What does veneering have to do with building a skateboard? Skateboards are basically shaped pieces of plywood. They are made of multiple layers, or ply's, of wood. Using the simple veneering process, you can build a custom skateboard.
What kind of veneer do I use? The typical wood used for making skateboards is maple.
How many layers of veneer do you use to make a skateboard? A typical skateboard will have seven layers. Each piece of veneer is layered perpendicular to the other for strength, with the top and bottom layers having the grain direction of the veneer going with the length of the skateboard.
What is the thickness of a finished skateboard? Skateboard thicknesses range between 3/8" to 3/4". The thinner the board, the more flex or springiness it will have. Just determine the veneer thickness you need by dividing the final thickness by seven.
What else do I need besides the veneer? Besides the standard veneering equipment, you will need a mold to shape the skateboard so that it isn't just flat.
How do I get a mold for my skateboard shape? Molds or forms
can be purchased. If you want to make your own the mold, you will need two
parts that have the desired shape that will shape the veneers while in a press.
Here is an example of a mold that can be used, note that it is in a hydrolic
press, and not a vacuum press.
skateboard mold
How can do I actually build a skateboard using the veneering process? The same way that any veneering is done, except that there is no substrate. The veneer is cut to appropriate size. Glue is spread on the veneers, building up all seven layers. It is then pressed within a vacuum bag on the mold. Once done out of the press, the final shape of the skateboard is achieved by rough cutting the shape then sanding the edges smooth.
Where can I find more information about building skateboards? A company called Roarockit sells kits for making skateboards. Their website also has good videos that explain the process very well.