into the masking tape, and painted the uncovered areas with black spray paint. I removed the masking tape and touched up any flaws in the painting. Then, after the paint dried, I applied a final layer of shellac to seal the paint and add shine to the board.
A skateboard consists of various different parts. The main part, which I created with the kit, is called the “deck.” A skateboard also needs trucks, which are axles that also provide a mechanism for turning; wheels, which come in an assortment of colors and sizes; grip tape, essentially sandpaper on top of the board to provide traction for your feet; riser pads that go between the trucks and the bottom of the board to prevent damage to the deck; and bearings that are placed into the wheels.
I bought these parts at a local skateboard shop, but they’re easy to find online. The supplies box below lists a couple sources.
The first step in assembling the skateboard is to put the grip tape on the top of the board. The tape keeps your feet from slipping when riding the skateboard. It comes in sheets and is applied like any type of tape. Be sure to cover the deck evenly with tape, and keep it flat, without any creases. After taping, cut off any excess with an X-Acto knife.
Next, you will need to re-drill the wheel holes in the deck to clean out any glue that may have seeped in during the gluing process, and to redefine and countersink the holes on the top of the board that have been covered up by the grip tape.
Be careful. Trucks are designed with specific measurements, and the slightest variance in distance bet ween holes may cause the trucks to not fit into the deck correctly.
After the holes are re-drilled, put machine screws through the holes from the top. Then place the riser through the screws on the bot-
Get ready to paint. Sand the bottom of the board with a random-orbit sander and #120 grit to smooth the board out and remove excess glue.
Ease the edges. Use the sander to round over the edges to prevent splintering when riding.
First paint coat. I sprayed a light coat of green paint to let the wood grain show through.
Peel then paint. I covered the board with masking tape and cut the pattern before spraying the black paint.
Roarockit Skateboard Company
416-938-4588 or www.roarockit.com 1 ■ Blank Street Board Deck
#01111, $114.99
Skate Warehouse
800-467-5283 or skatewarehouse.com
Skate America
800-595-5311 or skateamerica.com
Prices correct at time of publication.
tom of the board. After this, put the trucks on top of the riser pads, over the same screws as the riser pads.
Be sure that the cap of each truck is facing inward toward the other one; other wise the board will turn in the opposite direction that you intend it to while riding. After both the riser pads and the trucks are on the screws, turn a nut onto the end of each screw and tighten from both sides. (Use a screwdriver on the top side and a wrench on the bottom side.) This will hold the trucks snugly onto the board.
The trucks have a nut on top of the cap that can be tightened or loosened to make the turning action tighter or looser depending on the preferences of the skater. But don’t tighten it too much or the rubber piece inside will break from stress and the trucks will be too loose to use.
Each skateboard wheel will require two bearings and a cylinder that goes in bet ween. Stick all of these into the wheel. It will be a tight fit, but hand pressure alone should provide sufficient force. Don’t use a tool with a distinct point to do this job, or you might damage the bearings.
One method is to push the bearings in with your hands and tighten the wheel onto the truck axle until the bearings are firmly in place. Put one wheel on each axle of the board and tighten the nut on the end tight enough that the wheels won’t wobble out of control, but also loose enough that the wheels will spin freely.
It is also important to note that the bearings will require constant cleaning. It is suggested to wipe them clean after every time that you ride. Other wise they can clog and slow down or eventually sustain permanent damage.
The Roarockit Kit provides an opportunity for the tinkerer to experience building a skateboard firsthand. Although this may not be the easiest way to get a skateboard, you will appreciate the work that went into building it yourself more than just purchasing one at a store.
Plus, this is a great way to tackle a new technique, while building something fun with your children or grandchildren. Just don’t forget to buy a helmet and pads to go with it! PW
Hunter lives and attends high school in Cincinnati. When he isn’t making stuff, he plays guitar, runs cross-country and pole vaults.
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