How to build a Longboard by MAMU Skateboards

Originally I just wanted to own a longboard. At that time I thought it would be cheaper if I built it myself. As a woman who had neither special technical talent, nor experience with wood, I was at first simply smiled at for this idea. Despite the sayings, I simply tried it. When it came to the painting of the deck, my inner "I can't do that"-sayer spoke to me and so the deck lay there untouched for a few days. Finally I overcame myself and painted it myself, this was definitely the best decision until today! With this project I not only discovered my passion for working with wood, but also my love for painting. The first push on my own board then sealed the whole thing! Self-built simply drives better! Now you can't imagine creating and painting without it anymore. Building boards is for me a mixture of meditation and inner joy. So in every deck there is a little heart blood and a personal touch.

With MAMU Skateboards, together with my accomplice Matti, I have created a platform and a place where we can live out our creativity and push and inspire each other to new things. Our mission is to convince all the other "I can't do that" sayers to the contrary.

Step 1: Materials - For a longboard or cruiser with medium flex we recommend birch. If you want a little more flex take Bamboo or for a stiffer deck Canadian Maple is suitable. For longboards and cruisers we work a lot with three layers of 4mm wood. Then you only need extra strong, waterproof wood glue, tools and a press with the concave of your choice.

Step 2: Shape - Shape is the best way to let your creativity run wild. The only important thing is to work symmetrically, otherwise you won't drive straight ahead. 
Tip: mark all guidelines well on the template!

Step 3: Press - Coat your wooden plates on both sides with a lot of wood glue, stack and off into the press. Depending on the wood glue, the glue needs 24-48h to dry.
Important: Do not spare with glue! It should drip!

Step 4: Cut - the shape is now transferred to the pressed wood. Then cut once all around with a band saw or a jigsaw, making sure that the middle of the pressing and the middle of the stencil coincide exactly!

Step 5: Truck holes - then you can mark the truck holes and drill straight through them. Tip: Use an old truck as a "template" and drill directly through these holes.

Step 6: Sanding - For birch and bamboo I only recommend sanding paper from 80 upwards, otherwise you may leave deep scratches. Take your time for sanding, perfectionism is rewarded.  

Step 7: Design - There are very few restrictions for design. The only important thing is to finally seal the wood with various layers of spray paint.

Step 8: Skate!


- Summer Guide 2018, Chixxs on Board

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