PTWoody said...

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get a fin to fit into a too tight fin box? The base of the fin seems to ballon out ever so slightly. I've tried filing the fin down using a woodwork file but it's very slow work and is not doing the job.

hi, i've done a few tinkerings with fin fits. try a metal file or 40 to 60 grade sandpaper. i have a beltsander, but it's touchy and i only use it to get the excess off before i fine tune by hand. i would suggest gauging both sides so you know where your going
cheers

get stuck into it with a electric disc sander , or belt sander if you can get it in position and hold it in steady while you do it.

also try a razor blade around the actual box itself as when you sand down a fin box when sanding a board you can sometimes close the top of the box in slightly ...so try that and some sanding of the fin itself...goodluck

I'll help you out - got a grinder and a belt sander - we'll gently negotiate with this fin!

Please be careful with power sanders, grinders etc.

Your best bet is as Dan said removing any swarmf from the lip of the box with a debrurring tool or razor blade. You can use some wax as lubricant and if this is still way too tight use a sanding block and some 80 grit sandpaper. Do not just use your hand and paper, you will roll the edges.

If you take too much off with a power sander you will be left with a sloppy fit that may require a shim or solar resin applied to the base to make it fit firmly.

The difference in between fins and boxes is due to their being no standard sizing, fitting fins to boxes is a common thing as there is no point making fins to fit the narrower boxes only. You are usually removing 1/2 a millimeter or less to make it fit so decent sandpaper and a block is ideal.

Well Teeps, it is a 9" woody... oh man, you've just dragged me down to your level.

and its not a major problem if you take to much off with the sander just tape it up with the same tape you run down the side of yor board for paddle protection and you will have a perfect fit again. so sand away

I agree with CMC, be very careful with the power tools, you only wreck on before you learn, not just sanding it down but getting it even is the hard part. just get into it with a sanding block, or if you are a complete lazy bugger a orbital sander with a light grade sand paper is your best bet. & yep wax works..

DavidJohn said...

Hey PT.. Bring the fin tomorrow and I'll have a go at getting it in before you do any sanding.

DJ

Hammer

I need to use a rubber mallet to get my futures out.

Hand sand is the way to go unless its way tight