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How to Build a Tech Deck Grinding Rail

Build a tech deck grinding rail that you can customize. This version is built with drawer handles from the hardware store. Some of these handles, like the shaped handle described as Fusilli, look like the curved deck rails used by the pros. Amerock makes handles that look like the real thing. Using the handle and a little effort can yield amazing results.

Things You'll Need

Drawer handle Screws Wood Drill Drill bits (2 sizes based on screw size)

Instructions

- 1
  Get two small blocks of wood that are 1 inch square and half an inch high--one single block is an alternative option. Use a vice to clamp them in place. Two drill bit sizes will be needed to drill the holes for the screws. The sizes will depend on the size of the screws that came with the drawer pull/handle. One drill bit needs to be slightly larger than the head of the screw. The second drill bit needs to be slightly smaller than the shaft of the screw.
- 2
  Before drilling, see how deep the screws go into the handles. This is the minimum depth of wood to leave for the screw to hold the handle on. See how far out the screw goes before it comes out of the handle. This is the maximum depth for the screw to penetrate. The best depth is between these two measurements. This is the depth that the screw hole needs to be drilled with the small bit. Take this small-bit distance and find the difference between this and the thickness of the blocks. This last measurement is the big-bit depth distance. The main idea is to get the screw head embedded into the wood so that it does not stick out while the shaft reaches into the handle without being loose.
- 3
  Use the handle to measure the distance apart on the bottom of the block(s) to make the holes where the drawer will attach. For any hole that is drilled, first use water-soluble craft glue like Elmers to attach a board to the top of the wood to prevent tear-out. The glue may then be dissolved later using water. Mark the big-bit drill bit so that the proper depth is known. Make sure that the piece being worked on is in a vice at all times. Start drilling from the bottom and go to the depth marked on the bit. Drill the other hole and then change out the bit to the smaller one. Mark the smaller bit at the depth that it has to go. Let the bit stick out far enough to see when the depth indicator starts to go into the wood at the bottom of the hole already drilled.
- 4
  Attach the handle to the holes in the wood by screwing on the handle from underneath the wood. Once the handle is in place, the tech deck grinding rail is ready to use.
- 5
  Decorate the wood if desired. Use the actual materials scaled to size. Hobby supply stores will have miniature bricks made from the same stuff as the full-sized version. Cement can be used to build things with a concrete look (stairs, etc). Certain types of moss, a grow light and a little care will create a realistic lawn. If the board scuffs the rail, leave it for an authentic look.

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