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luke
In this windsurfing how to, learn to fix a windsurfing fin the right way. Your first step? Put down that sandpaper.
It should be filled first, then carefully sanded down to the original shape. First clean the “wound” with high-powered fresh water, and let it dry. Then, using your favorite epoxy semi-paste (Marine-Tex works, Ding Stick doesn’t) fill the gash until it’s larger than the original fin. Let the epoxy harden overnight.
With a coarse abrasive, 60 or 80 grit, start to bring back the shape of the fin, leaving it a tiny bit larger than the original. Start with the outline, being very careful not to alter the original shape. Use finer grits as you get closer, say 100, then 120, then 150.
Watch closely the joint between original and patch to make sure you don’t over-sand. Work your way through the patching material, trying to match the original foil shape. Finish up with 400 or 600 grit to create a smooth surface. — Spennie Thompson
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Why doesn't Ding Stick work?
Ding Stick is too thick (heavy, doughy) and won't work it's way into the fibers and bond properly. You need something a little "wetter". You might be able to pull off a Ding Stick repair if you pressed it into the gash really hard to make sure it stuck.
The main point I was trying to make is to NOT CHANGE THE ORIGINAL FOIL! I've seen a lot of fins just sanded down to get rid of a ding, and it simply ruins them.
Sometimes, when calling it a ding is underestimating, the only way to keep the original foil is to (yuk) buy a fin. Of course used is fine, but check your electron microscope for cracks! Any other flex-epoxy products out there that anybody else uses.
Sometimes one gets fine scratches from the leading edge back, not just whacks to the bottom. Mtex or other is way too thick to fill such a scratch, I wonder whether there is an Epoxy paint that is thin enough, yet sandable???
if its just fine scratches, don't think you really need to bother about them.. I use NAUTILUS FAST EPOXY FINE FILLER by Cecchi, works wonders even for these fine scratches.. have rebuilt really messed up fins with it.
Good one. This post is very helpful. For emergency purposes eh? Anyways, I just want to say- I love your blog and will keep coming back for more. You'll see me here often. Keep it up!
which blog r u thinking of?