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Interactive board building tutorials

Clearwood - hollow wood surfboards and paddleboards
Clearwood

Nose and Tail

Tutorial: Nose and Tail

The options are: mitered (at the nose), a rabbeted block (nose and tail) and run “wild” with a capped tail (transom).

Projecting the rail shape onto the nose

Projecting the rail shape onto the nose. Mark the back of the strip

Projecting the rail shape onto the nose. Mark the back of the strip

Projected shape of the rails provides nose shape layout

Projected shape of the rails provides nose shape layout

Projected shape of the rails provides nose shape layout

Stabilize the spar at the nose after cutting nose to shape

Stabilize the spar

Stabilize the spar at the nose after cutting nose to shape

The first strips are installed “long” with miter cut after several strips are in place

The first strips are installed “long”

The first strips are installed “long” with miter cut after several strips are in place

Sculpting the noseblock

Sculpting a noseblock with a rabbet is more challenging than mitering the nose.

Sculpting a noseblock with a rabbet is more challenging than mitering the nose.

Strips are glued into the rabbet

Strips are glued into the rabbet

Strips are glued into the rabbet

Tail Strips

Strips run “long” at the tail and cut to shape after all strips installed

Strips run “long” at the tail and cut to shape after all strips installed

After strips are cut to shape the tail is “capped”

tail is “capped”

After strips are cut to shape the tail is “capped”

Finished and rabbeted blocking

Finished and rabbeted blocking at the tail of the “Umpqua or “Cascade”

Disclaimer:

There are many ways to learn to safely use the tools and execute the processes necessary to build your hollow board. But the bottom line is this: Tools and the dust they create are dangerous. If you are a novice woodworker, educate yourself about tool safety and proper shop practices. Power tools are very unforgiving and trouble can happen quickly if you are not prepared and diligent in your approach to how you use these tools. Regarding the health consequences of breathing wood dust, take this issue seriously. Use good respirators with fresh, clean filters when cutting or sanding wood. This is also true for applying and sanding epoxy and other finish products. Uncured epoxy is toxic. Most of the ultra violet inhibiting finishes that go over the epoxy for the final finish are also toxic. Use the tools and materials at your own risk. Educate yourself and work smart and safe!