Reader's Gallery

Checkerboard Veneer Skateboards!

comments (3) October 1st, 2008 in Reader's Gallery

MBerger Matt Berger, contributor
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A checkboard pattern of hardwood veneers decorates the bottom of this longboard skateboard constructed from seven thin layers of Canadian maple.
Decorative hardwood veneers can be assembled into all sorts of designs and patterns.
The striped longboard on top is constructed with three layers of 1/8-in. thick hardwoods. The checkboard skateboard is constructed from seven layers of thin maple veneers.
When assembled in a vacuum press, the skateboard is bent to a mold giving it concave and convex.
top view shows grip tape and veneer logo
A checkboard pattern of hardwood veneers decorates the bottom of this longboard skateboard constructed from seven thin layers of Canadian maple. - CLICK TO ENLARGE

A checkboard pattern of hardwood veneers decorates the bottom of this longboard skateboard constructed from seven thin layers of Canadian maple.

Photo: Matt Berger
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I learned to ride a skateboard after I began making them in my college woodshop in San Luis Obispo, Calif. There was a healthy market for my laminated skateboard decks in the college beachtown, and I sold boards to earn some extra cash.

Through the years I settled on a construction process that involves laminating seven layers of maple veneer in a vacuum press and then decorating the bottom with a checkerboard pattern with a technique called marquetry. The lamination is shaped using a foam mold, giving the board convex and concave to make it easier to ride.

The flat pin-striped board is constructed from three thick layers of hardwood with a more rudamentary construction process.


Design or Plan used: My own design - How To Make a Skateboard
posted in: Reader's Gallery, maple, veneer, marquetry, bent lamination, skateboard
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Comments (3)

cafmotox cafmotox writes: i remember listening to your audio slideshow a while back. the boards look great man i love em. yea its impossible to live in san lui and not somehow be introduced to the surf mecca and skate sceen. i never lived there but surfed with friends on a regular.....i might build me a board soon i have never done it and would love to ride again. atleast i know who i can ask for help now. great work Matt. talk to you soon........
Posted: 10:59 am on October 15th

MBerger MBerger writes: Thanks MV! I produced an audio slideshow for the Website detailing how I made the checkerboard. You can watch it by clicking on the link next to "Design or Plan Used." These are fun to make, mostly because it's a change of pace from the typical woodworking project.
Posted: 9:11 am on October 7th

mvflaim mvflaim writes: Nice skateboards Matt.. They have article written all over them. Teenagers across the country would thank you.
Posted: 8:53 am on October 7th

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