From tree to skateboard: The production process

Stage 1: Logging
The logging process is one that is commonly overlooked when turning a tree to a skateboard, however, is arguably the most important. Firstly, the tree must be turned to plywood before made turned into a board. So, logging
companies will fell the tress in designated forests were cutting down trees is legal. Next, they collect up logs and send them to mills to be further processed. After being sent to the mill they’re stored in log ponds, large bodies of water,
to increase the quality of the wood, and to make debarking far easier. In colder climates log ponds are heated to further quality. After this, logs are taken using cranes to mills, where large industrial machines debark them. Large saws
then cut them up to appropriate sizes and are then peeled. Logs are peeled similarly to a pencil sharpener to a pencil, using a rotary loathe.

After being logged and organ

A logging pond An industrial level debarking machine A log being cut before peeling.

Stage 2: Wood to plywood

Sized, wood then goes through many processes, so it is the correct form, plywood. The peelings, or veneers, are then fed through a large series of conveyer belts to dry a bit before being cut into the correct size. After which the
veneers are still very wet, which means they are open to a large amount of decay and damage, so they are dried in big industrial dryers for an hour, before being glued. Veneers are finally flattened to an average width, before being
handed down and trimmed to increase quality, and are shipped to the public. Despite this process seeming very wasteful, no materials are wasted. Bark and skin go into firewood packs, and defect veneers fail quality control and are
fixed shortly after. Now we have got wood, we can begin constructing skateboards.

A veneer dryer in action. Brand new veneer. Veneer being pressed.

Stage 3: Plywood to skateboard

Now the most important part comes. Firstly, you should have your plywood and should cover each layer in wood glue. Each layer of plywood should be 1 17 th of an inch thick, and with the standard 7 layers it should be 1cm thick, give
or take. After each layer is covered, attach each one. Once you’ve got a thick layer of wood, you can put it into a mould, resembling two reverse hills. With a professional mould, you should ease in a vacuum sealed bag around the
wood while its in the mould and push out as much air as possible. Leave it overnight and remove the wood from the mould. Next you should use a ruler to draw lightly an outline of a skateboard and use a jigsaw to cut it out as
accurately as possible. You should decorate before attaching trucks and wheels. Next, you should add grip tape to the board, peeling it off, laying the square on the board and trimming any excess away. Now the decorative process is
complete.

Complete product Grip tape Skateboard Mould