Homemade Long Board

The cheapest of long boards can cost upwards of $70, and range up to $200 depending on the quality and material. If you'd like to save some money, whilst still getting your desired shape and thickness, making your own might not be a bad idea!

Materials list:

- longboard trucks, wheels, bearings, grip tape, and hardware

- 4' x 8' x 1/4" plywood

- 1" x 1" oak board

- one 2" x 4", cut into 16 inch segments 5 times. (should end up with five 2"x4"x16"s)

- 8 wood screws

- Large F clamps or C clamps

- Wood glue

- 100 grit sandpaper

- Wood stain

-clear coat spray paint

This step is quite simple; find what board style suits you, and make up a design, size, and desired colors. I will be making a 39"x9" board, with the design shown in the picture attatched.

MAKING THE CAST

Using plywood and the 1x1 board, make a cast like the one found in the first two pictures. Dimensions 45"x13". ridges should be equal to the opposite side in length. 1" in height. Use 8 wood screws to fasten rim

CURVING BOARD

1. Take the plywood from the intro materials list.

2. Cut 2 45"x13" boards.

3. Using wood glue, spread it evenly across both insides of the plywood sheets (like a PB&J sandwich), and press them together, glue sides inward.

4. Then, place the glued plywood on top of the cast you made.

5. place one 2x4 on middle top of glued wood. then prepare clamps.

6. place the other four 2x4's across the top of the initial 2x4, perpendicularly. then place the remaining 2x4's underneath board, and use 4 clamps to press the perpendicular 2x4's together. Should look like 4th picture attached.

7. Make sure the amount that each clamp is tightened is equal to the others, so it curves evenly (final picture)

8. let glue dry for 24 hours before removing clamps.

1. Once dry, cut your wood using whatever means of cutting accessible, whether it be skill saw, bandsaw or hacksaw.

2. Once board is cut, sand the edges with 100 grit sandpaper for smooth edges. Sand surface with sandpaper as well to smooth it, and prepare it for staining.

Once sanded smooth, and of the desired shape, it's time to stain the wood.

Using whatever finish desired, pour about a quarters width of stain onto a rag, rather than on the wood. This is to make sure it is stained evenly.

Then spread the rag onto the wood, letting it absorb into the grain. Reapply stain when it goes dry.

Stain will take roughly an hour to fully dry.

This step is optional!

After staining, if you would like a design or decal of some sort, now is the time to do it.

If using paint, lay a few coats of white in the desired shape, then use color. Finish off with 3 coats of clearcoat spray paint to protect it from moisture and weather when riding!

If using stickers, simply clear coat it first, then apply stickers once dry.

After the board is the desired color, shape, and has your (optional) design, its time for the finishing touches!

Apply your grip tape, trucks, and wheels onto your board, and you're all done! It's important to test drive and tweak your truck bushings how you like them.

Safe riding!