Introduction: Unconventional Longboard

By Visit my YouTube!
About: I'm a mechanical designer and a part time maker.


Combining walnut and steel to create a piece of art on wheels!

How I did it - You can check out the DIY video or read the instructions below.

Supplies

Materials:

  • Walnut Live Edge Slab
  • Flat Bar Steel
  • Skateboard Trucks with Wheels
  • Two 3/8" Bolts
  • Epoxy
  • Tung Oil & Lacquer
  • 8 Wood Screws

Tools:

  • Mitre Saw
  • Marker/ Pen
  • Center Punch
  • Drill Press
  • Cordless Drill
  • Tap
  • Screwdriver
  • Drill Block
  • Clamp
  • Planer
  • Palm Sander with 120-220 Grit Sandpaper
  • Scotch-Brite
  • Angle Grinder with Cutoff Disc, Flap Disc & Grinding Disc
  • Belt Sander

Step 1: Cutting the Wood

Mark line and cut wood with mitre saw.

Step 2: Drill Holes in Steel

Mark holes with marker and center punch. Drill the holes using a drill press. Place workpiece into a drill press vice and clamp to table so that it won't move when the drill bit is driven into it. Use a multipurpose oil to reduce friction and heat build-up. Start with a pilot hole then go onto final drill bit size. With the selected bolts, (I picked up 3/8" bolts from a local supply store) use a tap size chart to determine tap drill diameter. Use the tap of the correct size and a tap handle to thread the hole. To begin tapping, rotate the taper bit clockwise until you feel resistance from the threads cutting into the material. From there, for every full rotation clockwise, make a half rotation counterclockwise.

The bolts will act as dowels to mate the two pieces together.

Step 3: Rough Shaping the Steel Tip

Mark out a general shape and cut off most of the excess with a cut off disc on an angle grinder.

Grind away material with a grinding disc.

Step 4: Planing

In this case the wood is slightly thicker than the steel (around a 1/4"). Plane the wood to 1/16" larger than the steel thickness (allows for sanding).

Step 5: Rough Shaping Board

Rough shape the board to a desired shape with a flap disk on an angle grinder.

Step 6: Drill Holes Into Board

Mark holes with marker and center punch.

Drill holes using a drill block to ensure perpendicular holes. A clamp to ensure the drill block is sturdy while drilling.

Test the fit.

Step 7: Final Shaping of the Steel Tip

Belt sander, palm sander & patience are used to achieve a desired final shape. Scotch-Brite to finish it off with a dull finish.

Coat the bare steel with a lacquer to prevent corrosion.

Step 8: Finishing the Wood

Final sand. 120-220 grit.

Three coats of Tung oil. Wait 24 hours between coats.

Finish with two coats of matte lacquer to seal the wood.

Step 9: Assembly

Coat the inside of the holes with epoxy for a strong adhesion and insert steel tip.

Trucks install - Reverse kingpin trucks should be placed so that the kingpin and the bushings of each truck face outwards, toward the tip and tail of the deck.

Run a string to ensure the trucks are lined up. When satisfied with the position, mark the holes with a center punch.

Once the center holes are marked I drilled pilot holes.

Yes, I used screws to mount the trucks. Typically you would use through bolts to install trucks, but I did not want to have visible fasteners on the top of the board (I was going for aesthetics over performance). The option is always there to use through bolts if a person chooses to do so.

The end result was mind-blowing. The contrast of the steel next to the wood is amazing. Very unique piece. & yes you can ride it! Check out the video to see it in action.

Thankyou for following along.

Metal Contest

Second Prize in the
Metal Contest