Longboards are great and exciting. To guaranty the benefits they bring along, it is necessary to know how to make a longboard. Such a knowledge will see to it you enjoy the benefits that the board has to offer and regardless of your resource base.
To help you achieve this noble aim, we have seen it necessary to research and draft a guide to this effect. The aim of the proceeding discussions shall be to examine the step-by-step procedures that will enable you to make your longboard conveniently and at home.
Tools & Materials Required
- Gorilla wood glue
- ¼-inch Baltic birch plywood
- Trucks and wheels
- Bandsaw
- Screwdriver
- Pencil & Eraser
- Grip tape
You now have to follow these procedures to make your longboard:
Confused How To Make A Longboard ?
No worries, just follow the step by step process below:
#1 Cut the plywood to desired sizes
Start off by cutting the Baltic birch plywood into size. The exact size all depends on your preference and unique circumstance. However, the 49 inches long by 4 inches wide is the standard recommended size. Be meticulous to prevent a situation in which you may end up with inaccurate dimensions.
#2 Glue the Plywood boards together
Proceed now to glue the plywood boards together. Squeeze a considerable amount of the Gorilla wood glue on the two pieces of plywood. Use a paintbrush to slowly and steadily spread out the glue over the plywood layer. Leave the glue for some time to dry. Then, finish this step by sticking the two boards together. You may use a strong material to press the two boards hard to fasten firmly.
#3 Bend the Plywood
Next, bend the plywood. To do this, place the two boards you have already flued between two bricks. Then, place some weight in the middle portions of the boards to let it sag the weight downwards. This shall cause a U-shape.
#4 Clamp the boards
Clamp the boards together. Use multiple clamps to carry out this role. Once you are done, leave the arrangement undisturbed for around 24 hours. After the expiration of the 24-hour duration, test the shape for endurance. Flip the boards over, bounce them up and down severally and notice their responses. If they do not break or weaken, they will be in the position to accommodate higher weights without breaking.
Also Read: Learn Stop on a Longboard
#5 Mark the Plywood
You now have to mark the plywood appropriately. This entails making architectural drawings of the longboard you have in mind. It also entails assigning measurements and shapes that you intend to accrue from the longboard. This is by far the most significant aspect of the entire process.
This is because it determines to a great extent the quality of the outcome. Handle it with care. You may bring in an expert to help you out if you lack the expertise.
#6 Cut out the template
Cut out the template using a band saw. This is another sensitive procedure. This is because you have to follow the markings diligently to prevent a situation in which you cut out inappropriate portions of the plywood. The procedure is not so complicated. It only requires you to take a bit of your time and exercise great patience and diligence.
#7 Sand the edges
Sand the edges to smoothen them and rid them of any rough and undesirable materials. You may also consider re-sanding the tops and the bottoms of the longboards just to be sure of awesome final outcomes.
#8 Add trucks and wheels
You now have to add trucks and wheels to your longboards. A good truck goes for around $35, give or take. Install them on the board and fasten them using a screwdriver. At this stage, also cut some clearance arcs for the trucks and wheels. This is a space between the bottom of the longboard and the trucks and wheels. A good clearance allows you to turn back and forth without having to worry about the wheels jamming.
#9 Make final touches
Your longboard has now received the basic shape and form. You now need to make some final touches before officially commissioning it for use. You may paint the bottom of the longboard, testing the board for endurance under various circumstances, and using it for lighter tasks. At this stage, you may also add the grip tape atop the surface of the longboard. This is to lengthen the lifespan of the board.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make your longboard, why don’t you now make your own? As you may see, the process is not so sophisticated. Any other person can execute it. You, however, have to carry out some practice for the sake of deepening your expertise. Such a move will also lead to higher quality outcomes. All the best as you embark on making your next longboard!