Snowboards consist of a top sheet, a center core and a base sheet. When the edge of a board is damaged from impact, water penetration can cause the sheet or base to separate from the core. In most cases, the separation occurs on the flat section of the board and if left unattended, can extend to the curved edges at the tip of the board. A reliable repair requires diligence and patience. Allow the board to dry for several days before you fix a separation.
Step 1
Clean the residual epoxy between the sheet and core at the area of the separation with a utility knife. Inspect the section closely to make sure both surfaces are free of debris. Clean the section again, if necessary.
Step 2
Mix a batch of two-part epoxy adhesive in a paper cup. Stir the batch with a tongue depressor or a clean wooden stick.
Step 3
Apply the epoxy between the sheet and core by using a hacksaw blade as a spreader. Coat both surfaces thoroughly.
Step 4
Wrap the edge of the board at the area of the separation with one or more plastic bags to prevent the epoxy from adhering to the wood strips when you clamp the separation.
Step 5
Fit 3/4-inch-thick wood strips at the upper and lower sides of the board at the separation with woodworking clamps. To clamp a separation at the curve of the board, cut the tips off of old snow skis with a handsaw and fit the tips in place at the curve with the clamps.
Step 6
Guard against tightening the clamps too much and forcing epoxy out of the separation. Allow the epoxy to cure overnight before removing the clamps, wood strips and the plastic bags.
Step 7
Remove any residual epoxy from the edge of the board with the utility knife. Sand the edge to a uniform finish with 100-grit sandpaper on a sanding block.
Tips and Warnings
- Some boards have a metal side-rail that you must remove with a chisel before fixing a separation. Reattach the rail with epoxy adhesive.
Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Two-part epoxy adhesive
- Paper cup
- Tongue depressor
- Hacksaw blade
- Plastic bags
- 3/4-inch-thick wood strips
- Old snow skis
- Handsaw
- Woodworking clamps
- 100-grit sandpaper
- Sanding block
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