My first Alaia

[downunder]

I think you'll need to glass it. Top and bottom with some light FG, duno 120grams? Less? More?

The flex is from narrow strips, I think. For example, I have 1500x420x12mm Paulownia plank which is impossible to bend with bare hands. But, the strips are more like 100-150 wide. Hence only a few wood strips.

If you opt for 200grams UNI directional FG, than you might build a slight rocker. It is not that hard and one could do with a hand layup.

D.

PS
The original Alaia is built from 2 wood pieces (I think, can't remember 100%), and it has only slight flex. 25mm thick at least in the middle.

[Olivier D]

Thanks down under for your quick response.

Any tips or tutorial on how to glass an Alaia?...

[Olivier D]

Hi guys,

Short update on first Alaia

Final

Global view

Concave

Alaia

[Olivier D]

I think you'll need to glass it. Top and bottom with some light FG, duno 120grams? Less? More?

I really think I have to glass it! Do you think one layer of FG will be enough? Why not simple epoxy resin?

[RalfsB]

I think you'll need to glass it. Top and bottom with some light FG, duno 120grams? Less? More?

I really think I have to glass it! Do you think one layer of FG will be enough? Why not simple epoxy resin?

I have glassed mine with one layer 100g fiberglass cloth / epoxy on both sides; has been strong enough and survived several years of riding. I don't think that fiberglass should be skipped, simple epoxy will be much weaker.

[Mossy 757]

Hi guys,

Short update on first Alaia

14632833_10154365232086141_5866228089945529591_n.jpg

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Looks amazing! I'm a huge fan of just the oil finish, but I know with kite power that's a riskier proposition...that thing has such beautiful grain, though, seems a shame to cover it up with nasty yellow glass :-/

[downunder]

Olivier,

sorry, didn't see your post. 100-120grams is a super fine glass end will be ok. How to, duno. Many ways to skin a cat.

Mossy, none of my boards are yellow(ish). Entropy Super Sap CLR all the way. The West System is yellow because of the hardener.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Olivier D]

Thanks for your messages!

So you think one layer of 100-120g of FG will be enough?

The board is 18mm thick max. I think it's too weak and I really don't want to break it.

I've looked up some tutorials over the net on how to glass it. Seems quite easy. Just wondering how to dispose properly the FG on the round sections (tail and nose) ?

[downunder]

No need for for tail and nose, there is no benefit. If glass done correctly, should be fine but in reality if you break it you'll know for sure for next for time.

[RalfsB]

So you think one layer of 100-120g of FG will be enough?

The board is 18mm thick max. I think it's too weak and I really don't want to break it.

I've looked up some tutorials over the net on how to glass it. Seems quite easy. Just wondering how to dispose properly the FG on the round sections (tail and nose) ?

From web resources I learned a lot from http://www.surfersteve.com/videos.htm. If you think one layer of fiberglass may be not enough, you can put two layers in areas that could be the most prone to breaking: the middle of the bottom where the board is thin and there is a lot of stress and in the deck area where you would be standing. For an alaia there is no need to wrap glass around edges; it makes glassing easier. Just cut the cloth and put it on the board where it needs to be, pour epoxy and even it out so that it soaks the cloth. Do not put too little, otherwise lots of air bubbles will be coming, do not put too much so that cloth starts to float. In few hours you can apply yet another layer of epoxy coating, before that check if there are any bubbles and use a knife or a needle to get rid of them, the top coat of epoxy will fill and hide those spots.

Regarding the color -- it really depends on the hardener. The one I am using is bluish/greenish but quite transparent, looks very nice on boards.