I was recently discussing the effect of atmospheric pressure on a skateboard, with Alex from NLC ( the guy who makes those wonderful carbon decks.).

I had the idea that, since I laminate at a 5600 ft elevation, and when I do I add oxygen to the glue by mixing it good, and moisture to the maple (oxygen, and hydrogen) in small amounts. There would be oxygen trapped inside the laminate.....

When oxygen is captured at high altitudes, then transported to lower altitudes, it consrticts in size. Pulling any surrounding material with it (ever bought a drink when snowboarding and opened it, then drove home and the bottle was crushed in?) Basically the laminate becomes more dense at sea level, even after a full curing at 5600ft......or at least this is the idea.

We both agreed that he would take a picture of an older laminate he already had, and a new one, made by me .....when he got them.

My suspisions were correct. The glue lines were noticably tighter, when they reached him at sea level in Hawaii.

Long story short....If I make it at 5600ft, and you ride it at sea level, your deck will be laminated tighter than stuff made at lower altitudes.

Cool huh?
-Milt