How to Do a Base Weld on a Snowboard

Powder snow is inviting, but rocks lurking under the snow will damage your base.

Early-season powder riding satisfies the snowboard jones. However, be aware of rocks lurking just below the snow's surface that can ruin your ride by creating deep gouges in your base. The dangling base material will result in a sketchy ride down. Plus, melted snow that makes its way under your base can cause core failure. If you have the right tools, you don't have to pay for an expensive shop repair. Just be sure to mend the wound before hitting the slopes again.

Things You'll Need

• Snowboard vise
• Base cleaner
• Rag
• Utility knife
• Box planer
• 400 grit sand paper
• Sanding block
• Rubbing alcohol
• Base welder
• 1 stick of base material for your welder

Instructions

1. Lay your snowboard on the vise, base side up.

2. Plug in your base welder to heat it up.

3. Clean the bottom of your snowboard with the base cleaner and rag.

4. Use your utility knife to cut out the gouge and the area surrounding it.

5. Clean the open wound with alcohol and the rag. Allow it to air dry.

6. Insert the base material stick into the back hole in the welder.

7. Place the welder's tip over one end of the gouge. Push in the trigger and drag the welder over the wound in a straight line. Lay down parallel strips of base material with your welder until the hole is filled.

8. Wait for the base material to harden.

9. Run your box planer over your repair until it is flush with the rest of the base.

10. Use your sandpaper and sanding block to fine-tune the repair.

11. Wax your snowboard before returning to the slopes.

Tips & Warnings

• Try not to touch the inside of your gouge. Skin oils can cause poor adhesion of the base material.

• If you have a hard time getting your repair flush, take your board down to your local shop and have them run it through the base grinder before you wax it.

• Make sure to wear protective glasses while planing and sanding. Particles of base material can fly up and injure your eyes.

References

• Transworld Snowboarding: How To Fix Base Gouges
• Tognar Toolworks: Ski and Snowboard Base Repairs

Resources

• Snowboards-for-Sale: Snowboard Tuning Tutorial