How to File a Snowboard Edge
Maintaining a sharp edge on your snowboard is essential to achieving crisp turns and proper control. While many beginning snowboarders simply need to deburr their snowboard on a regular basis, intermediate and expert riders may also want to file the snowboard to deliver a customized ride. The following guidelines will help ensure a smooth snowboarding experience.
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Instructions
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Start by detuning the sharpness of the snowboard nose and tail contact points. Take a gummi stone and run it along the perimeter of the board's edge two to three times. Then, further detune the board's contact points (10 inches from tip of tail and nose) by rubbing them with the gummi stone an additional 10 times.
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Determine the base angle that you would like for your snowboard edge. Base edge angles traditionally range from 0.5 degrees to 1 degree. As base angle increases, turning ability decreases. As such, carvers prefer a base angle around 0.5 degrees. However, 1 degree is a good angle for all-mountain riding and 2 degrees is sometimes preferred by jibbers and beginners.
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If a bench with snowboard vice is available, place your snowboard on it with the base facing up. Otherwise, simply use a flat table or bench. Use the file guide and your mill bastard file to select the appropriate filing angle.
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Apply the file so that the teeth are facing the edge of your board and use long, smooth strokes to push away from your body. Continue this motion around the circumference of the snowboard edge.
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Use a carborundun or diamond stone to deburr the metal edge and remove any remaining metal slivers.
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Determine the angle you want for your side edges of your snowboard. The side angles of your board allow you to control the board in different snow conditions. Most boards come with a 90-degree angle that is considered good for powder conditions. An 89-degree angle is preferred for average snow conditions and 88 or 87 degrees are used for ice or hard snow.
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Apply a side edge file guide and use smooth, long strokes to go around the edge of the board.
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Deburr and polish the edges of your snowboard with a carborundun or diamond stone.
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Re-wax your board and hit the slopes.
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