Warping can occur for various reasons, such as leaving your board out for an extended period before it is finished, exposure to humidity, or too much time in the sun. Fortunately, Ted Hunter (Roarockit co-founder) developed a straightforward method to fix this, and we’re here to show you how it’s done! You can also watch our Youtube tutorial for more information.
Tools You’ll Need :
Warped board
Long scrap wood block or metal bar
Clamps
Heat gun (a hairdryer on high can also work)
A weight (we used a bucket of water, but any heavy object will do)
Identifying the Warp
To determine if your board is warped, grab two rulers or flat objects. Place them across the width of your board, approximately where your trucks will be mounted. If one side is noticeably higher or lower than the other, your board is warped. For our example, the warp is obvious. Upon further inspection, one corner of the board is significantly higher — definitely not something you want to ride on!
Fixing the Warp
1. Secure the Board: First, place your board in a jawhorse or clamp it to a strong table. Identify the high corner of the board. Clamp your bar/block onto this end, allowing the excess to hang off the opposite side. Ensure it is secure to prevent slipping during the process.
2. Add Weight: Place your bucket (or chosen weight) on the end of the bar. This weight will help bend the board back into the desired shape.
3. Heat the Board: Set your heat gun to the highest setting. Gently and quickly move it around the entire board. Make sure you evenly heat both the top and bottom surfaces. Heat for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to keep it moving to avoid overheating any single spot.
4. Let It Cool: Once heated, let the board cool completely (6-8 hours) before removing any clamps. This step is crucial; if you remove them too soon, the board might revert to its warped state as the glue rehardens.
5. Check Your Progress: After it is completely cooled, check to see if the warp is corrected. If the board still looks off, you might need to adjust the leverage by repositioning your bar and increasing the weight. Repeat the heating and cooling process as needed.
Result
After repeating the process, remove the clamps and check your work. If done correctly, your board should be nice and square, ready for shaping and sanding, and ultimately, for riding! This process can also be done on a finished board, or at any stage in the board building process.
Fixing a warped board doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a little patience, you can restore your board to the proper shape. Remember to always take precautions to prevent warping in the first place, such as storing your board on its mold after pressing, in a climate controlled environment.
Thanks for joining us at Roarockit, and happy building!