Cruise Log

We recently chopped down a tree, but the log looked too good to throw away. Along came the idea of turning it into a skateboard. I added a handle to make it more maneuverable and easier to balance. This is not a scooter as it is using skateboard trucks, which require leaning to steer. Whereas, on a scooter the front wheel turns.

Step 1: Materials

For this rideable log skateboard you will need:

A Log (It needs to be thick enough for you to stand on)

8 Screws

Piece of Dowel About 5 cm Long

A Stick (for the handle)

Skateboard Trucks

Skateboard Wheels

Bearings (I used Bones Reds)

Wood Glue

Saw

Drill

Size 10 Drill Bit

Size 15/16 Spade Drill Bit

Measuring Tape

Sharpie

(Optional) Sandpaper to smooth edges

Step 2: Sawing the Base Log

Firstly, saw your larger base log to be 80 centimeters long. I used a hand saw, but if you have a power saw which can be used to cut thick logs, go for it.

Step 3: Attaching the Trucks

Saw a flat section on the bottom of the log, this will be where the trucks will go. Hold the trucks in position, ensuring they are straight, and mark with a dot. Drill holes where marked, hold the trucks in place and screw them on.

Step 4: Attaching Wheels

Use a size 13 spanner, or a ratchet with a size 13 attachment, and tighten the nut to keep the wheel on. Ensure that the nut isn't too tight otherwise the wheel will not spin. A good test to help know how tight to attach your wheels, is to spin the wheel and count how long it spins, it should spin for about 8 seconds. If it barely spins, or only spins for a few seconds, loosen the nut. However, if you can wiggle the wheel it's too loose and you will need to tighten it. Do this for all 4 of the wheels.

Step 5: Drilling the Hole for the Handle

For this step, you will need your size a spade drill bit that is the same size of the bottom of your handle (I used a 15/16), and a size 10 drill bit. Find where you want your handle. Next, drill a hole about 3 cm deep. Then, using the size 10 drill bit, drill a hole at the base of your hole. Ensure that the piece of dowel fits snugly. Next, use the size 10 drill bit and drill a hole in the base of your handle.

Step 6: Attaching the Handle

Now, pour glue into the hole in the log, push your piece of dowel in, pour more glue in over the top, then push the handle in and let it dry fully/overnight.

Step 7: Riding

Now you're ready to ride you cruise log. If you want to make the log grippier, you could at some grip tape where your feet go, or even flatten the top of the log. If you have any questions about how I constructed this, feel free to ask me in the comments, and I will try and get back to you as quickly as possible.