I've been searching the forum for days but can't find other than scattered information.
I recently ordered a vacuum bag and pump from Ted, but being in Scotland, didn't order the veneer. Though might as well buy it here to start experimenting, since it would be impractical to bring veneer from the US always.
Found some companies but they're not used to skateboards, so the choice is up to me, there's many types of Maple and Birch, different cuts and grains, some apparently more for looks than others.
They also come in thicknesses of .5-.6mm or 1.5 (basically a tad more than double the thickness)
Now, since I'm not buying a veneer kit, does anybody have a guide on what TYPE of Maple or in which cases Birch is better?
I saw at one stage a post recommending varying thicknesses for different layers, but can't find it.
I intend to build some different designs of pool boards (but basically BIG ones) and a speedboard.
I understand it'll take me a few prototypes to get one I really like, but it's all part of the game.Would like eventually to play with composites in order to bring the weight down and keep rigidity.
Sorry for the question, but I couldn't find these subjects covered.
1.5mm solid would be ideal. When you see a deck described as 7-ply rock maple (Acer saccharum) that is what the individual plys are. It is used for skate decks because it is strong but also because it is cheap as there are indigenous forests of it in North America. At any rate get a hardwood with a clear straight grain. Fancy figured grains are weaker, more expensive, and are generally for used for furniture.
Baltic birch is also strong and also cheap because there are forests of it in Europe although solid baltic birch is hard to come by in the States. It's usually already laminated into 1/8" 3-ply sheets.
If you can get Maple, then try that first. Usually, The maple that is used is called Rock Maple or Hard Maple. It is a different variety than plain "Maple".
You may find face boards, core boards and cross ply boards. The face boards are just that, they have the best looking grain for the top and bottom of your board, they are usually free or almost free of knots and defects in the face side grain. The back side may have some slight voids. Core plys are those that are not perfect cosmetically, but still good structurally. Cross ply is used as a stiffener of sorts and it has the grain running from side to side.
As mentioned, the thinner layers bend easier, but it also means you have more time spent spreading glue or resin on them.
For your Speedboard, most people like a stiffer, thicker board if it is just wood, as they don't like too much flex. So think about 1/2" or thicker, depending on material.
Wheelbase, wood type and design all have a factor in how thick the board will be, as well as the riders weight, and preferences. Composites as you mentioned keep weight down, but raise costs and to some extent the work involved in construction.
About playing with thicknesses in different orders... I seem to remember a post by somebody explaining if varying thicknesses were to be used, what was the recommendation.
Does anybody remember where it was? I can't find it.
Because for the speedboard it seems obvious, 1.5mm all of them, weight is not an issue, but for the (BIG) park boards, I'd like to keep weight at a minimum.
Wood type and layer thickness choice...
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