Board Builders
also, maybe share some tips on building and where to get supplies
also, occasionally, we can have a build off from time to time...
Premium Member
Tips for a Kiteboard
Hi Builders, I need some tips.
I'm looking to build a kiteboard, which I know is a bit off topic, but the diy kiteboarders aren't up to using laminate like skaters do. (its more like two sheets of marine ply stuck together!)
Because the board is larger (140*41cm) I need to go to full sheets of laminate, which I can only get in 0.6mm (Briggs - they do skate packs of rock maple too). Construction will be several layers of laminate, foam core under the feet, glass top and bottom.
My question is: How many layers of veneer do I need? It will be fairly stiff in the middle due to the foam, but needs a fair bit of flex at the tips - like a dervish or apex, or more flex. I'm guessing 9 layers will do it.
My other big concern is trapped air - do you do anything to remove it or does vac-bagging sort that.
Cheers, Ben
Premium Member
Deeks63
OK - I see - a vacuum bag will struggle to get that sort of short, sharp bend - I'd reckon only something like a hydraulic press could do that... Veneer maybe, particularly at 0.6mm but then it may snap - I've heard of sprays that help to soften the veneer and don't affect the glue/epoxy layup and adhesion but complexity is mounting!
What does the "tunnel" that having this sort of contour do for the board? Is it a handling/performance feature?
Apr 10, 2013
Premium Member
Ben Mod
The channel is there to help keep an edge -stops the board hopping out of the water without oversize fins. I fugure they must use a vac bag because of the complexity of the layers. It would take far too long to perfect a press to get the contours between the cored sections and tip shapes. Maybe its time to simplify.
Apr 11, 2013
Premium Member
Deeks63
yeah... BTW, I had never heard of paulownia timber before - looks like cool stuff. Maybe you could shape it such that you are then veneering the 0.6mm over it? Bagging is incredibly powerful, I've just never tried a bend quite that short and steep. The channel doesn't run the length of the board by the look of it - so many possibilities and it would be a great project (if I knew how to kite board!) Sorry I don't think I've been of much assistance...
Apr 11, 2013