Be the envy of every guy on the block by converting your garage into a fully functional shaping bay. Friend of SWELL, Andrew formed his own surfboard label by building and glassing boards for a fraction of the cost. Here’s how he began the hobby that makes him part of the salty society of DIY shapers.

The Shaping Block is the centerpiece of your shaping bay. Like a saw horse, you can improvise a number of set ups. Andrew constructed his with mobility in mind to roll in and out as needed

Materials: 2 alloy wheels from an old dually truck (or 2, 5-gallon buckets)
1 bag of quikcrete
Wood: 4″x4″ 3 feet long (2ct)
2×4″ 26 inches long (4ct)
2×4″ 6 inches long (4ct)

-Cement in the 4×4 into the bucket and screw two 2×4 to the sides. The top should be just below waist high.

-Screw 6″ blocks to the top creating an even (use a level) surface to rest a board, then staple carpet in the u-shaped saddle to protect your blanks from rail dings.

The next step is creating an organized set-up for your shelves and lighting. Adjustable back lit lighting is crucial for seeing curvatures and shadows in the shaping process. Here’s a quick tutorial on basic shelves and lighting.

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