2 Questions about Formica

[urbanr]

Hey all... Hope you guys find the time to answer my questions:

Question 1.

I was wondering whether it's possible to apply formica to a foam core which is slightly shaped (widthwise only - center to rails), and then applying a minimal rocker to the overall board.

My question stems from the fact that formica, or any other HPL doesn't flex... at all - Can you apply 2 different opposing curves to the formica without it buckling and innevitably cracking?

Most of the Formica boards I've seen have a flat top surface (the foam core hasn't been shaped)

examples:




At least so it seams from these pics.

But lately Pistollero added a pic of his wicked white formica... which seemed to have a slightly shaped core.



But I can't tell if it has any rocker!?! (although I'm sure it does.)

Can you have both...rocker and shape?? Over the full length of the board (125cm+) does the formica give in slighty?

This question obviously applies to the combination of rocker and concave.

Question 2.

When do you apply the HPL... do you lay it up with your fibre glass to the flat foam core and vacuum in one step to the rocker table (doing bottom then top for example) ?? Or do you glue the HPL to the already finished board and then finish of the rails??

I've read the yahoo groups quite extensively but couldn't find the answer to my specific question. Hope you guys can help...

PS I'm about to start work on my first formica proto... if all goes well I have material for 5 more.

cheers,

urbanr

[zfennell]

the formica wizards all hang out at
yahoo groups : boardbuilding

if you can't find your answers by searching , just ask.

but compound curves ( small and gradual)
and one-shot layups with abs rails are doable
(but probably easier in two shots)

-bill

[urbanr]

thanks bill, i had a feeling you'd be the one to answer.

i've crossed posted in the yahoo group hoping to fish out the most information.

thanks

urbanr

[Woody]

Hello Urbanr,

I have made a HPL-board with a shaped deck (middle 15 mm, side 8 mm) and rocker (3,5 cm). If you do'nt go into extremes and use vacuum, its no problem at all.

Have fun