Introduction: How to Build a Longboard

This is a simple, easy, and cheap way to build your own longboard instead of paying hundreds of dollars.

Materials
Wood Glue
2 or 3 - 1/4" plywood sheets (depending on the amount of flex wanted) 
Fiber glass cloth 
Fiber glass resin and hardener 
Longboard trucks
Clear grip tape

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSufPxqGMKs

Step 1: Gluing the Board

First apply wood glue the two sheets of wood (or three if desired). Then using a paint scraper to evenly spread the glue. Afterwards press the wood together. Be sure not to leave air bubbles in between the wood. 

Step 2: Bending

Set up the wood so it hangs in the middle, and apply a weight so that it will curve as it drys. Then either staple or screw together the wood to create a tight seal.

Step 3: Design

Now its time to come up with a design for your longboard. You can copy other designs or make your own unique one. first draw your design on a large peice of paper and then trace that onto your wood. you can fold your paper in half and draw half the design and cut it out so you have a symmetrical design.

Step 4: Cutting and Sanding

Now that you have your design on your wood you can cut it out. First trace your paper design onto the wood. Then I used a jig saw to cut it, but you can use whatever works for you. sand it until it is nice and smooth so there is no rough edges.

Step 5: Painting

This step is optional, but the fiberglass will be clear and the paint will be visible. I used electric tape to sketch my design. Then i used wood stain to paint. To create the different shades i used three coats for the dark parts and one coat for the lighter parts. After the stain dries remove the tape. 

Step 6: Fiberglass

First mix the fiberglass resin with the hardener at the correct proportion. Then lay out the Fiber glass cloth on the painted side and using a paintbrush spread the resin evenly across the board. be sure to work quickly and effectively, the fiberglass begins to harden in about 15 minutes. After it is applied let it cure for about 3-4 hours. 

Step 7: Trimming and Drilling

Then using a razor cut of the excess fiberglass off of the sides of the board. Now it's time to drill the holes for the trucks. Be sure that they are straight or else the trucks will not align correctly. Now bolt on the Trucks.

Step 8: Grip Tape

Now the grip tape is totally up to you - You could...
Cover the entire surface with grip tape...
cut up pieces and create designs out of grip tape...
Or paint your board and apply clear grip tape...

I painted the same design on the top of the board using the same procedure as before. Then i applied the clear grip tape and cut the excess tape away.  

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Now that Your board is pretty much done, all that is left is light sanding. This is just to smooth down the fiberglass and grip tape around the edges. Your board is done and ready to ride!!!!