Introduction: Fusion 360 Pintail Longboard

These are the instructions to build a 36" Pintail Longboard.

Supplies:

Clear coat
Miniwax Wood finish

Different length boards

(2) 1/2in x 4in x 4ft oak boards

(1) 1/2in x 2in x 4ft oak board

(1) 1/2in x 3in x 4ft oak board

Trucks/Wheels Package on Amazon

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Longboard-Skateboard-Beari...

Grip Tape

Wood Glue (Gorilla is a good brand)

Lots of clamps (Make sure they’re able to be used without harming the wood)

Foam Paintbrushes

Sandpaper

Step 1: Materials

Clear coat

Miniwax Wood finish

Different length boards

(2) 1/2in x 4in x 4ft oak boards

(1) 1/2in x 2in x 4ft oak board

(1) 1/2in x 3in x 4ft oak board

Trucks/Wheels Package on Amazon

Link: https://www.amazon.com/Longboard-Skateboard-Beari...

Grip Tape

Wood Glue (Gorilla is a good brand)

Lots of clamps (Make sure they’re able to be used without harming the wood)

Foam Paintbrushes

Sandpaper

Step 2: Designing

1. Figure out the dimensions of your board

Use template or draw it out

Used Autodesk Software (Fusion 360)

Insert .png/.jpg image of longboard template

We dimensioned the picture to the correct width and length.

Using the splice tool we drew over the template on one side.

Then we created a separate plane and mirrored the sketch creating the other side of the board. We also labeled holes for where we wanted the trucks to sit on the board (as reference points).

2. Tracing the mountain scape decal on the board

Make a sketch in Autodesk Software.

Use google images to find a design, save as .png or .jpg.

Import image to Autodesk Software.

Arrange it on the board as desired.

From there we used a mixture of the spline and line tools to outline our image for the CNC machine to follow.

3. Plan out the type of wood for the board

Typical wood for longboards include:

Plywood, Birch, Bamboo, Oak Wood (we used oak board)

Step 3: Cut Boards

We bought two 1/2in x 4in x 4ft oak boards, one 1/2in x 2in x 4ft oak board, and one 1/2in x 3in x 4ft oak board. All of the boards were a proper width and length except the 2in wide board that had to be cut in half vertically to create a 1/2in x 1in x 4ft board.

Step 4: Glue and Clamp

We brought five 2 x 4 ‘s and set them up to raise our boards over the workbench. On top of the 2 x 4’s we put a piece of plywood to act as a gluing base (the plywood was less wide than the boards themselves). Next we set all of the pieces on their side (reference image) and used a foam paintbrush to apply glue on the first side. Then we flipped them all over and put them face to face so they would stick together. Be sure to wipe off the excess glue!

Lastly we put on clamps. First, we clamped horizontally and wiped away any excess glue that came up. Then, we slid another piece of plywood that fit between the clamps on top. Next we put on clamps vertically to help flatten the warped boards. Now, we wait a day for the glue to dry.

Step 5: Decal on the Bottom

CNC It!

Export as sketch as a .DXF file to CNC machine

We used a piece of scrap wood (plywood) to test out how the decal would look on the actual longboard.

We made adjustments to some CNC settings for the final longboard decal (bit size, speed/feed rate, RPM) to reduce splintering and make it look cleaner.

Step 6: Cut Out the Shape of the Board

CNC Machine:
Export the file from Autodesk Software as .DXF file

Choose the desired length of the bit (this will be the length of the lines)

Set the right tool path, RPM, feed & other settings once the file is imported

Press start once you’re ready.

By hand:

If using template print template page by page, and lay out on the glued wood boards

Use bandsaw to cut out the shape of the wood

Step 7: Sand the Board

Get high grit sandpaper to smooth out the wood

Make sure to really get the edges

Step 8: Stain the Wood

Pick out a stain.

Use foam brushes to coat the board in stain, use a rag or paper towel to wipe off excess.

Let dry.

Step 9: Spray Paint It & Sand Again

Pick spray paint color.

Protect the rest of the board by putting cardboard around the perimeter of the design.

Sand the rest of the spray paint off the top, so the spray paint is just on the inside of the decal.

Step 10: Marking Location for Trucks

If you CNC'ed the Board Out:

For our board we centered the trucks horizontally and put the front truck in 1" 1/4 and the back truck in 4" 1/4 from the edges.

If you Cut the Board By Hand:

Simply place the template on the board (line it up), and use where the trucks were marked on the template to help drill the holes.

Step 11: Applying Clear Coat

Elevate the board so it doesn’t drip.

Use Foam Paintbrush to paint on the clear coat on the top of the board

Don’t rush go slowly to avoid drips.

Try to ensure even layer.

Repeat steps for all sides of the board (this will protect the board from water damage).

Wait for first coat to dry.

Use coarse, fine, or extra fine grit sandpaper to sand down first layer.

Apply second layer of clear coat to all sides.

Wait for second coat to dry.

Step 12: Put Grip Tape

Roll out the Grip Tape onto the board.

Make sure to line it up so it's not crooked.

Peel back the grip tape and stick it on.

Use something to smooth it out.

We used our hands, a can of spray paint, and a piece of smooth metal.

Use X-Acto Knife to cut it out.

Step 13: Put the Trucks Down

Use X-Acto knife to cut through the grip tape over the holes.

Use drill to screw the trucks into the board.

Optional: If the screws don't fit in all the way, go the next size up in drill bit and drill a bigger hole. Don't worry about whether the trucks will stay on, the compression from the screw and nut is what holds the trucks in place.

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