boxing your board
click here to download the boxing your board PDF
Before you start get the following items:
- 2 pieces of cardboard at least 24" by 60" unless your board is substantially smaller. That's sturdy cardboard, not the cheap stuff. (Tips:Open up a medium size box to make a big panel, or, find some store that gets large boxes and throws them out back. Appliance or furniture boxes , flat screen TV boxes, Wall to Walmart recycling bins, you know, a big box store trash. Duh.
- 6 pieces of cardboard 12" x 12"
- 6 pieces 6" x 12"
- Roll of strapping tape, the clear stuff with fiberglass strands.
- Roll of masking tape, preferably 2" wide
- Box cutter knife, now a terrorist weapon. Got Fear?
What you are trying to do is protect the nose, tail and left and right rails where they will hit the sides of the box.
First take the three pieces of 6" x 12" and wrap over the nose, wrap with lots of masking tape. Repeat for the tail. Wrap the three 12" x 12" pieces over the rail at the 3 o'clock position, repeat at the 9 o clock. ( nose is at 12, tail at 6)
Wrap the strapping tape around the board several times to hold on the rail bumpers. Lay the assembly on one of the sheets of cardboard 24" x 60" minimum.
Fold the 3 and 9 o'clock sides up and over the assembly and strapping tape into place. (Again, looking at board on floor, nose at 12 o'clock, pointed away from you)
Flip the assembly over and lay on top to the second large piece of cardboard.
Repeat the folding up and over of the sides at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions and tape with strapping tape to hold it tight.
Make several bands of tape around the board.
Now close the ends of the box by slitting the corners back a bit and fold them over like closing a regular box.
Tape closed with strapping tape. It should be tight, the padding must not slip, so attach those pieces securely.
Mark FRAGILE all over the box.
HUGE TIP: If box is under 108" in length and girth, the post office will ship for $20.00 If larger than 108" you must ship UPS and it will be a lot more. A medium sized Victoria foam board can usually be boxed up under the 108" but you have to be very careful in your assembly stage. No point loosing $30 in value in your board by having the nose or tail arrive smashed in. Happens every time it is shipped un-bumpered.