Although small-scale injection molding has become a lot more accessible, the cost of machined metal molds will remain high for the foreseeable future. However, if you only need small, flexible parts, you could probably do it for under $50 using 3D printed molds and silicone.

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I guess the properties of the specific wood used and the orientation of the grain is key for making a skateboard. Google the basic trick called “Ollie”, which is basically a jump initiated by a kick on the tail end and a complex shifting of body weight and footwork. The board will flex quite a lot (way back then a friend got hold of a camera that could record at a whopping 200 frames/sec or so and we had much fun doing ultra slo-mo recordings – at the time when VHS was king). Much like on a bow the board does bend and spring back, giving off the energy put into it by the flexing part. I agree that the “injection molding for the masses using recycled plastics” is a great thing, and I would love to have access to such a machine. I just dont think that “real” skateboards are an application for such a process. For kiddie boards that are just used to cruise around it WILL work, there are plenty of plastic boards around.

Tall did his homework before deciding to put in solar. “I called around and talked to people in this business park who have solar and no one had anything negative to say. Everybody ran the numbers; on paper, it’s supposed to really save me a lot of money.”

Tall explained that he has looked at solar a couple of times as a way to save money on his energy bills for the 12-press company. “Two previous times we looked at it, and it’s always seemed too good to be true,” said Tall. “This time we looked seriously at solar and decided that it is that good to be true. We’re a small business, so I wear a lot of hats and there are always so many things to think about other than solar power. On the third pitch, we looked more closely at what we can save and decided that financially it makes sense.”

Why wood aint wood pony for slides anyway (I think you mean boardslides not grinds?)? I mean yeh most slides are done on wood.. cos skateboards are generally made of wood.. but that doesn’t mean wood is good.. I thought wood was too grippy and everything has to be waxed up all the time..

To finance the solar, Alpha Rho opted for a seven-year traditional lease from LFC Capital Inc., which eliminated any upfront capital investment. Instead, Alpha Rho will make 100% tax-deductible fixed monthly payments, creating a low-cost path to ownership at a substantially reduced price.

I mean really, this still deserves a prize even if the skateboards suck. It’s plastic; you can mold whatever you want with it.

“The return on investment with solar is phenomenal,” commented Tall. “The low cost of ownership thanks to the LFC lease, plus the SREC income and electricity savings, add up to a significant impact on our bottom line profitability, while we do something good for the planet at the same time.”

Because of the rebates and SREC, Massachusetts is a solar-friendly state to be in, even though it’s one of the more costly states for energy in the country. And while it’s not exactly the “sunshine state,” Tall said there are on average enough sunny days to make solar energy worthwhile.

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

The reason that popsicle Deck skateboards are made out of wood is because the amount of Pop you get from hard maple. I can’t see anyway that is plastic especially recycled plastic where you’re using many different types of plastic would have the same characteristics. I think this would be better suited for different types of skateboards like longboards, cruising decks.

Maybe I was just unlucky the way it came out of the mold? Am willing to work with Jason but he says he won’t talk to me anymore because I said to him ‘Oh come on man don’t be a nurd’.. heh

Well buyer beware.. I brought one it cost me €130 Euros and it snapped within 3 days and I’m a pretty light skater I only ever snapped 1 deck before and I’ve been skating about 20 years off and on..

Oh, but they do. Well, if you want to generalize the term “skateboard” anyway. There is for instance a distinction between a “skateboard” and a “longboard”, the latter being a much broader family of … things. It is actually quite common to find glasfiber, kevlar, aramid and/or carbon combined with various woods in those. It depend on what you want to do. Like in every other sport the equipment has undergone quite the evolution, and you are totally able to spend top dollar on a specialized and often custom made deck. This does not apply to the average “trick” skateboard tho, those are mass produced 7ply maple boards where the graphics (and the association with a pro rider, for that matter) are the primary selling point, seconded by the shape (which is not only the outline, but the wheelbase, the angle of the upcurve on nose and tail, and the concave. Skateboards are not flat planks, but very much 3D Objects). Anyhow, you do not want a skateboard to feel like a steel plate or a wet towel under your feet. Maple is very much fine for a trick/street skateboard, a downhill rocket or a “dancer” require different materials. If the recycled plastic boards are the next big thing then I am totally up for it. Still I remain skeptical.

To be honest, your article has helped a lot to new comers. And those who are confused about the wooden and plastic skateboard decks

Plastic also starts out stiff and loses strength over time with use. And it doesn’t have to be a completely plastic board, you could modify the properties of the plastic by mixing in some fiberglass or wood, or mold in some sort of frame or reinforcement.

Hey Johnny, thanks for the feedback! We have tested all of the common recyclable plastic types and got validation from skaters say the feeling of PP (Polypropylene) has a very close feeling to Canadian Maple. Its also worth mentioning that our project is not trying to replace the wooden deck completely, we know it will always hold a special place in the hearts of seasoned skaters. Our project is about expanding accessibility, to people who live in situations of hardship, and normally would not be able to afford a deck. For many, having a deck that performs 95% as good as a wooden deck, is better than having no deck atall