Some new ones

[hoch92000]

Here are some that I have finished and one that I am working on. I still have a lot to work on, although I a have learned a great deal through trial and error. The 60" is a double kicktail. The bullet is a thick drop through carver for a big dude, my 270# brother. The other is a front wedge DH board. I would be glad to share more details, etc. The carver got dirty in Statesville last weekend. Oh well.

[hoch92000]

Here is the work in progress. I have a tried and erred quite a bit, but my press technique is starting to come togethor. Would be glad to show pics of the press with details if you wish. Any way take a look. I've got the Originals on it. One more insignia pic on the flush cut drop through carver.

[Niles]

Nice Work! You've got some interesting shapes there. Kudos.

[omeri]

Wow thats a a lot of camber u got there and the boards look sweet, dose the 60 inch have a certain purpose like dancing? or is it an all around cruising board?

[supergildo]

I want to try that one with infinity camber...

[hoch92000]

Wow thats a a lot of camber u got there and the boards look sweet, dose the 60 inch have a certain purpose like dancing? or is it an all around cruising board?

The camber is about 2" over 45". It is about the max I would recommend. When I stand on it, it just about goes flat. My philosophy is that as long as you're above negative one inch after standing on theboard, you are OK. The press before my present press resulted in about 3" of camber. It was way too much. I guess it is all part of the trial and error in perfecting your product.

THe 60"er is a dancer, 42"WB, double kicktail, cutouts for Randall II's, 3 1/4" plys.

[RastamanD]

sweet shapes...i want to make an Original compatible board....better get started

[cam_bell]

so how flexy is 3/4" and what kind of glue/epoxy do you use? I assume its baltic birch...
nice builds btw

[TwinTown Skater]

Would be glad to show pics of the press with details if you wish.

Great work on the boards, I'd love to see some details on your press. Keep it up.

[hoch92000]

so how flexy is 3/4" and what kind of glue/epoxy do you use? I assume its baltic birch...
nice builds btw

This is a concave no camber dancer. The finish is brushed on polycrylic after a water based Minwax 2 coat stain. Flex is about 1" for my 200#. 3 1/4" BB plys with TB III pressed with a simple Brodie style concave double kick tail press. Details of the press are as follows: 72" 2 by 12 (It is about 11" wide). Two 1" wide and 5/8" tall side runners, 44" long each. 48" 2 by 4 pressed down the middle, 15 degree kicktails on the ends. 3 homemade clamps made from 2 by 4's to press the 2 by 4 center beam. And that's it. Used it to make all three of the boards in the first series.

The DH board is 5 plys of 1/8" BB with a full 5/8" concave. The other two have about 1/2" concave (could only press this much with the 1/4" BB). Wasn't sure if 1/4" BB could be pressed thusly, but Voila.

I don't have a pic of this press and I have dismantled it, but it is so easy to recreate. I was thinking of submitting a tutorial on my tips for this press, but it has been described so many times, I will simply offer my "pitfall avoidance" tips.

First, If you are using 10" wide BB plys, make the press about 11" wide. Or make the press about 1" wider than the plys. Next, make the concave at least 1/2" with 1" wide strips of wood. 3/8" is just not quite enough IMO. This will allow 1/2" of overhang over the side runners. Thirdly (this is key), make the center 2 by 4 at least 2" longer than the side runners (used to make the concave) on each end, so that it gives the BB room to transition from concave to kicktail. Doesn't like to bend concave and kicktail. Fourth, for 1/4" BB, it is so rigid, only 3 clamps across the 2 by 4 are necessary. But for 1/8" BB which is flimsier, you will need an additional 2 clamps for pressing the wood on the kicktails. Finally, I am still experimenting. It is also handy to have some clamps available to press areas where the plys aren't completely pressed together.

I apologize for the lack of pics, but keep in mind, there are plenty of pics regarding this type of press.

[hoch92000]

Great work on the boards, I'd love to see some details on your press. Keep it up.

Let me take some pics and I'll give you the low down. I will say that I have tried the cross-ribbed press, the three longitudinal rib press, and a hybrid, before this last press. My last press worked the best, and is promising as a consistent concave/camber former. The first permutation however created a full 3"of camber. That was scrapped for the latest press. Will post some pics and details soon. Hopefully, others will not have to endure, the trial and error as I have. Although, nothing beats first hand experience.

[cam_bell]

man you've built like what, 5 presses now? youre a nut haha, but props.
I am finding it a bit difficult to picture everything youre explaining, but it sounds like youve done away with width-wise ribs and gone for just lengthwise. to each his own, but cutting new pieces for different boards seems like a lot of work to me.
and yeah, bb doesnt like concave and kicktail. my 1/8 inch delammed at the point of highest stress, jsut at the corner before it bends up (Im making a shlong)

[mooseboy]

wow, that board with alot of camber looks fun.

[CrisVA]

wow, that board with alot of camber looks fun.

+1

Although I know firsthand long boards with originals and grippy wheels are fun as hell

[hoch92000]

man you've built like what, 5 presses now? youre a nut haha, but props.
I am finding it a bit difficult to picture everything youre explaining, but it sounds like youve done away with width-wise ribs and gone for just lengthwise. to each his own, but cutting new pieces for different boards seems like a lot of work to me.
and yeah, bb doesnt like concave and kicktail. my 1/8 inch delammed at the point of highest stress, jsut at the corner before it bends up (Im making a shlong)

Yeah, I've tried some things and experimented, but this is what everyone does. I really believe my latest press design is one to keep. I don't plan on changing the base much.

Also, thank you all for all the encouraging comments. I have found that making boards, testing, and giving them, is a joy all into itself.

BTW, that board with Originals is th shiZ. The Originals are so turny, I initially thought that they should be placed on a medium sized stiffy, like a V-lam. But it does so well with a flexy carver. I think it has taken a while for me to get used to them (which I am not fully). You have to understand that the last 30% of flex in those trucks are a neighborhood you should rarely visit, which requires tremendous ankle control. Secondly, the tilt and curve result in sliding, so you have to understand wieghting/unweighting and foot placement as it pertains to traction/sliding.

My next plan is to make a drop through carver with the same press for Randall II's.

[TheEskimoMan891]

I admire your board building skills man
always such great bends

hope you don't mind if I try out the double kick idea on a dancer

[hoch92000]

I admire your board building skills man
always such great bends

hope you don't mind if I try out the double kick idea on a dancer

By all means. I've made a couple dancers and mellow kicks are nice for nose tricks.

I have invested in a belt sander and hand held router ($160, $110). Both are great tools to have. Thanx for the advice Arcane.