Vacuum bagging vs. Pressing

I had the opportunity to tour another ski and board facility that used vacuum bags instead of a press.  It got me thinking about the feasibility of that technology because they are able to make boards or skis and they even use the heavy silicone bags to sublimate their top sheets.

Compare that to a ski press and you have the ability to do skis or snowboards but not without a long layover to switch the press.  However, my press idea might mitigate that layover but that's for another post.

This facility had everything in-house.  They had two CNC tables.  One was a 3D table used for cores or tail blocks or whatever you might want to mill out in 3D and the other was a 2D cutter that used a super sharp knife and was strictly for base material though I bet you could cut stickers too...

They also used a base grinding machine to remove extra resin and material from the raw ski/board.  We use a more hands on method and one could argue that we achieve a better quality ski in the end.

Either way, having all processes in one facility looked like a nice way to do things.  I think I would take a ton of cash to get there though.  So, for now, I'll focus on just making one snowboard and build from there...

Thanks for tuning in!

-D2

Switch over...

Today I had the pleasure of getting to know The White Room's press.  We swapped the form blocks out from the 186 to the 196 Renegades.  I learned a lot about the press that will be helpful when it comes time to work on my own.

Next week we lay up and get the 2013-2014 Renegade line completed.  If you end up buying a pair just know that I've touched them.

-D2

Thermal Stability

All plastics are subject to physical changes when temperature fluctuates.  They shrink when they get cold and expand when they get hot.  It's physics.  And some types of plastics are more thermally stable than others.
One of the plastics that is particularly subject to thermal expansion under heat is Polyethylene.  It is also the best material to use for the base of a ski/snowboard due to it's low coefficient of friction and its durability.
Awesome right?  Right!  Until you try and lay up a ski in a shop without AC in the dead of summer in the desert that is SLC.

It gets to be a challenge to make everything fit.  We make it happen though.  And the skis that come out of this shop are parallel to none.

Moral: My shop will have to be Air Conditioned...

-D2

Restlessness

I put aside a perfectly content lifestyle with an amazing wife and dog to move in with a stranger for 3 months and work for free with no friends nearby except a second cousin.  Needless to say, this summer has been hard.

It's taught me a lot.  Not just about the snow sports industry but also about myself.  I have an unrelenting work ethic.  I can make friends anywhere.  And I don't like being away from my family.

I miss my wife.  But it's almost over and I'll probably look back on this post and laugh at how impossible life felt in this moment.

For now though, I can't sleep.

-D2

Prototyping!

Here at 4FRNT we're about to start laying up some prototypes skis. One of our team riders (Hoji) is going to take them up to BC and do some testing. The outcome of which may determine future production of the entire line up.
It's been awesome to be involved in the process of designing a ski and even cooler to get to make it.

Look for the Raven!

-D2

The Press

I think I have a killer idea for the snowboard press.  It could save a lot of money and allow me to press two different length boards without having to shut down the press.

It might be my ticket to fame...

-D2

Carbon Fiber

I had the opportunity to work with carbon fiber yesterday.  It's a pain to work with compared to fiberglass.
I'm impressed with the difference in flex and weight though.  Despite the difficulty during manufacturing, I think it will be beneficial to incorporate some carbon in some of the freeride and alpine boards.
I think it would make the park boards a bit to rigid and unforgiving but maybe paired with a thinner core it could work.

I can't wait to get to press some of these ideas...

-D2

The start of something...

Those of you that have talked to me lately know a bit about my plans and why I'm currently in Utah.  Some of you might not however, so here is whats going on!
I have been laid off from my Manufacturing gig.  The company wasn't covering operating expenses and they couldn't afford to lose and more manufacturing personnel so they had to cut from the top.  For anyone else that has been laid off due to circumstances beyond your control you understand that: it's not your fault but you still feel like a failure.  It shakes your confidence and automatically throws you into an existential crisis.

Thank goodness for unemployment insurance!

After much deliberation, job searching and resume revisions, I've decided to start a company.

I'm going to make snowboards.

As for why I'm in Utah...  I have a relative that started his own Ski company called 4FRNT skis.  They are based out of Salt Lake City, UT and they make some amazing skis.  If you're a skier you should look into getting a pair.  Trust me, I make them.
I'm getting hands on experience working with ski components and equipment.  It's been invaluable experience and I'm so glad that I have such a supportive wife and dog to have allowed me to ditch them for the summer.

So that's sums it up.  I left home the last week of May and drove out to Utah.  I'll be headed back to MPLS to get started on the shop at the end of August.  I'm hoping to press my first board by the end of December.

I'll keep you posted.

-D2

Ready, Set, Go!

Hey gang!
This is going to be where I (Drew Davis) post about my pitfalls and triumphs that I encounter while starting a company.
This is my blog. There are many like it but this one is mine...

So lets get started shall we?

-D2