SK8CAD

Tips and info for board builders.
Beau
Posts: 37
Joined: 03 Nov 2019 19:11

SK8CAD

Post by Beau »

Please share your SK8CAD feedback here - suggestions, bugs, user tips, etc.

SK8CAD: https://www.opensourceboards.com/CAD/SK8CAD.html

Recommended browsers: Google Chrome (Incognito mode) or Mozilla Firefox (Private Browsing mode). The private/incognito modes help make sure your browser is pulling the latest version from the site instead of your browser storage.

Thanks!

- Beau (SK8CAD developer)
GoodEnough
Posts: 2
Joined: 17 Jun 2022 06:35

Re: SK8CAD

Post by GoodEnough »

I would like to create a perfectly symmetrical “twin kick” mold using sk8cad. Are there any specific values that I should pay attention or o that could be easily overlooked?
Beau
Posts: 37
Joined: 03 Nov 2019 19:11

Re: SK8CAD

Post by Beau »

I think the value most likely to be overlooked or misunderstood is the mold offset: this value is equal to the thickness of each deck times the number of decks you press at once, plus the total thickness of any buffer/other materials you put in between the molds during pressing. (Offset = deck thickness X number of decks + other material thickness). Do not change this value when switching between male and female molds - the male mold is made to the specs you enter, while the female mold is offset based on the offset value you enter. I don't recommend changing any values when switching between male and female molds (while there are some values, like the taper points, that don't impact the mold geometries, many others do, and the specs should be the same for both male and female).

Another helpful tip is to do your designing showing the female mold, rather than the male; there are still some bugs that occur with certain combinations of specs. Check out this post for more info: https://forum.opensourceboards.com/view ... ?f=16&t=27

Also, don't download any files with "Show Contours" selected - this may cause issues with your downloaded model. It is intended purely for visualization assistance.

Otherwise, just double-check your specs and make sure all of your nose and tail values are equal! Be sure to use the "User Guide" for clarification on any of the specs: https://sk8cad.com/user-guide.html.
Sebastian
Posts: 3
Joined: 20 Jun 2022 14:21

Re: SK8CAD

Post by Sebastian »

Hello Beau,
I'm new to skateboard building and came across the site while looking for DIY skateboards.
Right now I'm printing my first mold (just the basic streetdeck template)
Since I don't have access to a CNC machine, I wanted to ask if it's possible to 2D print a stencil on paper of the board modell.
Thanks!
Sebastian
Beau
Posts: 37
Joined: 03 Nov 2019 19:11

Re: SK8CAD

Post by Beau »

Hey Sebastian!

Yes, that's how I made most of my templates before I had access to a laser cutter or CNC router. I'd recommend downloading Inkscape (https://inkscape.org/) or using Illustrator if you already have that and are familiar with it.

Import the SVG you download from SK8CAD into Inkscape, ensuring the file is scaled correctly. You can then use a process similar to this old video I created to save segments of the board shape as PDFs, then print them full scale with your printer: https://youtu.be/fI2sGRusDz0 (Draftsight Free has since been discontinued). Hopefully that makes sense, but I realize it may still not be fully clear, so I will work on creating a video for how to do this soon.

One other note - since the SVG exported from SK8CAD does not take into account the contours of the board, you may want to make the nose and tail around 1/4" longer each, so that when you lay a paper template over your board, the length will better match what you created in SK8CAD.
Sebastian
Posts: 3
Joined: 20 Jun 2022 14:21

Re: SK8CAD

Post by Sebastian »

Thank you very much! I'll try that later.
3 parts to go for the first mold and i just joined you patreon to support your great work! :)
Beau
Posts: 37
Joined: 03 Nov 2019 19:11

Re: SK8CAD

Post by Beau »

Thank you so much, Sebastian!
Sebastian
Posts: 3
Joined: 20 Jun 2022 14:21

Re: SK8CAD

Post by Sebastian »

Anyone has a saved template for a cruiser/mini cruiser? ;)
Beau
Posts: 37
Joined: 03 Nov 2019 19:11

Re: SK8CAD

Post by Beau »

Hey Sebastian!

Check out this link for a mini cruiser "recipe": https://v1.opensourceboards.com/blog/op ... oards.html
Just note it references a mold and older version of SK8CAD, so you'll need to still fill in a few gaps.
The specs for referenced "Mold #17 (14-17-22-06)" are:
14" wheelbase
17" concave radius (https://v1.opensourceboards.com/tools/c ... erter.html)
22* kick angle
6" kick radius

Hope this helps!
blake21892
Posts: 1
Joined: 01 Jan 2023 20:37

Re: SK8CAD

Post by blake21892 »

first off, thanks for making this site, sk8cad, and all the videos on youtube about it. i joined a makerspace about 6 months ago and have decided to revive my old hobby of making boards and ramps. i found all the cool things youve been doing and got motivated to try cutting a board out on the cnc router. i have been using fusion 360 for all cad/cam work. im having trouble getting the sk8cad stl's to transfer into fusion , specifically i cant get one to properly save as a solid model, i cant get past a surface model or mesh. has anyone in here attempted to do do any sk8cad to fusion work?
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