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Guides you step-by-step through building five skateboard designs; from a simple Hack Board built in a few spare hours to a high-performance street deck pressed from seven layers of high-quality Maple veneers. A design guide covers everything you need to know about sizing and shaping your deck and choosing the right trucks and hardware. And helpful photos, illustrations and detailed written instructions throughout provide all the information and motivation you need to make your own skateboard from scratch.
List of contents
- Introduction
- A Case for Do-It-Yourself
- The Short History of This Skateboard Maker
- Early Innovations in the Garage Shop
- Computer-operated manufacturing revolutionizes the skate deck
- Section One
- The History of a Skateboard Maker 1930 - Present Day
- The Complete Illustrated Guide to Skateboard Design
- Design Elements
- The Ingredien
- Deck Types
- Section Two
- Project One: How to Build a Hack Board
- Project Two: How to Build a Vintage Pin-Striped Skateboard
- Project Three: How to Build a Bergerboard
- Project Four: Build a Pro Street Deck
- Project Five: Going Pro: How to Up Your Game
- Section Three
- Lessons from a Furniture Maker and Woodworker
- Resources
- Index
About the author
Matt Berger is a digital producer, author, and woodworker in northern California, who has a passion for making things from scratch and teaching others how to do the same. Matt earned his stripes in the woodshop as an editor at Fine Woodworking magazine where he edited articles, and produced how-to videos for FineWoodworking.com. There, he honed his skills building high-quality furniture the authentic way with hand tools, sturdy joinery and quality hardwoods. These days, Matt practices woodworking on nights and weekends building skateboard decks out of his garage workshop, aka SK8Makers HQ, and through his series of DIY Skateboard Workshops.
Summary
Build a custom skateboard of any shape and size, from a high-performance street deck to the classic longboard, that will turn heads everywhere you go.
When you make your own skateboard from scratch you have the opportunity to create something that is perfectly tailored to you: a deck that matches your height, your weight, your center of balance, your skill level and your intended use. More importantly, making your own skate deck allows you to design a perfect ride to fit your style and makes a statement about who you are. There's nothing wrong with choosing off-the-shelf and mass produced, but who doesn't prefer to stand out. Be different. Be one of a kind. That's what you get with a custom handmade skateboard.
Whether you are an accomplished woodworker or an absolute beginner, The Handmade Skateboard guides you step-by-step through building five skateboard designs; from a simple Hack Board built in a few spare hours to a high-performance street deck pressed from seven layers of high-quality Maple veneers. A design guide covers everything you need to know about sizing and shaping your deck and choosing the right trucks and hardware. And helpful photos, illustrations and detailed written instructions throughout provide all the information and motivation you need to make your own skateboard from scratch.
