You can buy a snowboard from a store but what’s the fun in that? It is much more fun and cost effective to make one yourself to take along to your next winter trip up north. Besides, DIY snowboards can be creative and have the cool deigns you have been looking for but have yet to find in the market.
However, to accomplish this feat, you need to first know how to make a snowboard. The good news is, that making a snowboard is no rocket science, so long as you have all the right tools for the purpose. Follow the instructions mentioned below to create your very own DIY snowboard!
What You’ll Need to Make a Snowboard
The first thing you will need to do is gather all the material you will need to make the snowboard. These materials not only include the raw materials for the boar but all the tools you will need to get everything together.
Raw Material and Tools
- Laminated sturdy wood with a thickness of 0.25 – 0.5 inches
- Fiberglass
- Superglue
- Epoxy Resin
- Inserts
- Magnetic Tape
- PTex base and top sheets
- Press Materials (Clamps, Drill press, etc.)
- Meta edge
- Wrench
- Saw
- Heat blanket and meta sheets
- Caliper
- Jigsaw
- Gloves
Once you have all the materials and tools in place, you can get started on the actual work.
How to Make a Snowboard in 11 Steps
Step 1: Organize your Workspace
For starters, decide on and organize your workspace. Make sure your materials and tools are arranged in an orderly manner. The less cluttered and better ventilated your workspace is, the easier it will be for you to work in it.
Step 2: Design Your Snowboard
Before beginning to deploy the tools, create a basic design you want for the snowboard. A basic tip is to not try to be overly ambitious if this is your first time. Furthermore, it is better to design a size that matches the size of a snowboard you already have.
Step 3: Develop the Mold
Take your block of wood, place the old snowboard on top of it, and trace out the shape to develop a mold. You will need to use at least six pieces of wood with 2X4 dimensions. Mark each of them with the shape of the snowboard.
Step 4: Cut and Shape Wood According to the Mold
Once the mold is finished, cut up the wood to make the shape. You will need a saw for cutting them and make sure you cover all six.
Step 5: Cut and Shape Base According to the Mold
Once the core is shaped up, place it on top of the PTex base and cut the base to match the shape as well. The shapes need to match because you will need to combine them at the end.
Additionally, place your wood pieces on the side, add glue to them, and stick them together. When they are well adjusted, carefully leave them in an undisturbed corner to dry out while you manage the rest of the work.
Step 6: Structure the Steel Edge
When your core is all set and left to dry, it is time to move to the metal parts. Shaping the metal is tricky work so make sure your hands are well protected with gloves before trimming it.
Once done, set it along the edge of the base and curve it to fit tightly around the edges. You will need clamps to set the metal firmly against it. Keep the teeth side facing up because the core will be set on top of it.
Step 7: Drill in and Place Inserts
Next, drill holes in the core where your inserts are supposed to go. Your chosen pattern for insert holes is a matter of personal preference. Place the inserts, cover the magnetic part with tape, and fix them properly into the board.
Step 8: Cut the Fiberglass
You will need an additional fiberglass layer for the snowboard. Make sure the measure of length and width of the fiberglass is greater than that of your board so it fits properly.
Mix the epoxy resin and use it to apply fiberglass to the base of your skateboard. You will need to do this part carefully so that no air pockets remain. Use a spreading tool for good measure.
Once done, apply epoxy mixture to both sides of the core and sandwich it between the base and fiberglass layer.
Step 9: Press the Board
To make the different layers properly stick to each other and become properly integrated, you will need to press them all together. If you do not have the pressing machine, collect the clamps you used for setting steel-edge.
Use these to press all the layers together and let the board rest
Step 10: Remove Excess Fiberglass
Once the layers are properly set, remove any excess fiberglass from the sides. You will need to use a jigsaw again for cutting through until the steel edge. Smooth off the sides as well to give the board a more polished and complete look.
Step 11: Attach Bindings
Finally, add bindings onto your snowboard based on what your preferred stance is. Make sure you place the bindings in a balanced manner so they are not disproportionate. Incorrect placement may affect your balance during the activity.
Additional Tips
The board is generally complete but you can always customize it with your preferred art. You can paint things on top of the fiberglass yourself or get your artist friend to do it for their requested price.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope this article has been informative and you have been able to get a clear picture of the mechanics that go into the creation of a DIY snowboard. So long as you use the right material and follow the instructions, you will be successful.
If you are looking for more information about skiing or snowboarding, do check out the rest of our blogs. We are certain you will find them interesting and helpful.
