I have developed a website that allows users to design skateboard riser pads for 3D printing.
Many skateboarders often choose their riser pads based on wheel diameter alone. For example, they might think, "My wheel diameter is about 56mm, so I’ll opt for a 6mm riser." However, selecting the right riser pad involves various factors including deck width, deck thickness, bushing hardness, and more. Most available products come in standard sizes like 6mm or 10mm, which can leave some skaters in a bind if they find themselves somewhere in between, such as needing a 7.5mm riser.
Are Riser Pads Essential?
Riser pads aren’t a strict necessity. If your current setup isn’t causing wheel bite, you may not need to use them at all. However, changes to your wheel diameter, deck, or trucks could mean that the height that previously worked might not be suitable anymore. My challenge was not simply a lack of riser pads, but rather that commercial options didn’t offer a height that matched my specific setup.
Is There Only One Way to Choose Riser Pads?
For those with 3D printers, creating riser pads custom to their needs is possible, albeit tedious. Using design software like Fusion 360 or Blender for each small adjustment can be frustrating. My goal wasn’t to dive deep into design software just for minor changes; I wanted to identify a suitable height with ease. This is why I created a dedicated design tool.
Introducing RISER 3D
I launched a site called "RISER 3D" where users can design their riser pads through a simple interface in their browser.
You can visit it here: RISER 3D.
By adjusting sliders, you can set parameters such as wheel diameter, deck width, deck thickness, and bushing hardness, updating a visual preview to check for potential wheel bite. The interface allows for immediate visual feedback as you modify heights and angles, helping you determine the best fit for your board.
Once the design is finalized, users can download the pad as an STL file. The tool allows for height settings ranging from 0.1mm to 50mm, providing options for flat designs or those with varying heights for front and rear.
For those who want to ensure there isn’t any wheel bite, I’ve also created a dedicated tool for that: Wheel Bite Tool.
A Community for Sharing Designs
Initially, I designed the site solely for my needs, but I realized it could benefit others too. I’ve included a community feature where users can view and share designs. To kickstart this community, I uploaded around 10 sample designs to illustrate how the platform works.
Users can search for designs, sort by popularity, and load them into their design workspace for further customization.
Try RISER 3D Today
RISER 3D is free and does not require an account to use. Start by inputting your board’s specifications and see how easy it can be to find the perfect riser pad height.
Check it out here: RISER 3D. Adjust your setup without settling for just 6mm or 10mm options.