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How Are Skateboards Made?
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By eHow Contributing Writer
The Deck
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A skateboard deck is made by gluing and pressing thin layers of wood together. These layers of wood are called veneers and, depending on the manufacturer, anywhere from four to seven layers of veneers are used to make a skateboard. Maple wood is the preferred choice of most skateboard riders and manufacturers, though other woods can be used. The tail and nose bends of a skateboard are formed when the veneers are in the press and the outline of a skateboard is cut after the veneers are removed from the press. Once the skateboard deck is formed and the outline is cut, the board is sanded and holes are drilled in preparation for the mounting of the trucks. The final step in making the skateboard deck is applying finishing sealants to protect the board. Additionally, some skateboard decks have designs or logos applied before the finishing sealant.
The Wheels and Bearings
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Skateboard wheels are made from molded polyurethane. Wheels are available in different shapes and sizes, depending on a skateboard rider's preference. For a skateboard wheel to turn smoothly, it needs ball bearings. Ball bearings are held inside of metal rings that are inserted into the middle of each wheel before connecting the wheels to the skateboard deck. The wheels are then connected to the skateboard deck with the help of a part called a truck.
The Trucks
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Skateboard trucks are molded and machine-formed out of an aluminum alloy. A truck consists of two primary parts: a base plate that is mounted to the skateboard deck with a set of four nuts and bolts, and a piece called a hangar that houses the axle. Grommets and bushings in between the base plate and hangar allow for the movement of the axle so a skateboarder can turn. Each skateboard deck requires two trucks, and each truck holds two wheels that are connected to the axle with the ball bearing ring.
eHow Article: How Are Skateboards Made?
