FAQ

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General FAQ

What is Open Source Skateboards?

Open Source Skateboards (OSS) is a skateboard and longboard design/build studio with a mission to empower creatives. OSS creates tools (software and hardware) to help people make boards, and provides R&D services and low volume production for independent brands and individuals.

What is "open source"?

"Open source" is a term that means the "source" content of a subject is provided for free, and may be reused and/or modified by others. An "open source" skateboard is a skateboard whose design is freely available. SK8CAD was created as a platform for more easily designing and sharing open source skateboards, so skateboards can be built more easily around the world, and so skaters could better understand and improve their boards' designs.

Can you put a graphic on a board?

OSS does not offer custom printed graphics. However, if you are interested in laser engraving, please contact us for a quote. (Additional fees will apply on top of the base board price.)

Do you have a minimum deck order?

There is no minimum order for custom boards. OSS is not a factory or optimized for high volume production; rather, OSS specializes in prototyping and custom work.

Can you replicate a board if I give you one?

Board replication or "cloning" is not offered unless the design being cloned is your own.

Can you make wheels?

No.

Do you make custom grip tape?

No.

SK8CAD FAQ:

What type of files can SK8CAD export?

3D files: SK8CAD can export STL files of skateboards, molds, and inverted molds.

2D files: SK8CAD can export SVG files of skateboard profiles. These profiles are based on a projected view of your board. (If a SK8CAD profile is laid flat along a curved surface of a board, expect the board profile to be slightly shorter than shown in SK8CAD.)

Data: SK8CAD can also export CSV files as a "snapshot" of your design. Paid subscribers can also save their designs (TXT file), which can be reloaded into SK8CAD later.

Can I save my designs?

Only paid subscribers can save/download their designs for reloading later. Check out the SK8CAD subscription options here.

Can you help me design my board/mold? What does [X parameter] do?

Please use the "Help" menu option in SK8CAD to find answers to your design questions, or inquire in our Discord community. If you are a paying subscriber, please contact us per the activation confirmation email you received for support.

I exported my model and it's not the right size, what's wrong?

The software you are viewing your model in did not assign the correct units when you imported it. It's common that millimeters are assigned as the units for SK8CAD files, while boards designed in SK8CAD are based on inches. To fix this, scale your model uniformly* by 25.4 (or 2540%). (25.4mm = 1 inch)

If you are using SK8CAD to design fingerboards, your model should be based on centimeters (not inches). In this case, if it looks too small, you likely need to scale your model uniformly* by 10 (or 1000%). (10mm = 1cm)

*It is very important that you scale the model uniformly, otherwise your model will not be accurate.

Do you have any examples I can use for my design, or as a starting point?

Yes, there are several samples available from the "Example Shapes" drop down menu in SK8CAD. The Shape Library (available to subscribers) also has a large collection of designs, including designs for skateboards, longboards, fingerboards, and more.

What modeling toolkit does SK8CAD use?

SK8CAD uses OpenJSCAD (I think around this version), now called JSCAD - see links for info.

How can I start making skateboards?

There are many resources for getting started making boards on this website. The most direct way would be to purchase a workshop.