How to Make a Simple Wood Skateboard

Kids love skateboards, and because they get used extensively, so it is better to use a hardwood for this project.  This is a great toy for a younger child, adding stability and ease of use during those early learning stages.

Easy to do, it’s a great way to work on your beginner woodworking skills while you make a great toy for your child to play with.  The design is simple, if a little old fashioned, but once you get the hang of it, you could improve the shape as you wish.

You Will Need:

• 1 Piece of Wood 2' x 6" x 1" Thick
• 1 Piece of Wood 1' x 2" x 1" Thick
• 4 Strong Wheels
• 6 - 1½" No. 8 Wood Screws
• Paint or Varnish and Brush
• Panel Saw - Coping Saw - Hand Drill and Bits - Woodworking Vice
• Pencil - Compass - Ruler

From the 6" x 1" wood cut a 20" length.  While holding the wood firmly in the woodworking vice, mark a curve in one end using pencil and compass and use a coping saw to cut the end roughly to shape.  Finish shaping the curve with the files, and sandpaper.

From the 2" x 1" wood, cut two lengths the width of your board.  These will be secured to the board to take the wheels.  Position them as shown in Figure 1, the rear support is flush with the end of the board.  Secure each of these pieces in position with three screws.

Figure 1

When you have the rear support firmly screwed to the board, around the back corners of the board and support together, by cutting with the coping saw, and finishing rounding with file and sandpaper.

Furniture castors are used for this skate board.  Metal or hard rubber ones like those shown in Figure 2 are best, or the small serving cart type wheels with a similar mounting.  The main thing is they should be hard wearing, turn easily and be easily attachable.

Drill a hole at either end of the two supports, just large enough to take the shaft of the castor.  To make sure you drill a hole just the right depth, measure the shaft length against the bit in the drill and wrap a piece of Scotch tape around the bit to mark it.  Wedge the castor shafts firmly in the holes like it’s shown in Figure 3.

Give all surfaces of the board a few coats of polyurethane varnish to give it a durable surface.  Or just prime and paint, wait for it to dry and you're ready to go.

And now you have a kewl skateboard to provide hours of fun for your child.

Until next time,

Happy Crafting!