How to Tune a Snowboard
Many people take their snowboards to the shop to get tuned. While there's nothing wrong with this, doing basic tunes on a snowboard is pretty simple and requires just a few tools. You can save money and keep your board in prime condition every time you ride by learning to tune your own snowboard.
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Things You'll Need
- Work bench with board vices
- Snowboard wax
- Iron
- Scraper (metal and plastic)
- Deburring/diamond stone
- Edge tool
- P-tex
- Candle or blowtorch
Instructions
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Edges
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1
Take the bindings off. This will make it much easier to work on the base of the board.
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2
Clean off any dirt on the base and edges using paper towels or a rag. You can use base cleaner.
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3
Use the deburring stone to smooth out all the nicks and burrs on the snowboard edges. Run it up and down the front and heelside bottom, and then along the side edges.
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4
Sharpen the bottom and side edges along the length of the snowboard. Use a file guide or edge tool to ensure that you maintain the proper edge angles (bevels). Edges are set at a slight angle or bevel, as to prevent catching. A 1 degree bottom edge and 1 or 2 degree side edge is standard, but may vary by rider/board. Set the bevel on the file guide or edge tool and use long, powerful strokes down the full length of the both the side and bottom edge.
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5
Once your edges are sharpened, touch up with the deburring stone to make sure that they are clean. Run your hand up and down to ensure that they are sharp and smooth.
Base
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6
Wipe down base to get rid of any shavings. Determine if you have any sizeable scratches or dings on your base that require p-tex. If not, proceed to step 3. If so, use a torch or candle to melt down the p-tex on the scratched area(s). Hold the p-tex directly over the affected area or rub into it, melting the p-tex until it fills it in.
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7
Allow the p-tex to cool and dry. Use a metal scraper to scrape off any excess p-tex.
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8
Wax the board. Use the iron to melt the wax onto the board. You can drip the wax in drops, evenly over the board, or heat the bar and rub the wax onto the base directly. Use all weather wax or a hot or cold wax, based upon the conditions where you ride.
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9
Once you have spread wax over the entire base, apply the iron to the base to spread wax completely and evenly across. Keep the iron moving, and don't stay in one spot too long.
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10
Allow to cool and dry. Twenty minutes or so should do it.
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11
Once wax has dried, use plastic scraper to scrape off excess wax. Use long, steady scrapes up and down the full area of the board.
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12
Touch up with a brush or scrubby pad for a cleaner, faster base.
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13
Reinstall your bindings, making sure mounting screws and all straps are tight and secure. You're now ready to ride.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If your board has deep scratches, gashes or holes, consider having it repaired professionally at a shop.
If you run into any bigger issues while tuning your board or aren't comfortable, take it to a shop. It may be a bit more expensive, but not enough to deter you from getting it done right.
Rub-on wax is available for a quick waxing process that doesn't require an iron.
Perform tune in well-ventilated area.
Be careful not to set iron to high, begin low and adjust as needed.
