How to Tune a Snowboard Edge
Rough and de-tuned edges of a snowboard could cause serious injuries. If your snowboard does not have tuned edges, the board will never travel smoothly, as the rough edges don’t allow it to grip well into the snow. Eventually, it will slide right out from under you.
Tuning the snowboard edge is a very simple two-part task. The equipment required to do this job is very basic and inexpensive. Any snowboarder can make his/her board better within 15 minutes. There are specialists available for this job, but doing it on your own will help you save plenty of money.
Thing required:
– Diamond stone Gummy stone Edge tool or mill bastard file with file guide Snowboard vices or workbench.
Instructions
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1
First of all, analyse the edges thoroughly. Prior to any tuning, you need to check whether the edges need any treatment. It is not a good idea to start tuning the board, when it actually does not require anything.
Examining the board is really important, and should be done after every couple of days. Gently rub the edges with your fingers to see if there are any burrs. If you feel any roughness, the board surely needs proper tuning. -
2
Put your board into a vice. This will help you tune the edges easily. However, if you don’t have access to a vice, you can simply put the board on top of a workbench or table.
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3
The first move is to take off the rust. It can comfortably be done with the help of gummy stone or fine sandpaper. Once the rust is removed, start deburring the edges.
Use deburring stone to rub the toe-side bottom and side edges. The heel-side bottom should also be given total care. All you need to ensure that the surface is smooth. -
4
While rubbing the edges, make sure that you are not disturbing the bevel. It is always better to use edge tool or file guide to keep the board in right shape. If you are uncertain that which bevel will be best for your board, check the specs of your equipment.
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5
The next step is about sharpening the edges. You can mark the edges with a marker. This will give you a better idea about the required sharpness. Keep sharpening the edges until the ink is shaved off.
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6
The process of sharpening may have given a few burrs to the board. So, use the deburring stone once again to make the surface smooth. The end-result should be smooth as well as sharp.
