Waxing a snowboard part 2???????

Question

thanx for answering my question about waxing a snoboard. I have a few last questions and clarifications to make sure i do it right, and dont ruin my new board.

1)Do i have to use snowboard wax, or will regular wax really work? I am fine with buying some special wax on amazon if i have to, but is regular wax fine for a beginner?

2)Do i put the wax directly on the iron, and the iron directly on the board, or do i put wax paper in between anything? Just making sure.

3)Do i need to scrape all of the wax i possibly can off of the base, or should i be careful to leave a thin layer. I know i want a thin layer of wax, but my question is, do i get all the wax i possibly can with a scraping tool off?

4)Should i do this in my garage, is it too messy to do inside, or is it clean if you do it right?

thanx again for answering my questions. there are no board shops near where i live, and if there were i wouldn't want to spend the money to pay somebody to do it anyway.

Answer 1

Agree with most of the other answers. Except that I was taught that your base absorbs the molten wax into its pores and that's where you want it to be. Any extra and it will slow your board down.

Check this video out. It's the best explanation of how to wax a board I have seen online. The guy does a really good job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDRoKCAFt...

Answer 2

1) First off, you need special wax for your board. there are different kinds of wax that are for specific temperatures. so when you picking out your wax make sure you are getting the right kind. there is also a wax you can get that is good for all temperatures. that'd probably be best for you.

2)When you aply the wax to your board, you take the wax in one hand and the iron in the other. you then take the wax and place it on the hot iron (in a position that you can let the wax drip on your board.) You then let the wax drip all over your board but not too much. after that, you take your iron and you spread the wax around with it. let it dry.

3)When you use your scrapper, you have to do it by eye. really all you want is a nice smooth base. that's all. it dosen't really matter how much you scratch off, just as long as you don't take all the wax off.

4)Definitely do this in your garage because it dose get a bit messy from all the extra wax.

Glad to help:)

Answer 3

All you questions and more are answered in this most excellent and *free* guide to board tuning from KUU:

http://www.kuu.com/tuningmanual2.pdf

1) Yes special wax is needed. You can get an all-temperature wax that suites most people just fine.  For better performance pick a wax based on the temperature that it will be when you are riding.  I've been using KUU wax for ages and have no complaints at all.

2) Yes. Set the iron to a temperature that allows the wax to melt but not so high that it starts to smoke.  Apply the wax against the iron and let it drip onto the base of your board.  No need for any type of paper at all.

3) For more performance scrape all that you can.  Otherwise you can leave a nice thin layer - it will last a bit longer this way.  just make sure that it is a nice shiny layer and not bumpy or big globs of wax.

4) You want to apply the wax in a well ventilated area as the fumes are not healthy.  you don't want to wax and scrape in a normal living space as the wax will get everywhere.  If you do scrape inside, you can use a drop-cloth or newspapers to help make for a quick cleanup.  

I hope this helps!

Answer 4

1) I've always used specialist wax. Hypothetically, i guess most waxes would work, but best to stick to what you know works. Sorry I can't be more detailed here, but asking an instructor may be a good idea.  

2) Just hold the wax up to the iron and let it drip onto your board. Make sure you get blobs everywhere. Use the iron to spread it evenly.

3) I personally leave a  thin layer, even if you could get more off. Some people like to get most of it off, but I feel it's mostly down to preference. Leaving a thin excess layer will reduce the fricton on the base and let you ride faster. Just don't forget to use an abrasive pad to make sure its even. EDIT - Okay, it seems after checking up most people take as much off as possible. Seems I may be percieving a difference that isn't there.

4) This can be messy, but I do it in my lounge! Just make sure you have a good sized blanked at least a few feet all around whatever you're using as a table.

To get the most from your Snowboard, wax it about every third time you use it. Also, have it edged regularly during the peak season. Still, wax and edge your Snowboard more frequently if you are an aggressive boarder or if you ride a lot on ice and hard-packed snow surfaces. Keep in mind that even boards that are not used are subject to oxidation through UV radiation and other environmental influences. Thus, it is important to wax it also during transport and the summer break.