How To Tune A Snowboard

Do you want to know how to tune up a snowboard? The difference in performance between a snowboard that has had a recent tune up and one that has not is huge. So, by putting a little love into your board, you´ll get great results and get better results when you are out on the snow.  Here is how to tune a snowboard.

To tune a snowboard you will need:

• A work bench. It must be strong enough to hold the weight of the snowboard plus some pressure that you will put on it.
• Some hand tools. Mainly screw drivers and a set of pliers. The screwdrivers must be big, one flat head, one Philips and one hexagonal.
• A synthetic brush. Preferably with synthetic bristles, as it will be less abrasive. A smooth brass brush is also acceptable if used kindly.
• Citric base cleaner. A good alternative is a petroleum based solvent.
• Wax. It can be either hot or cold. If you use hot wax, then you´ll also need an Iron.
• A Plexiglass scraper. It will be used for removing the excess of wax. It must be sharp, flat and quite flexible.
• A sharpening stone. Most stones have different grain on each side.
• Personal protection. An apron, gloves and a mask to avoid breathing dust and solvent are required. Work glasses and gloves are recommended.

The steps to tune up a snowboard are:

1. Use a brush to clean up the base of the snowboard. If it´s your first time tuning up your snowboard, don´t be too aggressive. Use a synthetic smooth brush to remove the most obvious dust and excessive wax.
2. Use the citric base cleaner to get rid of dust and dry wax pieces. Apply a thin layer, and if you are using citric solvent, allow enough time for a full evaporation.
3. Apply wax to the base of the snowboard. If you are using hot wax, the iron must be at medium temperature, and you should use long and steady movements to apply wax evenly. First, melt some wax on the base of the iron, and then slowly slide it in long movements along the snowboard. The speed of the movement must be regular. Whenever you feel that the iron gets stuck, lift it and apply some more wax.
4. Remove the excessive wax. Whenever you see an accumulation of wax use a plexiglass scraper to remove it. The base must look like a mirror, and feel slick to the touch. To use the plexiglass scraper, start by making it run smoothly whit it´s edge perpendicular to the base and also parallel to the sides of the snowboard. Gradually reduce the angle by turning the upper side of the scrapper forward, to achieve a smoother finishing.
5. Sharpen the edges, starting by the base and finishing by the sides. The important part of the edges is in both wide sections of the board. Pressing firmly with the sharpening stone on the metallic edge only, make long movements using the gross side of the stone first, and then the thin side, , as the base can sustain damage if scratched. Keep in mind that the edge wears out when being sharpened, so don´t take it too hard on the sharpening stone.
6. Check the proper setting of the bindings. Every screw must be tightened to avoid breakdowns up the mountain. Some of the screws require that you hold the nut with a set of pliers as you tighten them with a screwdriver.

Remember that any work is easier at home than up the hill. So double check all your gear before you take off.