Futuristic Longboard

 My original plan was to create a futuristic “high-tech” mask and incorporate glasses into it (since masks always fog my glasses). I made some sketches and attempted to plan it out, but I quickly realized it was going to be much harder than I expected.

 

In the previous post about our personal aesthetics, I pointed out how my aesthetic draws a lot from snowboard / skateboarding styles. From that, I think it would be a really fitting project to combine that style with the futuristic aesthetic I have been exploring throughout the semester. Thus, I am switching from the mask to a skateboard. Something I want to keep in mind is for this to be somewhat of an artform. Anyone can buy a skateboard deck and slap some wheels on it. I would really like to make this board stand out.

 

I’ve come up with the idea to make the deck clear. Here is an example of a board someone else made with a clear deck:

Ghost Longboards: Longboards, Skateboards, Decks, Trucks and Wheels – Ghost Long Board

I can make this by laser cutting a sheet of acrylic. However, something I am noticing is that some of the clear board are incredibly thick. It seems like it would be quite heavy and cumbersome. Some other concerns I have is that the boards are totally flat, could be quite brittle, and would get scratched easily if they hit the ground when flexing. Here’s an example of how thick the acrylic is on some of the ones other people made:

Ghost Longboards: Longboards, Skateboards, Decks, Trucks and Wheels – Ghost Long Board

 

I think it would be quite cool to incorporate aluminum supports into the design. This would allow me to make the acrylic thinner. If properly positioned, it could prevent the acrylic from scratching the ground too. To add some camber / curvature to the surface of the board, I could make a 3d jig out of wood and then use a heat gun to heat up the plastic and deform it to match the curvature.

 

Here are some of the elements I would like to combine:

Double Kick Dancer Bamboo Longboard DECK – Longboards USAChina Clear Transparent Cast Acrylic Sheets Acrylic Plastic Sheet 1220X2440mm - China Cast Acrylic Sheets, Clear Acrylic Sheets6061-t6 aluminum flat bar price for sale

Amazon.com : Caliber II Fifty Caliber 10"/50deg. White Gold Longboard Trucks (Set of 2) : Sports & OutdoorsSolid White Square Lipped Longboard Wheels 70mm x 80a – Longboards USAAmazon.com : Skateboard CLEAR GRIP TAPE ROLL 60' Skateboards 10" : Sports & Outdoors

Shape:  Dance Style

Deck Material: Acrylic and Aluminum

Trucks: White caliber ii

Wheels: White, large diameter (70, 80mm+)

Grip Tape: Clear (hopefully more clear than this photo suggests)

 

LED lights would be cool to add, but that might make it too complicated.

 

 

Just to show the aesthetic difference, here are some skateboards in topical and street aesthetics:

Sector 9 Tropics Ledger Longboard Complete | evoTeak & Tides | Minimalist fashion men, Urban style outfits, Fashion

 

Images:

1: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1694/3969/products/IMG_5753_1800x1800.jpg?v=1586733001

2: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1694/3969/products/IMG_3458_1800x1800.jpg?v=1584764939

3: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0127/3236/6912/products/double-kick-dancer-48-bamboo-longboard-cross-stepping-deck-1_1000x.jpg?v=1588887040

4: https://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00MmoQEuvcYTrC/Clear-Transparent-Cast-Acrylic-Sheets-Acrylic-Plastic-Sheet-1220X2440mm.jpg

5: http://www.aluminium-busbar.com/uploads/181111/6061-t6-aluminum-busbars.jpg

6: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41GBd9q4-gL._AC_SS450_.jpg

7: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0127/3236/6912/products/70mmWheelWhite_1000x.jpg?v=1590971907

8: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AGNtlsIJL._AC_SS450_.jpg

9: https://images.evo.com/imgp/700/132807/549061/sector-9-tropics-ledger-longboard-complete-.jpg

10: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/61/14/54/61145434a26da101fbf1d94ae8ba806e.jpg

Cover: Shaka – Ghost Long Board

 

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4 Comments. Leave new

  • can i use this longboard as a beginner?

    Reply
  • Brayden,

    I really like your design. I think adding LEDs to the board won’t be too complicated, it’s probably just a matter of somehow hiding the wires while also having a small battery attached to the board. I don’t know if its worth it, but it would definitely make the board stand out even more. Maybe plan on sticking to no LEDs for now and make some advancements after the course project is over.

    Reply
  • Awesome Idea, i’m really pumped to see how this turns out! are you at all concerned about the durability of the Acrylic? I do know that it tends to scratch fairly easily. Also, just a thought but it might be pretty dope to incorporate some LED’s into the board to really bring out any carvings

    Reply
  • Gary Marshall
    March 18, 2021 1:21 am

    Hi Brayden,
    great idea with the clear boards. I like that you identified that the plastic is too thick and that you are thinking of adding aluminum supports to it. I would suggest you do some FEA on a CAD model to optimize your use of a metal structure. In my experience, even thin acrylic is pretty sturdy, so you might be able to get away with a thin layer if you plan it well. Good luck, I’m really excited to see how your project turns out.

    Reply

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