Effective
edge
The effective edge of any snowboard is the edge that comes
in contact with the snow when turning. This edge is usually
made of metal and it is the cutting action that it creates
that allows you to turn. The effective edge does not extend
to the tip or tail of your snowboard. In fact having and edge
there can cause you to bail very rapidly.
Since the effective edge cuts into snow and ice to give you
grip and protects your snowboard from damage it makes sense
that the size and condition of the effective edge on your
snowboard are important considerations. Generally a longer
effective edge makes for a more stable, controlled ride while
a shorter effective edge makes for a looser, easier turning
snowboard.
Now that we know where the effective edge is we should ask
what it is. The effective edge is made from steel and consists
of a 1.5mm square spine with T-shaped prongs or squares protruding
off it at close intervals. These prongs bond into the epoxy
to hold the effective edge in place. For durability tempering
hardens the steel.
An important point is that any steel will rust, and any edge
will dull. This means that you need to maintain the effective
edge of your snowboard. The procedure is similar to sharpening
skates. You will require a vice, fine emery cloth, a flat
file or edge tool, gummy stone and diamond stone.
Begin by placing your snowboard in a vice and running your
emery clothes up and down the base edge. This will remove
and rust and burs in the metal. After getting the base clean
and smooth turn the snowboard in the vice and do the same
to the sides of the effective edge.
Now that you have removed the surface rust it is time to
sharpen the edges and completely remove any remaining rust.
You do this by running your flat file at a 90' angle to the
base edge. As you do this make sure that you move the file
in the same direction each time while filing from tip to tail.
A nice option to a flat file is an edge tuner. This device
is preset at 89 or 90' and makes the job much easier.
If you have been consistent with you 90' angle movement you
will find the edge becomes very sharp fast. Continue this
until you are either tired of slicing your fingers or feel
the edge is sharp enough to easily cut ice. Now it is time
for the finishing touches.
To finish the edge you will need your diamond stone and gummy
stone. The diamond stone will smooth out any tiny nicks, burs
or unevenness that may remain. Work the diamond stone with
the same motion that you used when filing, 90' angle and consistent
tip to tail strokes. Once you have made a few passes with
the diamond stone repeat the procedure with your gummy stone.
The gummy stone mellows out the edge a little and refines
it. An effective edge must be sharp enough to bite into ice
but not so sharp that it stops instantly when biting into
ice.
The last step is to de-tune the tip and tail sections of
your snowboard. This must be done so that your snowboard doesn't
unexpectedly bite into the surface throwing you off. To de-tune
use the flat file to dull the edges of the effective edge
about 1" from the tip and tail. Use the gummy stone to
smooth it out. This only needs to be done after grinding the
edges of your snowboard, about once a year.
Knowing how to maintain the effective edge of your snowboard
will extend the life of your snowboard, keep you out of the
snowboard servicing shops and help you maximize the performance
of your snowboard. Once you get used to the procedure you
will find it to be quick and easy. This extra effort will
pay huge dividends when you are riding down the slopes and
help reduce the maintenance costs. |
