To make a drop through longboard, you need to carve out the truck holes and sand the board. After this, apply grip tape and attach the trucks and wheels.
A drop through longboard is a unique type of longboard that has its trucks mounted through the board, making it lower to the ground. The board’s lower center of gravity gives riders more stability and better control when carving and sliding. Making a drop through longboard is a popular diy project for longboard enthusiasts, and with some basic woodworking skills and the right tools, anyone can make their own. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make a drop through longboard, so you can enjoy this smooth and stable ride.
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Design Process
Longboarding is more than just a thrilling and adrenaline-pumping sport. It’s a lifestyle that stands out from the rest of the boarding sports due to its unique style and design. One of the most popular longboard designs is the drop-through longboard, which is perfect for beginners and experts alike.
In this blog post, we will explain the design process of creating a drop-through longboard, including tips for selecting the perfect design and outlining different types of drop-through longboard designs.
Tips For Selecting The Best Design For A Drop Through Longboard
Before beginning the design process, it’s crucial to understand how to select the best design that fits your riding style.
- Choose a design based on your skill level. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a design that has less flex and a lower center of gravity.
- Consider the type of riding you’ll be doing. Will you be cruising or downhill riding? Your chosen design should complement your style of riding.
- Think about the shape of the board. Symmetrical shapes work best for freestyle, while directional shapes work better for downhill riding.
Explanation Of Different Types Of Drop Through Longboard Designs
The drop-through longboard design has evolved over the years, and now there are several types available in the market.
- Top-mount drop-through: the top-mount drop-through design is the most classic type of drop-through longboard. With this design, the trucks mount on the top, and the board sits lower to the ground.
- Flush-mount drop-through: this design is similar to the top-mount drop-through, with the only difference being that the board sits flush with the trucks.
- Drop-platform: this design has a depressed platform that the rider stands on. It gives a lower center of gravity to enhance stability and ease of pushing.
- W-concave: this design has an inward curving in the center of the board, which creates a concave shape and enhances rider control and stability.
Sketching Out The Design And Layout Of The Longboard
Now that you’ve selected the best design and layout for your drop-through longboard, it’s time to sketch it out.
- Use quality materials, including pencils, pens, rulers, and other necessary tools.
- Draw the shape of the board and indicate the size you intend to use.
- Sketch out the trucks’ positions and check their compatibility with the deck’s size and shape.
- Define the concave of the board and mark it out.
- Draw a rough sketch of your design on the board, incorporating any colors, patterns, or graphics you want to use.
Designing a drop-through longboard is an exciting process that requires a skillful eye and attention to detail. Sketching out your design is crucial because it helps bring your ideas to life, and you’ll end up with a board that perfectly fits your style of riding and preferences.
Remember, selecting the best design that fits your skill level, riding style, and board shape is crucial; ensure you take your time in the process and have fun creating a beautiful board.
Tools And Materials
Drop through longboards are a popular choice among longboarders because of their unique design, which provides a lower center of gravity and enhanced stability while riding. However, the process of creating a drop through longboard requires some specialized tools and materials.
In this section of the blog post, we’ll explore the tools and materials you’ll require to build your own drop through longboard.
Required Tools For Creating A Drop Through Longboard
Before you begin to build your drop through longboard, you should have the following tools:
- Jigsaw or bandsaw
- Drill press or hand drill
- Ruler or tape measure
- Clamps
- Sandpaper
- Masking tape
- Paint or finish of your choice
Explanation Of Different Materials That Can Be Used For A Longboard
When it comes to choosing materials for your drop through longboard, you have a myriad of choices.
- Maple is the most popular choice for longboard decks because it is strong and flexible. However, it can be heavy and expensive.
- Bamboo is another popular material that is lightweight, flexible, and environmentally friendly. However, it can be brittle and break easily.
- Composite materials such as fiberglass and carbon fiber are becoming increasingly popular for their strength and durability. However, they can be expensive and require specialized knowledge to work with.
- Other options include birch, oak, and even plastic.
Importance Of Choosing High-Quality Materials For Longevity And Safety
When building a drop through longboard, it’s essential to choose high-quality materials that will ensure both longevity and safety. Investing in high-quality materials may cost more initially, but it will save you money in the long run by preventing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Moreover, choosing the proper materials is crucial for safety while riding. Cheap or low-quality materials can lead to serious accidents, putting both your health and life at risk. So always make sure to choose high-quality materials for the deck, trucks, and wheels of your drop through longboard.
