How To Make A Longboard Skateboard Deck

Learning how to make a longboard skateboard deck takes a great deal of research, patience, and moderate experience in woodworking. Utilizing a degree of competence can assure a reinforced assembly of a steady longboard skateboard model. Purchasing a longboard skateboard kit can help assist those with beginners lacking the appropriate experience. However, if cruising downhill tops the to-do list of recreational activities, then rummaging the hardware store for some essentials will help customize an adrenaline pumped adventure. 

To make a longboard skateboard deck, you will need:

• Some 2" x  4” boards
• Plywood
• 6 to 8 bolts of the same kind
• Screws
• Clamps
• Maple or Baltic Birch wood
• Gorilla Glue or any other adhesive.
• Object to spread the adhesive, such as a paintbrush or rollers.
• Sandpaper to help smooth out the edges
• Drill
• Jigsaw
• Pencil or other writing utensil
• Tape measure or ruler
• Clamps
• Trucks, wheels, and hardware
• Grip tape, so you don't fall off the board
• Spray paint for a nifty design

1. Assemble a press. The bolt press acts as a shock absorber for shifting weight downhill or cruising. Construct three support beams (ribs) over the main support beam (spinal column), then take a sheet of plywood and bolt it to the core design.
2. Choose the appropriate wood. Most avid longboard skateboarders recommend Baltic Birch as the primary wood type for downhill cruising; however, Maple functions well as a decent substitute. Customizing a thickness of the wood to no less than ½ an inch works well.
3. Cutting the board for accurate measurements. Assess the desired measurements before shaping the board, and leave a few inches for adjustments. Remember to cut against the grain for a stronger board.
4. Draw a template outlining the design of your board. Cut out the template once achieving a desirable design.
5. Outline the template onto the wood.
6. Glue the deck onto the bottom support boards using Gorilla Glue or other substitute adhesive.
7. Tighten the bolts from the press onto the boarding deck.
8. Let the board rest overnight to allow the adhesive to dry thoroughly.
9. Cut the wood according to the template design outlined onto the wood using a Jigsaw.
10. Conduct a stress test using cylinder blocks or relatively heavy objects.
11. Smooth the surface and edges using sandpaper or a manual/electronic sander.
12. Drill holes at the center of the board deck for the trucks. Make sure to use a level.
13. Paint the board according to the desired effect. Wear a respirator or mask when using spray paint.
14. Glossy coating. Clear coat the board deck for a shiny glossy appearance. Do this after you paint!
15. Apply the grip tape. Rip the backing of the grip tape off, and secure it to the board deck.
16. Ride. Take it easy at first to get a feel for the customized longboard. After a few test runs, take it to some steep hills and start cruising.