Use a Vacuum Cleaner to Make a Skateboard

I found a crazy article on by Gregory Lavoie on Instructables showing how to make a skateboard using only relatively simple tools like a jigsaw, a sander and a vacuum cleaner. Obviously, there's a little effort involved in the start-up, but once that's done, it should be pretty simple to make many skateboards using the same set-up. What's really cool about this method is that you can bend the nose and tail however you like.

A quick summary of the process is that you first make a form or mold defining the shape of the final skateboard. This mold is carved out of a block of wood the approximate size of the final skateboard (don't worry, the article gives very specific instructions). Then you make a vinyl "bag" to attach to your vacuum. This bag holds both the mold and the sheets of maple veneer that form the skateboard. The idea is that once you glue the layers of veneer together, the vacuum tightly pulls (and holds) the layers against the mold, which shapes the skateboard.

After this, cut out the shape for your final skateboard, sand it down, paint it with your favorite art, attach grip tape, and mount the trucks.

Here's a link to the complete set of instructions, all on one page.

With a cool stencil or maybe screenpressed art, you'll have a unique board. Once youre set up to make one, maybe you can set up an assembly line and make a bunch to sell.



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Make a Skateboard in Shop Class!

Instead of making a shelf or a box, with a little groundwork by you and your shop teacher, you could make a skateboard as a shop class project. Paul Schmitt, owner of the largest skateboard manufacturer in the United States has started a program called CreateASkate.org that assists shop class instructors find the materials and instruction they need to add skateboards to their curriculum.

On their website, Create A Skate has information for students, teachers, and parents on starting a skateboard program in their school's shop class. They even offer a petition form so that students can show the faculty how much potential interest there is.

Take a look at their website and read through the student information to see how easy it is to make a skateboard.



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