Getting your snowboard tuned can transform your ride, with sharper edges for better turning and a smoother base for improved glide. While shops do quality tuning work, doing it yourself at home can save money and allow you to customize your tune. Follow this guide to learn all the steps for tuning your snowboard at home.
Gather the Proper Snowboard Tuning Tools
Before starting any snowboard tune, assemble the proper tools. At a minimum, you will need wax, an iron or waxing iron, plastic and metal scrapers, nylon or brass brush, diamond stones, file guides or jigs, and edge tuning tools. Have a workbench and vice to securely hold the board.
Cleaning and Inspecting the Snowboard
The experts over at Canyon Sports in Utah recommend starting your snowboard tunes by thoroughly cleaning and inspecting your board. Use warmer citrus or biodegradable base cleaner and a nylon scrub pad to break down old wax and reveal the base material. Inspect the edges and base for any damage like cracks, delamination, or gouges.
Waxing for Optimal Base Glide
Waxing fills in the porous structure of the base to create a smooth, hydrophobic surface that glides over snow. After cleaning the base, use an iron or dedicated waxing iron to evenly apply and melt an all-temperature wax matched to your local snow conditions. Use a plastic scraper to remove excess wax once cool, then brush with a nylon or horsehair brush to refine the structure.
Sharpening Edges for Better Turning
To enhance turning and grip, regularly sharpen and deburr your edges with diamond stones in the right grits and edge files or guides. For basic edge tuning, start with a 400-grit diamond stone to remove material and shape the edge. Then use 600-1000-grit stones to hone and polish. Always match the angle of the files and stones to your board’s existing edge bevel for an even sharpening. Finish by running a deburring stone or rust eraser down each edge to remove fine burrs that reduce sharpness.
Aligning and Lubricating Bindings
As part of a DIY snowboard tune, align your bindings with your board edges using reference points on the inserts and discs. Center stance perfectly down the board’s effective edge and symmetry points. Aim for equal heel/toe overhangs. Lubricate any sticky bindings parts and ratchets with spray-on Teflon or silicon lubricant for smooth operation.
Testing Tuned Boards Before Riding
Before riding your newly tuned board, conduct a thorough test. Carefully inspect edges for consistent sharpness and base structure. Check base bevel alignment and feel for proper camber or rocker profiles. Ensure bindings sit centered and can ratchet smoothly. Finally, do a full visual inspection for any flaws in your ptex repairs or wax finish. Doing these test checks ensures you find any issues at home versus out on the slopes.
Be Patient Learning Tuning Basics
DIY snowboard tuning has a learning curve. Be patient with yourself mastering waxing techniques and proper sharpening angles. Watch online video tutorials, practice on old gear first, and start slow doing basic waxing before moving onto edges or base work. Once you get the basics dialed for your board, advance to more intermediate and expert level tuning techniques.
Conclusion
Tuning your own snowboard takes some investment in tools and learning but pays off all season long with enhanced board performance between shop tunes. Follow this guide to learn essential techniques like waxing, edging, binding adjustments, and testing methods. Gradually build your comfort with basic then more advanced tuning. With patience and the right approach, you can become truly self-sufficient tuning your own boards at home.
