Introduction: Keyboard Skateboard
I was brainstorming with Randy on projects for the Mice and Keyboard Reuse Challenge and I thought of doing a keyboard skateboard! Randy showed me this had already been done. Randy was quick to also note that this project didn't actually work!
I was determined to make a working version of the Keyboard Skateboard out of an old keyboard and some parts!
Step 1: Supplies
For this you will need the following:
2 skateboard trucks
4 skate wheels + bearings
2 risers
1 2x4 piece of wood
1 old keyboard
8 wood screws
not shown:
Silver Paint
Step 2: Paint Your Wheels and Board
First i put a coat of nice silver paint on the board and wheels to give it that "Mac" look since i was using an old mac keyboard.
Step 3: Put the Wheels and Bearing on the Trucks
Next you want to put the bearings and the wheels on the skate trucks. The best way to do this is to put 2 bearings on, press as hard as you can on one side and then flip the wheel over and press the other side.
Once the bearings are inside the wheel, bolt it down tight enough so it doesn't come off, if the wheel doesn't spin well, loosen your bolt.
Step 4: Attaching the Trucks to the Wood
Next you screw the trucks into the wood, I used risers which is traditional on a skateboard, but probably unnecessary for this project. Make sure the trucks are lined up or you'll permanently turn :-)
Step 5: Glue the Keyboard to the Wood
Next glue the keyboard to the wood. I used gorilla glue and clamped it down for a few hours until it was dry.
Step 6: Add a Decal
Lastly get one of those sweet apple stickers from your new ipad 2 purchase and slap it on the bottom and you have your very own "iSkate"
Then go do some shreading!
Step 7: Final Thoughts
Although this skateboard does ride there are some improvements i would implement for version 2.0
First off, there is no way to do tricks on this board as there is no tail, some sort of tail would really help even trying to do an ollie.
Secondly, the 2x4 method works and is strong, but i could probably get away with using a 1/2" piece of plywood, i chose the 2x4 just to be safe so i wouldn't break the keyboard, but after riding, it's clear i need something lighter.
Hope you enjoyed this instructable!
Finalist in the
Keyboard vs. Mouse Speed Challenge
34 Comments
7 years ago
you monster.
7 years ago
Well that is one typing-ly cool skateboard! :)
8 years ago on Introduction
...and for a what, i understand that was your keyboard but anyway that's stupid like make toilet paper from gold...
and no i'mnot apple fanboy : )
8 years ago
i dont mean to be the hater and i would love an explaination as to y im wrong but i think a mac keyboard would snap being that they're thin. secondly, youre board is too thick, and i think the keyboard would still snap. finally, ive done this, too. but if u spraypaint wheels, like i sprayed mine black, then, uh....
11 years ago on Introduction
you could make a tail out of a magic trackpad
11 years ago on Introduction
make it a longboard with multiple keybeoards and I will make one too! nice build
12 years ago on Step 7
howabout making an actual skateboard deck like with the curves in the deck and then lay a keyboard on that. preferably one with grip :)
12 years ago on Introduction
wats the point lol?? dont disrespect apple. lol u should have used a cheap windows keyboard
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
A cheap windows keyboard would be destroyed with your first step on.
It could be actually a proof that apple stuff is better :)
I probably would have put a skateboard grip on the keyboard, then cut it so it's just on the keys. It must be pretty slippery!
12 years ago on Introduction
does the keyboard actually work?
12 years ago on Introduction
Finally an actually good use for an apple product
12 years ago on Introduction
fun skateboard ))
construction of cottages in Volgograd
12 years ago on Introduction
Brilliant!
High five for you
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Uh, its too small...
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Well te high five isn't for you anyway :p
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Oh, I thought it was the random high five thing. My bunny can high five it...
12 years ago on Step 7
ROTFL, I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at your project, it's a really cool idea. But your thoughts... "the 2x4 method works and is strong" and "it's clear i need something lighter." just hit a funny bone. As an older boarder myself, I relate. I can't wait to see version 2.0, you have to do it now and you have to make another video.
12 years ago on Introduction
Given that the keyboard in question is totally useless for "typing", I commend you for coming up with something worthwhile.
12 years ago on Introduction
i think its unfair this was on the official instructibles youtube page during a contest
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
no worries, by being staff i can't win anything!