I attempted my first homemade skateboard, this was a present for my 7 year old nephew for Christmas.
Wood type: Birch 3mm veneer (4 Sheets)
Finish: Polyurethane
Hardware: Skateboard trucks, wheels bearings and grip tape.
Finish: Polyurethane
Hardware: Skateboard trucks, wheels bearings and grip tape.
I bought real 3mm birch veneer plywood (not the kind from box stores), then I cut four sheets for the that would accommodate the size of my deck. The deck I made is for a 7 year old, so it's only 27" long.
Titebond 3 is the glue I used, it's the strongest of the three and more importantly it's water proof. Almost all skateboard forums suggest using this glue.
I originally was going to use a wooden mold and press but then switched my mind and purchased a Roarockit vacuum press. This expense is not needed but I plan on making a few more boards for nephews etc....So I thought I'd give it a go.
This is the outcome after leaving the board pressed overnight. My rear truck will be a little too far back since it's not on the flat portion of the deck but as I said it's a beginner board for a 7 year old so it won't really matter.
I traced my design and drilled the holes for my trucks. I have a skateboard, so I used my trucks as a template to drill the holes on the deck. I then cut the board using a jig saw and then sanded the edges.
I then applied an oil based polyurethane since it's more durable that water based. See photo below (left) of the finish.
I bought the hardware. I had the grip tape applied at a local shop and then assembled the rest a home.
Project Complete!