If you’re a skateboarder, you know that a good deck is essential for a great ride. But buying a new deck can be expensive, and it can be hard to find one that’s exactly the shape, size, and style you want. That’s where a skateboard press comes in.
A skateboard press is a tool that allows you to press your own custom skateboard decks. This can be a great way to save money and get the perfect deck for your needs. But choosing and using a skateboard press can be tricky, especially if you’re new to it.
That’s where this article comes in. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about skateboard presses, from choosing the right one to using it safely and effectively. We will also furnish you with valuable advice for addressing typical issues and challenges that may arise
By the end of this article, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to press your own custom skateboard decks. So it doesnt matter if you are new or old read the Article to the End!
Problem
Buying a new skateboard deck can be expensive, and it can be hard to find one that’s exactly the shape, size, and style you want.
How to Choose a Skateboard Press
Factors to consider when choosing a skateboard press:
- Type of press: There are two main types of skateboard presses: hydraulic and manual. Hydraulic presses are more expensive, but they are also easier to use and produce higher quality results. Manual presses are less expensive, but they require more effort to use and may not produce results as consistent as a hydraulic press.
- Size: Skateboard presses come in a variety of sizes. Choose a press that is large enough to accommodate the size of decks you want to make.
- Pressure: Skateboard presses are rated in tons of pressure. The amount of pressure you need will depend on the type of wood you are using and the thickness of the deck you want to make. A good general rule of thumb is to choose a press that can apply at least 175 PSI of pressure.
- Features: Some skateboard presses come with additional features, such as heat plates and vacuum pumps. Heat plates can help to speed up the pressing process and produce a stronger bond between the layers of wood. Vacuum pumps can help to remove air bubbles from the glue, which can also lead to a stronger bond.
Types of skateboard presses available:
- Hydraulic skateboard presses: Hydraulic skateboard presses are the most popular type of press, and they are used by both professional skateboard manufacturers and hobbyists alike. Hydraulic presses are easy to use and produce high quality results. However, they can be expensive.
- Manual skateboard presses: Manual skateboard presses are less expensive than hydraulic presses, but they require more effort to use. Manual presses are also not as consistent as hydraulic presses, and they can be difficult to use to press thicker decks.
- DIY skateboard presses: It is also possible to build your own skateboard press. This can be a good option if you are on a tight budget or if you want to customize your press to meet your specific needs. However, building a skateboard press can be challenging and time-consuming.
Recommendations for different budgets and needs:
- Budget: If you are on a tight budget, a manual skateboard press is a good option. However, keep in mind that manual presses require more effort to use and may not produce results as consistent as a hydraulic press.
- Hobbyist: If you are a hobbyist who plans to press only a few decks per year, a manual skateboard press may be a good option for you. However, if you plan to press more decks, or if you want to produce higher quality results, a hydraulic skateboard press is a better choice.
- Professional: If you are a professional skateboard manufacturer, or if you plan to press decks on a regular basis, a hydraulic skateboard press is the best option for you.
Here are some specific recommendations for different budgets and needs:
- Budget: The Element Skateboard Press is a good option for budget-minded hobbyists.
- Hobbyist: The Woodchuck Laminates Standard Single Bay Skateboard Hydraulic Press is a good option for hobbyists who want a hydraulic press at a reasonable price.
- Professional: The Dake 12 Ton Hydraulic Press is a good option for professional skateboard manufacturers.
How to Use a Skateboard Press
Step-by-step instructions:
- Gather your materials. You will need the following materials:
- A skateboard press
- Skateboard veneer
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Prepare the skateboard veneer. Cut the veneer to the desired shape and size of your skateboard deck. Be sure to sand the edges of the veneer smooth.
- Apply glue to the veneer. Apply a thin layer of wood glue to one side of each piece of veneer. Be careful not to over-apply glue, as this can make it difficult to press the deck together evenly.
- Assemble the skateboard deck. Stack the pieces of veneer together, with the glued sides facing each other. Make sure that the veneer is aligned evenly.
- Clamp the skateboard deck. Use clamps to clamp the skateboard deck together. Be sure to apply enough pressure to ensure that the deck is pressed together evenly.
- Place the skateboard deck in the press. Place the clamped skateboard deck in the press. Be sure to center the deck in the press.
- Apply pressure to the skateboard deck. Follow the instructions that came with your skateboard press to apply pressure to the deck. Be sure to apply enough pressure to press the deck together evenly.
- Allow the skateboard deck to press. Allow the skateboard deck to press for the amount of time specified in the instructions that came with your skateboard press.
- Remove the skateboard deck from the press. Once the skateboard deck has finished pressing, carefully remove it from the press.
- Remove the clamps. Remove the clamps from the skateboard deck.
- Trim the edges of the skateboard deck. Use a saw or router to trim the edges of the skateboard deck to the desired shape and size.
- Sand the skateboard deck. Sand the skateboard deck smooth.
- Apply a finish to the skateboard deck. Apply a finish to the skateboard deck, such as polyurethane or varnish. This will protect the deck from moisture and wear and tear.
