“If you are making a rising sun fin or some other such design, you will need to cut several pieces and lay them in place until you have achieved the design you want while the wood overlaps the entire template fin outline.
Glue the pieces together in the desired pattern. Let dry for an hour or more. Cut the template shape from the paper and tape it in place on top of the wood. Draw a line around the paper fin shape with a pencil.
Cut the fin from the wood with a band saw. Avoid using a jigsaw because the back-and-forth movement of the blade will tear pieces from the soft wood’s underside.
Sand the leading (front-facing) edge to make it rounded, somewhat like the rails near the center of the board. Smooth the transition on both sides (right and left) of the fin.
Sand the trailing (rear) edge to a more gradual decline to very thin at the outer line. Mimic the shape of an airplane wing with its extended taper to the back edge.
Smooth both flat sides with an oscillating sander and 80-grit paper. Sand the surfaces again with a 200-grit paper to reduce the depth of the scratches.
Step back and admire the completed shape. Imagine how awesome your fin will look when it glows with a protective layer of fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin.
Not surprisingly, creating a hard shell exterior for your little masterpiece is the next step.”
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The text above is an excerpt from “How To Build The World’s Most Incredible Wooden Surfboard.” The complete 168-page colorfully illustrated guide can be ordered ONLINE.
