2. Preparing My Design And Scavenging The City For Materials

Here we go!

Having no real idea where to begin with this project I consulted the ever informative, Google. There are so many really great tutorials and instruction manuals online but the one that I found to be the most straightforward yet thorough was this one: (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Build-Your-Own-Custom-Longboard/?ALLSTEPS) - so this will be my reference point.

I started with my design. I knew that I wanted to make a simple yet classic ‘cruiser’ style of longboard. Essentially it looks like a mini surfboard with wheels. If you are interested in learning more about the different styles and shapes of boards here is a great site (http://www.freeridesurfshop.com/index.php/skate/longboarding/guide-to-longboard-shapes). I took and piece of used paper and folded it in half to draw my outline as symmetrical as possible. In the end my dimensions were roughly 35’’ long and 9’’ wide (at the widest point). Also, for the sake of simplicity, I chose to keep my board relatively flat because I didn’t have the means of making my own press to curve it. However, if you are looking to make a more elaborate board that is properly curved, check this out (http://www.instructables.com/id/Comprehensive-Longboard-Guide/?ALLSTEPS).

-Here is my outline-

As I was unable to access any tools that I have at home, I had to ask around the entire city to find tools and supplies. I was initially put onto the Halifax Tool Library (http://halifaxtoollibrary.ca), unfortunately they are not yet up and running and although were very supportive of my project they were unable to help. Once they are established, I would definitely recommend checking back with them. I imagine they will become an incredible resource for the city.

Plan B:  ask every local I know if I can borrow their tools. I was blown away by how generous everyone is here. I was given saws, drills and sanders without a moment of hesitation. Granted, no one questioned my previous experience working with power tools, so I guess it is a good thing that I have used most of them before.

-Here are some of the generously donated tools and supplies that I received-

Then for raw materials I started checking out the construction site of the new residence building on campus. Again, I was immediately greeted with the maritime hospitality and had four men eager and excited to scavenge through their scrap pile of lumber to find me some plywood. Within half an hour I had two perfectly sized pieces of scrap for my longboard deck. As for the stain for the wood, I was able to utilize some of my friend’s preserved beets and my vanilla extract left over from previous baking sessions. For the trucks and wheels, I made a few trips to the local skateboard shop and befriended the fellow working in the board section.  He was extremely helpful in teaching me all about what kind of setup I would need, making recommendations and finding me some second-hand gear. I ended up getting used trucks but I bought new wheels and bearings because I plan to reuse them for another board down the road. The rest of the stuff that I needed I picked up at the nearby Canadian Tire for quite cheap.

In the end this is what I accumulated:

Borrowed Tools:

• Jig saw
• Drill
• Palm sander
• Screwdriver

For the deck:

• Two sheets of 3/8^th inch scrap plywood
• Carpenter glue
• Fibreglass cloth, resin and hardener
• Beat juice
• Vanilla extract
• Strip of grip tape 4’ X 9’’

For the gear:

• Trucks
• Bearings
• Wheels
• Risers
• Nuts and Bolts

Miscellaneous:

• Protective eyewear
• Work gloves
• Plastic gloves
• Paint brushes