While learning about how to make a skateboard deck there are a certain set of components that are essential to building a custom deck.
Let us now find out which skate tools you would require for this.
Plywood
This will be used for building the base of the deck. 8-ply is one of the most preferred choices.
Wood veneer
This is essential to use a wood veneer to increase the strength of the deck which is a vital element.
Wood glue
Good quality wood glue will be needed as you progress to stick the pieces together.
Grip Tape
To offer additional support while riding and also to ensure that the wooden pieces are stuck tightly you will need a grip tape.
Styrofoam
The foam mold used should be of better quality to give enough support to the cardboard deck
Wheels
You must opt for polyurethane wheels only as they are the best. Alternatively, you can choose simple urethane wheels also.
Trucks
The wheels need to be attached to the base of the deck and that can be achieved through installing trucks.
Bearings & Bushings
You would certainly need some ball bearings for the wheels and bushings for the trucks to affix the wheels to the base of the deck.
Nuts and bolts
To attach the truck and wheels to the deck you would require adequately sized nuts & bolts.
What kind of Wood is used for Skateboard Decks?
Most of the skateboard manufacturers use maple wood as the main wooden construct for the skate deck.
Apart from that Baltic birch is also used which is a modernized version of the traditional birch wood. It is a sort of plywood that is quite suitable and strong to make the wooden deck of a skateboard.
The wooden decks are preferred over the metal decks as they are long-lasting ones that are lighter. Similarly, decks made of fiberglass or nylon are also not recommended as they break off easily.
How to Make a Skateboard out of Cardboard?
To be honest, there is not much guarantee that a longboard or skateboard deck made out of cardboard can be a long-lasting one. But there is no issue in trying to make one and bring that to use.
It is quite a similar process to making wooden decks and the main difference is that a lot of cardboard pieces and veneer would be needed to make the deck strong and long-lasting.
Apart from that, it would be easier to drill the truck holes and fit the wheels and various bearings since cardboard is softer than regular plywood.
Try the cardboard skateboard numerous times with various weights on it to check for its strength and capability to carry a human body on it when in motion.
How to Make a Paper Tech Deck?
A paper tech deck is also known as a fingerboard which is a toy. There are different types of tech decks based on their size and strength.
They are mainly made out of solid and good quality paper. The steps to make one are discussed below.
- Draw out a template that resembles a skateboard and cut around 20-25 pieces of solid paper.
- It is better to use industrially accredited PVA glue to stick the pieces of paper together. This would give them a solid shape and enough strength to perform flip tricks with the fingers on them.
- While wet, bend the corners around to give it a shape of a skateboard.
- Let the whole thing dry properly and once done, it takes the shape of a fingerboard.
- Finally, attach the wheels and the truck after creating holes and you would have your paper tech deck ready.
Check properly for its strength by putting adequate weights on it. You can also decorate it with paints and create art on it. Remember to use painter’s tape to keep the fingerboard safe from over-wetting.
Conclusion
While making a DIY deck is easy and exciting, a skateboarder must keep in mind the safety issues related to it.
Since making at home, most makers would not be experts. In that case, a good rule of thumb is to make a wider deck than normal that would avoid breaking down and injuries of the skaters.
One of the most dangerous faults that can happen with a DIY deck is wheel bite so you must be careful while making your deck.
To have a good idea regarding how to make a skateboard deck, you can use some old and uncut decks to learn to build it from scratch.