Ever found yourself dreaming of the perfect fingerboard that truly matches your style and tricks? If you’re passionate about fingerboarding, you know the right setup can make all the difference—turning simple moves into impressive stunts.
Understanding how to custom fingerboard opens up endless possibilities for creativity and performance. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through building your own unique fingerboard, share expert tips, and answer common questions to help you ride in style.
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How to Create a Custom Fingerboard: The Ultimate Guide
What Is a Custom Fingerboard?
A custom fingerboard is a tiny, skateboard-like object designed to perform tricks with your fingers rather than your feet. Custom fingerboards let you personalize everything—the deck, grip tape, trucks, wheels, and even graphics. Whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or collector, making your own fingerboard can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Why Make a Custom Fingerboard?
Creating a custom fingerboard is about more than just having a cool piece of mini hardware. Here are a few reasons enthusiasts love the process:
- Personalization: Reflect your unique style through custom graphics and color choices.
- Improved Performance: Choose components that match your technical needs.
- Quality: Handpicked materials often result in a smoother ride and better control.
- Engagement: Building your fingerboard adds a special value not found in pre-packaged models.
- Collectibility: Custom boards are unique—perfect for showcasing or trading in the fingerboarding community.
Steps to Build Your Own Custom Fingerboard
Let’s break down the process into manageable steps. Whether you’re building from scratch or customizing pre-made components, here’s what you need to know.
1. Choose Your Deck
The deck is the heart of the fingerboard. When picking a deck, consider:
- Material: Most quality decks are made from multiple layers of wood for durability and pop. Some are plastic for a budget-friendly option.
- Shape and Concave: Decide on the shape (classic, popsicle, cruiser, etc.) and level of concave (flat, medium, or deep) for trick versatility.
- Size: Width and length matter for different finger and hand sizes.
Tip: Many online shops and workshops offer “Build-a-Board” kits where you can select deck shapes and colors.
2. Customize the Graphics
This is where your creativity can shine!
- Custom Prints: Some shops offer custom-printed graphics. You can send in an image or design your artwork.
- Stickers & Paint: For a DIY touch, use stickers, markers, or paint pens to decorate the board at home.
- Grip Tape Art: Cut, carve, or color your grip tape for added personality.
3. Select Your Trucks
Trucks are the axles that hold your wheels.
- Size: Make sure the trucks fit your deck’s width.
- Color & Finish: Select from standard colors or metallic finishes.
- Performance: Professional trucks offer smoother turns and real bushings—key for advanced tricks.
4. Choose Wheels
Wheels affect the way your fingerboard rolls and handles.
- Material: Urethane wheels provide better grip and a more authentic skateboard feel.
- Size & Shape: Small wheels are faster and suit technical tricks; large wheels offer better control for grinds.
- Color: Pick a color that matches your style.
5. Add Bearings
For a pro-level setup, use wheels with real bearings.
- Smoothness: Bearings reduce friction, making flips and spins easier.
- Longevity: Quality bearings last longer, especially with heavy use.
6. Assemble Your Fingerboard
Now, it’s time to put it all together:
- Attach the Trucks: Use the included tiny screws and nuts. Go slow to avoid stripping the wood.
- Install Wheels: Most wheels snap or screw onto truck axles.
- Apply Grip Tape: Carefully place and press down, then trim any excess.
- Check Alignment: Make sure everything is straight for optimal performance.
- Tighten All Hardware: But don’t overtighten—you want free wheel movement.
Benefits of Building a Custom Fingerboard
There are plenty of advantages to going custom:
- Optimal Performance: Tailor every aspect to perform specific tricks or styles.
- Enhanced Durability: Select premium woods, trucks, and wheels for a board that lasts.
- Greater Satisfaction: The pride and fun of riding something you made.
- Skill Development: Assembling the board builds mechanical skills and teaches how each part functions.
Challenges to Consider
Building your own custom fingerboard comes with a few obstacles, especially for beginners:
- Component Matching: Parts must be compatible in size and style.
- Assembly: Tiny parts require patience and a steady hand.
- Cost: Premium, customizable options can be more expensive than standard models.
- Shipping: Ordering from specialty shops may involve international shipping fees and longer wait times.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Here’s how to get the best results when customizing your fingerboard:
- Start Simple: Try customizing a basic board before investing in premium components.
- Invest in Tools: A small screwdriver set and a fine file make assembly easier.
- Experiment: Mix and match shapes, colors, and materials to find your preferences.
- Maintain Regularly: Keep bearings clean and hardware tight for peak performance.
- Engage with the Community: Share your creations online for feedback and inspiration.
Cost and Shipping Advice
Building a custom fingerboard can fit almost any budget, but here’s what you should know:
- Budget Builds: Using plastic decks and simple graphics can keep costs under $20.
- Professional Setups: High-quality wood decks, trucks with real bushings, and urethane wheels can cost $50–$100 or more.
- Shipping Considerations:
- Some shops are US-based, others international; check estimated delivery times.
- Bulk buying components can combine shipping and save money.
- Factor in customs fees if ordering from overseas.
- Track packages to ensure safe delivery.
Domain-Specific Features
Several specialty shops and brands offer unique custom fingerboard experiences:
- Build-a-Board Kits: Some companies provide interactive online “builder” tools for deck shapes, graphics, and components.
- Workshops & DIY Kits: For hands-on learners, you can purchase kits that let you assemble your board from scratch.
- Graphic Services: Upload your own artwork for custom printing on decks.
- Premium Parts: Brands often feature upgrades like metal trucks with precision bearings, specialty wheels, and pro-grade grip tape.
Conclusion
Customizing your own fingerboard is a fantastic way to express your creativity and fine-tune your fingerboard for maximum fun and performance. Whether you’re starting with a pre-made kit or building every piece from the ground up, the process is both enjoyable and educational. Take your time, experiment with styles, and don’t forget—your board should represent you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to build a custom fingerboard?
Assembly can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your experience and whether you need to paint or design custom graphics.
2. Can I use regular skateboard components on a fingerboard?
No. Fingerboard parts are much smaller and specially engineered for finger tricks. Full-size skateboard parts will not fit.
3. What is the most important part to upgrade for better tricks?
Trucks and wheels make the biggest difference. Upgrading to pro trucks with smooth bushings and urethane wheels with bearings will drastically improve performance.
4. Is it cheaper to build a custom fingerboard or buy a pre-made one?
Pre-made boards are usually less expensive. Custom builds offer superior personalization and quality but at a higher cost.
5. Can I send my own graphic or photo for deck printing?
Yes. Many custom fingerboard companies allow you to upload your designs for unique, professional deck graphics.
Creating a custom fingerboard is about having fun, expressing yourself, and enjoying a fully personalized miniature skate experience. Happy building!