Snowboarding Forum - Snowboard Enthusiast Forums banner

Dilemma...Snowboarding Iron Vs. Clothing Iron

88K views 23 replies 18 participants last post by  elfridaauston87 
#1 ·
Until now, I've always been lazy and brought my board into the shop to get waxed. Recently they have done a lousy job, and I figure if I learn how to do it myself I can save myself a bit of money. I also figure that if I spend more then the 10-15minutes they put into it, I can get a better coat.

Anyways, I was going to buy a snowboarding Iron/Wax Kit until I saw that they cost $110 or so (atleast at this particular store). I figure I just, instead, go buy a clothing Iron for $12, and wax. When I ran this by the waxing guy he told me I was committing some sort of snowboarding sin. That I would ruin the board, and that the only way to wax a board was with a snowboarding iron. I've asked the only person I know who waxes their own board, and they say its ok, as long as you manage the heat.

Does anyone else use a regular Clothing Iron to wax their board?
Because if this is in fact possible, I would like to give Waxing a try. The cost of a regular Iron Vs. a real Snowboarding Iron gives the regular iron an advantage over the snowboarding iron.

For those who do use a regular Iron (if they exist), What heat setting do you use? [Weather it be a fabric setting ({Coldest}Nylon,Silk,Wool,Cotton,Linen,etc{Hottest}) or A numerical setting ({Coldest}1,2,3,4,5,etc{Hottest})].

Thanks,
Rogue
 
See less See more
#4 · (Edited)
What's this $110 iron you speak of?

Wax Irons

Swix FX is great for the price. I know a few shops that use either this model or the Swix economy one.

I have a friend that uses a normal iron, but I don't recommend it. The heat on clothing irons are not consistent. Furthermore, the wax will build up in the steam holes as you run it over your board heating the wax unevenly as well.

Not the biggest deal, as my friend obviously has no complaints (he's not that experienced anyway). I personally wouldn't do it.
 
#6 ·
I picked up a little Dakine iron. Think it was 40 or so. Works like a breeze and distributes the wax nicely. Probably could have found it cheaper but I bought it from my local shop.
 
#7 · (Edited)
First post here...woohoo

I've been tuning for 15 years and use a regular old clothes iron. There is no need to buy one of those expensive kits that includes a special "wax" iron. Just make sure when the iron contacts your board it isn't hot enough to smoke the wax, and make sure you move it around to distribute the wax accordingly. Tuning is really quite easy to do. It typically takes me one beer per board.
 
#11 ·
I really have no idea what it's set at now. It's a pretty old school iron with just number settings. It is on the low end though. I adjust it ever time because some of the waxes tend to start to smoke at different temps depending on what temp it was meant for. No smoke from the wax and you are good to go.
 
#10 ·
I have used a regular iron for all of my waxing needs, and for my friends as well. Yes it has holes in ii, but they don't seem to pose any problem for me. The temperature is hit and miss. Start off with a low temp and work your way up until you find the right temp (no smoke coming from wax) and then just leave the iron set there. Just unplug it when you're done and your temp setting will never change. Eventually I'll pick up a true waxing iron, but until I do, i'll continue to use the regular, plain-old-clothes iron.
 
#14 ·
I think that whoever started the myth that holes on irons for waxing are bad just wanted to sell more waxing irons. The holes have never caused any smoking for me at least, and really, they are a non-issue IMO.
 
#16 ·
I actually read an article in snowboarder magazine about using a heated up frying pan, as long as its smooth on the bottom.
I've used a clothes iron before. Try to get one without (or with less) holes. The travel one would be a good idea. Most important thing: KEEP IT MOVING. Just like with clothes, keeping it on the same spot too long is what can cause damage. (Even so, you shouldn't run into any problems)
 
#23 ·
I use a $7 iron from walmart. Works just fine, have never experienced smoking or anything - it doesn't have many holes, just a few around the top, but I don't think they make a difference anyway. Mine is set right on the line that separates wool and cotton.




Edit: Just realized this was an old thread brought back from the dead. Whoops.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top