pintail back in about 1979 or 1980 in a fire escape next to the studio apartment on the 11th floor where I lived with my g/f at the time. I set up and broke everything down every night, since I worked on the board after my day job as a boat captain. I was able to ride that board in double overhead RabbIt Island with just me and my buddy for a 6 hour session. On Oahu. Those were the days when 10 guys out at Pipe was too crowded. lol.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

@powerlooper9121 WOW 😮 what a legend! Might be the coolest story I’ve heard in a minute. Sounds like you’ve lived quite the life. I was thinking about doing a pin tail for this but changed my mind last minute. Are you still shaping these days?

[@powerlooper9121]

@@paulzeye_surfboards Yes I'm shaping kiteboards of my own design, and I'm going to be making a few prototype foilboards. Check my channel, I have a ton of videos on there (although nowhere as nice as yours). Also showing my build process. You may find them interesting.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

I’ll definitely take a look! I’ve been curious about kiteboarding too. There’s a big community on the Columbia River here in the PNW. It might be something I can get into in the future, but I know the set up can get pretty costly. My hope is to surf until 80 and then go from there 😆

[@linga115]

Great work. What lights did you use for the UV cure? For drilling the hole in the board before you set the single fin box. Try using a plunge router with a 1/2” bit. Much quicker and cleaner than using a drill. Also try hanging your vacuum hose from the ceiling so you don’t have to sling it over your shoulder.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

Hey! Thanks 🙏🏽 They are T5 fluorescent grow lights. Dave Chun pointed me in the direction and I tried LED t5 lights (which did not work!) That’s good to know about the plunge router! Though that would mean having to buy a plunge router. Maybe in the future. And yes! That has been something on my to-do list with the vacuum hose! Do you think putting it on a swivel arm on the ceiling would be better than just mounting it stationary on the ceiling?

[@linga115]

They make a plunge base for the RT0701c. It’s pricey but less than the cost of a second router. For the swivel vs fixed, it really depends on your setup. I have pvc pipe running up my wall and to the middle of my ceiling. Then the flex hose hangs down from there. When I don’t need the hose I have a hook on the wall to hold it. Your hose looks long enough that you don’t need a swivel.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

Thanks, I’ll look into the attachment in the future. I’ll give the hose a try on its own and see how it goes.

[@allsurf]

I used an elastic cord mounted to the ceiling for the vacuum hose. Worked great.

[@allsurf]

Nice job, looks cold. Where are you?🤙🏼

[@Nayda44]

Nice job man for a 3rd one! i was wondering how long did i take you to shape it in total using UV ? me with a random catalyst job it takes me about 8 to 10 days for the entire process!

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

Thanks Nayda! Now that I have it dialed - it literally takes 20 minutes to cure for each glassing (even in 40F). So I could do bottom lam and deck lam in an hour and install the fin box and leash plug in a couple of hours (since the UV can’t reach the depths) I put a little more catalyst in and put a space heater next to it. Dave Chun told me he uses a hand held light to help cure fin boxes, leash plugs , etc. The hot coat takes 20 minutes per side, and the tape releases so easy without leaving any tape behind. I was able to do top and bottom and start sanding within an hour! So I went from being able to glass one side in a day to doing ALL in one day. BIG game changer! Also recommend buying the lights used! Saved me a bunch of money 💰 Hope this helps.

[@Nayda44]

Amazing@@paulzeye_surfboards !! thanks a lot, definitely a game changer regarding the time you are saving !! I would definitely need to try it!! thanks buddy and keep the stoke up! you re doing a great job ;)

[@jameso8418]

6'6"- to 8'3 is mid length 😸🤙

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

Right on! I’m also assuming it depends on the height and size of the person too 🤷🏻‍♂️ - but that does sound like a good general rule of thumb for the average height person.

[@jameso8418]

@@paulzeye_surfboards yeah, a smaller stature surfer would be cool prob on a 6'6"-7" sh board, and a average size surfer on 7'2"-7'6". Bigger people on 7'6"-8'2". Just make them thick enough to float surfer well, and widths can start at 21", but I start at 22" w 23" max width on my middy's.🌲👍

[@burnout9069]

No video dude. Only sound.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

Oh nooooo. I wonder why it’s nots working for you. My wife just checked on her phone and video seems to be working. 🤔 I really appreciate you letting me know. I’ll see if I can out what the issue is.

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

Hey, I’ve had no other reports of there being no video. Did you ever figure it out on your end?

[@burnout9069]

All's well today. A glitch on my end I'm thinking. Cheers for the content. 🤙

[@paulzeye_surfboards]

@@burnout9069 cheers 🍻