Wooden Ripstick Skateboard

I wanted to have a skateboard that worked like a Ripstick, so I decided to build one. Even after I built it, I still don't know how to ride it yet but I am still learning. I spent a lot of time in effort in the making of this Instructable and the video so I hope you enjoy and maybe even learn something.

For this project, you will need only a few tools and materials. It is made mainly of wood and hardware, but you could make it a lot fancier if you wanted.

Tools:
- chopsaw
- jigsaw
- cordless drill
- hammer
- sandpaper or orbital sander
- wrench


Materials
- 2x8 pine board (2 feet should be enough)
- 1/2 inch plywood
- 3 inch long bolts (8)
- wood screws or long drywall screws (4)
- small drywall screws (8)
- 3 in. diameter castor wheels (2)
- 2 inch ball bearing
- pipe or shaft that fits bearing

I made the two bases out of a large 2x8 board and drew out the pattern I wanted then darkened them with a Sharpie. I cut the pieces out with a chop saw and a jigsaw. After that, I sanded the faces with a random orbit sander. Remember to use the proper safety equipment when using these tools.

I cut two identical rectangles from a piece of plywood and drilled a hole through the middle of both of them. Then I drilled two holes into the bases to line up the plywood with the bases using some drill bits. After that, I put four small drywall screws into the plywood to hold it in place so I could drill the holes for the bolts. I put some in construction adhesive then hammered in the bolts and tightened the nuts. Finally, I cut off the excess threads with a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel.

To make a bearing flange, I cut another small piece of plywood and traced the bearing onto it. I used a hole saw to cut out the rough shape and filed out the hole to size. To put the bearing into it, I placed the assembly into my bench vise and tightened it. Then I simply attached it to the base with two wood screws.

For the piece that holds the shaft, I cut a 2x4 into a triangle on the chopsaw, and drilled an undersized hole into it for the pipe to fit in.

To mount the wheels, I simply drilled another undersized hole into the mounting plate and hammered the wheel into it.

To finish this project, I cut a length of pipe and glued all the pieces together with construction adhesive and wood glue. All I have to do now is learn how to ride it!