How to Make Your Own Fingerboard Deck: A Simple Guide

How to Make Your Own Fingerboard Deck: A Simple Guide

Want to make your own fingerboard deck? Good news: it’s not rocket science, and it’s actually pretty fun. All you need are the right tools, some patience, and a sprinkle of creativity. Let’s break it down into simple steps, so you can get started ASAP. 

What You’ll Need

Before diving in, grab these essentials:

  • Wood veneer sheets (5 layers work best)
  • Wood glue (nothing fancy, just strong enough to hold layers together)
  • Fingerboard mold and scriber tool 
  • Clamps
  • Electric drill
  • Something to trim with (scissors, wire cutters, or a small saw)
  • Sandpaper (coarse for shaping, fine for smoothing)

Step 1: Glue, Stack, and Press

First, stack your veneer sheets, spreading glue between each layer. Alternate the grain direction if you can—it’ll make the deck stronger.

Once you’ve got your mini plywood stack, stick it in the fingerboard mold. Clamp it down tight and leave it alone for 24 hours. (Yes, waiting is the hardest part, but good things take time!)

Step 2: Drill Holes for the Trucks

After the glue is dry and your deck is out of the mold, grab your drill and carefully make holes for the trucks. Measure them out first so everything lines up perfectly. It’s a quick but crucial step.

Step 3: Draw and Trim Your Shape

This is where the deck starts to feel like yours. Use a scriber tool to sketch the shape you want—whether it’s a classic popsicle or something wilder. Once you’re happy with the outline, trim off the extra wood. Scissors or a small saw will do the trick.

Step 4: Sand It Smooth

Here’s the most time-consuming step: sanding. Start with rough sandpaper to get the edges close to your shape. Then, switch to fine sandpaper to smooth it out. This part can feel like a workout, but the better you sand, the better your deck will look and feel.

That’s It!

And just like that, you’ve got your own fingerboard deck ready for action (or decoration). The hardest part? Probably sanding—nobody loves sanding. But the satisfaction of finishing your own deck? Totally worth it.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t rush the glue-drying step. Seriously, let it sit.
  • If you’re struggling with trimming, go slow and be patient. You’re shaping a masterpiece, not hacking firewood.
  • Keep some music or a podcast on while sanding—it makes it less of a chore.
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