What tools would I need? I am also scared to mess up the edge angle if I try and sharpen it.
To wax I use wax remover, a metal scraper, wax, wax iron and a base brush. I start out by spraying some degreaser on the base and wiping it down thoroughly. Then I warm the base with the iron and spray on the wax remover. Wait a few mins. then start scraping. After the scraping I spray on rubbing alcohol to remove the remaining wax and wax remover. This also opens the pores of the base, or so I was told by some shop guy. I then warm the base with the iron again and begin to drip the wax. I use and extreme cold wax along the edges and an all temp wax on the rest of the base. Iron in the wax, let cool, scrape off the excess wax and finish off with the base brush.
I was a little apprehensive at first when I first started to tune the edges. There is a youtube instructional by Terje Haakonsen's personal tuner that really helped me out alot. To tune I have a Burton and a Swix edge tuner. Both are excellent. They both have multiple files, multiple angle settings and can sharpen both side and base edge. Deciding where to detune the edge is a little tricky and personal preference. I started where the nose and tail start to bend. I also have a few boards that I practiced on. I started with a 1 deg. base bevel and a 1deg. side bevel. I figured if I screwed it up I can always take it into the shop and have them grind it without losing too much material. Turned out great never had to take it in. The youtube instrucionals are a must.
