Turf install / padding

[Tommytunes]

I've got a question about installing padding under turf... I've got tons of experience with wood working and I was wondering if I could use a router to shape the padding prior to turf install... ???

I have never seen or held padding so I am not sure how workable it is... I have also never turfed... I am swapping out to an Aquabot and I am completing this process on my own and if other people can turf... so can I... I am just trying to get it perfect as I am a perfectionist and it would seem that if I could use a router I can make all of the transitions and contours just right using different router bits...

Any advice would be appreciated... Thanks guys... !!!

 

[Big Kahuna]

Just a good exacto knive is all you need to cut the turf and a good straight edge for making straight cuts. I will usually figure out what oeverall widths I would need and make to straight rips. Then go from there if I did not have a template. makes it easier to work with.

Just get some 80 grit sandpaper also for shaving any padding. 100-120 grit for turf.

 

[Tommytunes]

Cool... once I get back to the states I will test out a piece or so on my table saws for straight cuts and I will try a few router bits for feathering out where as needed... Is the padding pretty firm or somewhat flimsy... ???

 

[motoman3000]

Router might be tough to get into some spots if it doesn't chew up the pad 1st.
Build it up and sand it down to your liking. I use a die grinder and 60 or 80 grit discs. Dremel for nooks and crannys


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[StandupNation]

I'd just like to preface this by saying it may not be the best idea....

I glued my pad down, as thick as I thought I wanted it, then I used a paint stripper wheel on an angle grinder to shave it to the contour I wanted. It's messy, but works VERY VERY well.

 

[Tommytunes]

Sounds good... I think the padding should go pretty easy... I am almost positive the turf will be a major PIMA... but... I am sure with a few good solid brews it will look mint or will be a complete mess... One or the other... but... I definitely want to give it a rip... !!!

 

[yurkanip]

I shaped the 1" pad on my bob gen3, by using the method that Standupnation used, a flapper wheel on a dewault grinder and just be very fluid with your movements using the grinder and it works great!

 

[aero92x]

I used a exacto knife to cut, once glued I used a grinder to shape my oversize kick stand/ wedge. This should be quick and easy.
Now to turf you should ask someone to help you if it's your first timer job.
Good Luck!

 

[mthomps]

My advice is to keep your padding very simple. Don't get to caught up in "art work" of the pad. Simple flaws are hidden by the turf very very well. I did all of my work with a sharp buck 110 knife and a drill with a sanding pad. The padding sands very easily.

For foot holds I want to stress a big mistake I made. I put way too much padding where the front of your ankle hits against the foothold when you kick in to it and doesn't let you get as far in as you want. I was worried about brusing my ankles. If you wear shoes with a tongue like a wrestling shoe or even just thick booties like I wear it is a non issue, so keep the pad only inside the foothold for tightness and cushioning. Ignore the outside of the foothold where your ankles brace