HandPlane Mk1
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An interesting one: building something I never used before...
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I had never done body surfing before (except like everyone, mucking around in the shorebreak) hence I had no clue how to use a handplane, let alone building one... However, it seems increasingly popular and I see more and more guys out there that actually surf waves with only a pair of flippers and this little wood thingy...
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Since I had already assembled nice patern cut offs from the alaia, I just gave it a go (Meranti & Polawnia). based on a design I liked from internet (outline only).
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The video below highlights the main building steps along with the test ride but if you're interested in the issues I faced (the whole point of this website) I detailed them at the bottom of this page.
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On this one, I will focus on the build issues rather than the design ones:
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But I will however start with the design :-) There is no rocker at all. I did not do any research on those and I assumed they would be simply similar to an alaia. No rocker and a deep concave. Apparently a bit or rocker helps, and from the tests I did, I agree that it would be nice.
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I did not have quite enough "material" so the size was limited by what I had. In the end, all good, it fits well in the hand but I was hoping I could make a bigger one. Most importantly, the off cuts had some damages, mostly from the screws used to keep the Alaia blank together. I tried to repair them with some wood dust and glue but it is not great.
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The funny looking shape of the tail (the little notches kind of pattern) comes from a mistake: I messed up the cut, so I went for this notch patter to cover up, looks nice in the end but it was uspposed to be all smooth.
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I used some velcro tape I had for strap and fixing it was not easy. That is what I used epoxy, to make sure it was secure. All in all, if make another one, I may go for a ready made strap, it will be better. This one however does the job, still goes strong after several sessions and is adjustable.
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After testing it out in the water, I came to the conclusion that some sort of grip under the hand would be nice. The linseed oil works wonders, honestly. It is water proof, reppels water (provided you apply enough coats with enough curing time) but it is slippery... Something to think about.
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And now, a little off topic, but I really struggled to get good footage for the video (it shows:-): first try, gloomy day, a bit messy and worst of all, the angle of the camera was wrong (facing down too much). I have an old Go Pro without screen so I have no idea what I m filming.Second try, nice day, smaller waves but clean, it was uspposed to be The Day ! but once at the beach, I realized my Go Pro would not turn on... After the session (was good, shame I could not get any footage) I checked and the battery was flat. It is old and it does not hold the charge anymore... I have to charge it right before going out. I need a new one indeed. Third try did not happen as my son ruptured his spleen. I actually writing this from his hospital room, should be fine but no body surfing. Hopefully, when all is better and if my Go Pro is still alive, I'll have a go at a 4th try...