Safety tips and precautions:
- Always wear safety glasses and gloves when using a skateboard press.
- Be careful not to over-apply glue to the veneer, as this can make it difficult to press the deck together evenly.
- Be sure to clamp the skateboard deck together evenly before placing it in the press.
- Be careful not to over-tighten the clamps, as this can damage the veneer.
- Follow the instructions that came with your skateboard press carefully.
- Be careful not to over-press the skateboard deck, as this can damage the wood.
- Allow the skateboard deck to cool completely before removing it from the press.
- Be careful not to cut yourself when trimming the edges of the skateboard deck.
- Sand the skateboard deck in a well-ventilated area.
- Apply a finish to the skateboard deck in a well-ventilated area.
Additional tips:
- If you are using a hydraulic skateboard press, be careful not to over-tighten the press. This can damage the press and/or the skateboard deck.
- If you are using a manual skateboard press, be sure to apply pressure evenly to the deck. This will ensure that the deck is pressed together evenly.
- If you are having trouble pressing the deck together evenly, you can use a heat gun to warm the glue. This will make the glue more pliable and easier to work with.
- Once you have removed the skateboard deck from the press, you can use a router to round off the edges of the deck. This will give the deck a more finished look and feel.
- If you are planning to paint or stain your skateboard deck, be sure to sand the deck smooth before applying the finish.
Conclusion
Skateboard presses are a great way to make your own custom skateboard decks. By following the instructions in this article, you can safely and effectively use a skateboard press to make a deck that is perfect for your needs.
Summary of the key points
- When choosing a skateboard press, consider the type of press, size, pressure, and features.
- There are two main types of skateboard presses: hydraulic and manual.
- Hydraulic presses are more expensive, but they are also easier to use and produce higher quality results.
- Manual presses are less expensive, but they require more effort to use and may not produce results as consistent as a hydraulic press.
- To use a skateboard press, gather your materials, prepare the skateboard veneer, apply glue to the veneer, assemble the skateboard deck, clamp the skateboard deck, place the skateboard deck in the press, apply pressure to the skateboard deck, allow the skateboard deck to press, remove the skateboard deck from the press, remove the clamps, trim the edges of the skateboard deck, sand the skateboard deck, and apply a finish to the skateboard deck.
- Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when using a skateboard press.
- Follow the instructions that came with your skateboard press carefully.
Resources for further information
- Skateboard Press Guide: http://www.thinairpress.com/skateboard-building/2015/2/24/understand-the-process
- How to Press a Skateboard Deck: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qVUdp3beZ8M
- Skateboard Press Troubleshooting: http://www.thinairpress.com/skateboard-building/2015/2/24/understand-the-process
Additional Topics
- Different types of skateboard decks that can be made with a skateboard press:
- Popsicle decks
- Longboard decks
- Cruiser decks
- Old school decks
- Downhill decks
- Freestyle decks
- How to design and create your own custom skateboard deck:
- Choose the shape, size, and thickness of your deck.
- Choose the type of wood you want to use.
- Design the graphics for your deck.
- Apply the graphics to your deck.
- Skateboard press maintenance and upkeep:
- Clean the press regularly.
- Lubricate the press regularly.
- Inspect the press for damage regularly.
Examples
- How to use a skateboard press to make a popsicle deck:
- Gather your materials: skateboard press, skateboard veneer, wood glue, clamps, safety glasses, gloves.
- Prepare the skateboard veneer: cut the veneer to the desired shape and size of your popsicle deck. Be sure to sand the edges of the veneer smooth.
- Apply glue to the veneer: apply a thin layer of wood glue to one side of each piece of veneer. Be careful not to over-apply glue, as this can make it difficult to press the deck together evenly.
- Assemble the skateboard deck: stack the pieces of veneer together, with the glued sides facing each other. Make sure that the veneer is aligned evenly.
- Clamp the skateboard deck: use clamps to clamp the skateboard deck together. Be sure to apply enough pressure to ensure that the deck is pressed together evenly.
- Place the skateboard deck in the press: place the clamped skateboard deck in the press. Be sure to center the deck in the press.
- Apply pressure to the skateboard deck: follow the instructions that came with your skateboard press to apply pressure to the deck. Be sure to apply enough pressure to press the deck together evenly.
- Allow the skateboard deck to press: allow the skateboard deck to press for the amount of time specified in the instructions that came with your skateboard press.
- Remove the skateboard deck from the press: once the skateboard deck has finished pressing, carefully remove it from the press.
- Remove the clamps: remove the clamps from the skateboard deck.
- Trim the edges of the skateboard deck: use a saw or router to trim the edges of the skateboard deck to the desired shape and size.
- Sand the skateboard deck: sand the skateboard deck smooth.
- Apply a finish to the skateboard deck: apply a finish to the skateboard deck, such as polyurethane or varnish. This will protect the deck from moisture and wear and tear.
- How to use a skateboard press to make a longboard deck:The steps for making a longboard deck are similar to the steps for making a popsicle deck. However, there are a few key differences.
- Longboard decks are typically longer and wider than popsicle decks.
- Longboard decks may have different shapes, such as a drop-through or