Popsicle Stick Longboard Deck

Step 10: Finishing

There was some more sanding needed on some spots on the top which were raised and needed to be injected with extra glue.  After that I sealed the board with a few coats of shellac and applied some surf inspired grip tape lines.  The grip tape is self adhesive and can be purchased at almost any skateboarding shop. 

Overall there are much easier and faster ways to build a longboard deck, but I wanted to try using popsicle sticks just to see if it was possible.

Comments

[jcrameri]

How many and what size were your foam core sheets

[nsnip]

I bought 3 sheets 24" x 36" 1/4" sheets, however I only used 2 of them.

[LadyKatianaTheBrave]

About how much did it cost you to make this? I have a friend who would probably try to make one but is alas a poor college student.

[nsnip]

The cost to make the board was around $40 not including skateboard trucks, wheels, bearings, and hardware.

[dcarter-davies]

you could put a layer of fibre glass on to add a bit more strength and stiffness but also give a bit more spring.

[larslovespeace]

I make custom longboards, and this project seams very out of the box. For at least I wouldve just gone and bought some sheets of BB ply but the bottom design was tight with the popsicles. it was almost like hard wood floor. Ill be making an instructable on how to press with sheets of baltic birch. Very nice. Itll be interesting to see how your board does over time.

[crazy4u200]

i really am looking forward to doing this project! however i don't know skate stuff very well, can you tell me exactly what hardware you got for this?

[nsnip]

190 mm Sabre trucks and OJ 60 mm "Hot Juice" wheels. Minilogo bearings and Shorty's 1" bolts.

[crazy4u200]

thanks, I'm really excited to try this, I've wanted a longboard for a while now!

[ldukehart]

Do you get wheel bite at all?

[nsnip]

Nope, no wheel bite.

[lsmith254]

I am planning a redwood cedar strip kayak build this spring, as well as a teardrop trailer. I so badly want plyboo on the walls and floors, but at $250 a sheet, it is prohibitive. This is why I checked out this 'ible. Amazing ingenuity and attention to the finer details of joining wood to wood. Bravo!

[reelfurbe]

This is great got 4 grankids need a family project . Live in snow country , like it can double as a snowboard with bigger, & weight wise !
A great idea, TY

[smeeves]

Hate to be a downer, but he said 6-8 hours per layer, and 5 layers total. 4 boards = alot of time laying sticks down...

[bob.the.devil]

so making one this year

[bob.the.devil]

if it works the first time i will get this strips of purple heart and zebra wood to decorate the bottom and put koa on top with some clear griptape (then you will be able to see the cool popsicle stick layering on the side might even use colored ones and make a rainbow)

[spoiled_1019]

WOW very impressed with your work and process.

[mir0k]

Same here.

[jo-shadow]

Amazing. I have to ask: how does it feel? does it have more bend or give than a regular board? is it any lighter/heavier?

[nsnip]

It's a bit more bendy then an average board. A couple more layers would probably stiffen it out somewhat. I'm waiting for dry weather to give it a thorough test ride.

[nsnip]

It feels a bit lighter too.

[cfay1]

Pure genius.

[raviolikid]

Very clear directions and excellent photos! It makes me want to try it - and I am way beyond the age and agility level for using a long board!
Congratulations! I want to see it when you feel it is complete.