CNC builds?

**wrxeter** · 08-14-2007 06:24 PM

After reading all these threads about building a board, it makes me want to build one... especially having 5 years running an architectural model shop (where tolerances down to 1/16" are critical).

Now when it comes to concave/drop deck shapes, hand tools are a give-in. But when it comes to a flat deck, wouldn't it be easier, faster, more precise, and cheaper to take a solid piece of wood and have the drop throughs, bolt holes, and overall shape just cut out with a cnc router? And even for drop decks/concaves can't you just cnc it then steam it and put it in the jig (granted you loose strength and have a higher chance of de-laminating)?

If you wanted to, you could even have it rough carve the concave shape into it. You could even have it milled out of aluminum/steel/ whatever depending on the machine shop.

The trucks would be perfectly aligned (within 1/64") to the nose, the board should have almost perfect balance. And if you get 3-4 people that want the same board, you can probably get the boards cut for super cheap (most of the price of a cnc machine is the inital set-up).

I would assume this is how some skate companies make their boards... Has anyone out their tried this? All it takes is some basic CAD knowledge... aka "pline"

**SteveC** · 08-14-2007 06:28 PM

Yes, quite a few places use CNC cutting for board shaping, and truck manufacturing.

Kebbek CNC their boards. so do the rogers bros.
I'm certain that's just the tip of the iceberg.

**Fat Bastard** · 08-14-2007 06:31 PM

amazingly C and C Longboards doesn't use C&C...

**Brady** · 08-14-2007 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by Fat Bastard

amazingly C and C Longboards doesn't use C&C...

haha oh no dont even bring up C&C longboards.

**twright** · 08-14-2007 07:39 PM

iv been CNCing all my builds. i was lucky enough to have one at my disposal from other woodworking. i actually laminate the boards on a mold then mount them on jigs to stabilize and cutt/drill truck holes. not as easy as it sounds and there ends up being plenty of hand shaping/sanding afterwards but it gives the most precise alignment u could ever want.

**item** · 08-14-2007 09:26 PM

Hey, in terms of riding quality, what's the diff between a concave and a flat deck?

I'm actually working at a millwork shop with a CNC at my disposal, so i'm wondering if a flat deck is rideable.

**Brady** · 08-14-2007 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by item

Hey, in terms of riding quality, what's the diff between a concave and a flat deck?

I'm actually working at a millwork shop with a CNC at my disposal, so i'm wondering if a flat deck is rideable.

Flat decks are very rideable. Concave locks your foot and and feels good to most people. And it usually adds stiffness to the deck.

**HerBDerb** · 08-14-2007 09:32 PM

Originally Posted by item

I'm actually working at a millwork shop with a CNC at my disposal, so i'm wondering if a flat deck is rideable.

Of course it's rideable! Depending on the type of riding it's for, some people prefer flat decks.

**rsore3389** · 08-14-2007 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by item

Hey, in terms of riding quality, what's the diff between a concave and a flat deck?

I'm actually working at a millwork shop with a CNC at my disposal, so i'm wondering if a flat deck is rideable.

very rideable.

concave is noticeable in slides and cornering, and maybe carving. I like flat decks because you can push more on the sides of the deck with your feet.