Finishing the Snowboard, Part 3

The final stage of this snowboard build is complete! This board has been in the works for a while, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. Here’s a look at the last steps in the process from binding insert alignment to pressing and final finishing.

Binding Insert Alignment

First up was setting the binding alignment inserts. I put a small dab of glue on each insert, then carefully laid the base over the core and aligned it with the sidewalls. This ensures that while the board is pressed, the core will remain centered over the base.

Setting the M-Camber Profile

For this build, I went with an M-shaped camber profile. I set the mold length and added the spacer blocks to create the camber shape. Over the spacers, I placed a 5.5 mm underlayment to smooth the transition, then wrapped everything in plastic to protect the mold from epoxy squeeze-out.

the spacers get a 5.5mm underlayment over them to smooth it out and then cover it in plastic to protect it from the epoxy squeezeout:

Material Layup and Pressing

With the mold ready, I laid out all the materials — base, edges, fiberglass, core, and topsheet. Once stacked, the whole assembly went into the vacuum press.

Midway through, I realized my coalescing filter cartridge needs replacing (whoops!), but I was able to keep going without issue. I added the heat pad on top of the layup, weighing it down with spare spacers for even contact.

Post-Press Cleanup

Here it is coming out of the press:

here’s what the mold with plastic looks like after the press – no mess!

More Shop Upgrades

Along with finishing this snowboard, I made a few more improvements to the workshop. I installed a French cleat system on the back wall, storage is always an issue for my small shop. On the bench, you can see my spindle sander, which I use to clean up and smooth the sidewalls after I’ve rough-cut the board on the bandsaw.

Drilling Binding Inserts

I used magnetic insert caps and iron filings to quickly locate the buried binding inserts, then drilled them out cleanly.

Finished Board and Delivery

With the finishing work done, I brought the board over to Whiteface to hand it off to its new owner. The camber came out just right, the finish is smooth, and it’s riding beautifully!