Drop through, a brief "how to" guide.

[hoch92000]

Perhaps the most consistent method for a dropthrough template (and for any deck cutting for that matter) is with a board template, a plunge router, and a guide bit for the cutout and a drill press for the mount holes. For those that don't have access to these items, one basically has to measure out the drop hole and screw holes then cut them out. This can certainly be inconsistent. My current method is as follows:

I have found using a guide, and better yet, a sticker to work best. Being off a 32nd of an inch can have dramatic effects on hole alignment. A sticker can make you amazingly accurate. Also, cutting the truck holes based on a round target is much easier to remain accurate rather than trying to pinpoint the drill bit on a cross hair - not quite sure why.

This method incorporates drilling 4 large holes then connecting them for the full cutout, following the drilling of the truckmount holes. I believe someone else has described this, and I copied them. Thank you.

Attachment #1:
The first attachment is a scaled template. Print 6 of these on an 8 1/2" by 11" sticker with your laser printer than cut out two per deck. You can see the two 1 1/8" holes for the ends and the two 7/8" holes to allow for the side struts (Randalls, not Paris).

Attachment #2:
Make sure you have a nice center line on your deck. Also, make sure the truck holes are positioned with the wheel wells or wheel cutouts appropriately positioned and similar to the back of the deck.

Go ahead and cutout the truck mount holes. The template calls for 3/16" holes, but I actually make mine 7/32" for a better fit.

Next, drill the 7/8" and 1 1/8" holes. Drill from one side, then prior to drilling all the way through, turn over the deck, locate the inner center holes, and finish drilling from the other side. This method of drilling from both sides prevents the inevitable splintering that can occur with all general wood drilling.

Now, cut the four lines to connect all the holes, creating the dropthrough cut out. On my template, start in the 7/8" holes then cut north and south. Try to cut on the inside of the line to avoid trimming too much wood. You can always trim a bit more later, or do as I do and smoothen with a hand held Bosch router.

Attachment#3
One can see the cutout here with Paris trucks and Gumballs. Came out as perfect as I can get it.

One could certainly experiment with different sized holes in different spots, but like I said, this has worked pretty well for me.

Feel free to use the scaled template as needed.

[Shimotakimas]

Nice. I'll stick this in a few days.

[EnemaAZ]

For randals, print out on some label paper and stick it to the board. You can still use the multiple holes to cut out easier.

http://www.randal.com/pdf/r2template.pdf

[hoch92000]

For randals, print out on some label paper and stick it to the board. You can still use the multiple holes to cut out easier.

http://www.randal.com/pdf/r2template.pdf

Yes, I've used this template as well, and, with all due respect to Randal, it is a bit off. Wouldn't recommend it. You're better off making your own template based on measurements. Perhaps those with more experience could weigh in.

BTW. Instead of two 7/8" circles, one could try a single large 2" circle. I believe this would work nicely. It would probably come out looking like Legendary's drop through cutout. My apology to Legendary, if this is a trade secret.

[thokk2]

Sweet! Just in time for the build off! Hopefully I'll get time to press one. We've got two orders to do first...

thanks man.

[zionboard]

Thanks!

One question dough: does your template fit holey's as well?
If not, the principle will still be handy.

[Oligreen]

well played mate, spot on.

[tinypete]

Nice job.
I'm going to try that out soon.

[TheJabberwocky]

this is ENDLESSLY helpful, i love you.

[backwoodsboarder]

nice how too i was going to try and do a drop through build next this has helped a lot

[hoch92000]

Thanks!

One question dough: does your template fit holey's as well?
If not, the principle will still be handy.

The template listed above will not fit holey's. This is because, instead of no support strut (like Paris) or a narrow side support strut (like Randal), the dropped portion of the holey fattens out centrally, if you will. Those small 7/8" holes are not wide enough.

However, lengthening the cutout for the struts will allow for holey's. The following is an example of modifying the drop through to achieve this. As I stated above, instead of two 7/8" holes, use one large 2 inch hole as so. Drill the 1 1/8" holes 1st.:

[TexasBomber]

Well thought out demonstration.

[Looptail]

Thanks VERY useful!

[Louishr]

I see that you're using a spade bit to drill your holes. They work just fine and make nice holes, just remember to keep them sharp. But if you have access to or feel like investing in some Forstner bits they make it very easy to drill absolutely glorious perfectly round smooth circular holes. It's far from necessary but it is nice. And for those who don't know what a forstner bit is it looks like this.

[hoch92000]

I see that you're using a spade bit to drill your holes. They work just fine and make nice holes, just remember to keep them sharp. But if you have access to or feel like investing in some Forstner bits they make it very easy to drill absolutely glorious perfectly round smooth circular holes. It's far from necessary but it is nice. And for those who don't know what a forstner bit is it looks like this.

Funny you should mention this. I was going to add one reply concerning this. Those flat boring bits wear out incredibly fast. I just bought a set of those Forstner bits up to 2" by Porter Cable. They last a lot longer, and can be sharpened with emory paper. The fellow at home depot has also suggested circle saw blades as well. The circle blades cut out a plug while the Forstner buts cut out a hole, therefor the Forstner bits are more versatile. The circle saw does stay sharp a bit longer. A set of either will run about 50$. Knowing what I know now, I would avoid the flat spade bits. Thanks.

[TexasEvo]

would your template work with Grizzly trucks?

[Shankmaster Terri Schiavo]

what about crails?

[legendary]

The template he posted will not work for Crails

[hoch92000]

It should work for Bear Grizzly's. The Crails may need a bit of a mod. I have never seen them up close so I just can't say.

[jspats40]

It should work for Bear Grizzly's. The Crails may need a bit of a mod. I have never seen them up close so I just can't say.

dropping crails thru sucks. there shaped oddly.