While building a drop through longboard may seem challenging, it can be an immensely satisfying experience. As long as you have the right tools and materials, building your own drop through longboard can be a cost-effective way to customize a longboard that is perfectly suited to your needs.
How to build a Drop through longboard (Deck)
Cutting And Drilling
Making a drop-through longboard requires cutting and drilling skills. Creating the right deck shape, wheels, and trucks placement can affect the quality of the ride.
Outlining The Shape Of The Longboard On The Wood Plank
Before cutting the wood, the first thing to do is plan the shape of the board. This includes the outline of the board, the nose, and the tail. The nose is the front part of the board, while the tail is the rear part.
- Draw the shape of the board outline on the wood plank using a pencil or a marker.
- Determine the length and the width of the board according to your preference.
- Draw the nose and tail of the board in a curved or pointed shape, depending on the board’s style.
Instructions For Cutting The Wood And Shaping The Longboard
Once you have outlined the shape, it’s time to cut and shape the wood. It is essential to use a saw and a jigsaw for precision.
- Cut the wood plank according to the outline shape with the saw.
- Sand the edges of the board’s outline to make it smooth and even.
- Use a jigsaw to shape the nose and tail of the board according to your preference.
- Sand the nose and tail of the board with a sander to make it smooth and even.
- Measure and mark the position of the truck mounting holes for drilling.
Depth And Placement Guidelines For Drilling Holes For The Trucks
Drilling is an essential part of making a drop-through longboard. Accurate holes’ depth and placement for the trucks are critical for functionality and stability.
- Use a drill press and forstner bit to drill the mounting holes perpendicular to the board’s underside.
- Drill holes at the recommended distance from the board’s nose and tail for your longboard.
- Ensure the holes’ depth is equal to the thickness of the truck baseplate.
- Counterbore the holes for the screw heads to fit into the wood and not protrude from the board’s underside.
- Test fit the trucks to the board and adjust the placement if needed.
Creating a drop-through longboard involves cutting and drilling skills to create a board that functions well and looks great. With these guidelines, you can create a longboard that suits your style and preferences.
Assembly And Finishing
Longboarding is a popular sport that requires technical skills and a knack for adventure. If you’re looking to step up your longboarding game, you may want to learn how to make a drop-through longboard. This type of longboard is designed to give you maximum stability and control.
Assembly and finishing are critical steps to help ensure a high-quality finished product.
How To Attach The Trucks And Wheels To The Longboard
Attaching trucks and wheels to a drop-through longboard can seem intimidating, but it can be done with the following steps:
- First, ensure that the baseplate is facing outwards as this helps make the trucks more stable.
- Next, insert four bolts through the holes on the deck.
- Take two trucks and place them onto the bolts, ensuring the kingpin is facing inward.
- Attach four nuts to the bolts, and alternate tightening them until they are snug.
- Finally, attach the wheels by inserting bearings into each wheel and then pushing them onto the truck’s axle.
Sanding And Painting Techniques For The Perfect Finish
Once you’ve attached the trucks and wheels to your longboard, it’s essential to sand and paint it to give it a sleek and smooth finish.
- Start by sanding the drop-through cutout with a fine-grit sandpaper. This helps avoid any rough edges.
- Sand the entire deck with a medium grit sandpaper once the edges are smooth.
- Next, use a primer to even out the deck’s color. Wait until it dries before painting.
- Finally, paint the deck with the desired color and, once dry, add a clear coat to protect the paint and give it a professional, glossy finish.
Applying Grip Tape For Safety And Traction
The final step in making a drop-through longboard is attaching grip tape to the deck to ensure safety and traction.
- Lay the grip tape on the deck, ensuring it covers the entire deck.
- Cut the excess grip tape from the edges using a razor blade.
- After that, press down on the grip tape lightly to ensure it sticks to the deck’s surface.
- Finally, use your fingers to press down on the edges to ensure a tight seal, avoiding bubbles.
Making a drop-through longboard is not rocket science. With the right tools and following the above steps, you can create a beautiful and functional longboard. Always prioritize safety, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Making a drop through longboard is not only an enjoyable experience but also a cost-effective way of obtaining a custom board. From selecting the right materials and tools, to ensuring safety measures are in place, the process can reap great rewards.
Once completed, the board will provide a smooth and stable ride that is perfect for cruising or downhill carving. Don’t forget to personalize your board with unique designs or graphics to make it truly one of a kind. With proper care and maintenance, your handmade drop through longboard could become a cherished possession that lasts for years to come.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some wood and start making your dream board today!
