OT: Ski maintenance

[Mr. Pink]

If you don't have a space you don't mind getting messy as hell, season tune.

[blindwilly]

Personally I think a pre-season full tune followed by a wax every 4-6 outings and you should be all set. More often wont hurt. If you are going to ski 40+ times you might want a mid season tune up. as previously stated, you can not reverse too much sharpening. Also, if sharpened incorrectly or over sharpened you will end up with grabby edges. Personally, I just keep a good base of wax and don't let the base dry out. if you're racing I'm sure you may want to be more exact in your maintenance. Full disclosure: I snowboard.

[mulp]

haha i'll never forget the smell of burning ptex candles and then scraping them off with razor blades.

[Mr. Pink]

Originally Posted by blindwilly

Personally I think a pre-season full tune followed by a wax every 4-6 outings and you should be all set. More often wont hurt. If you are going to ski 40+ times you might want a mid season tune up. as previously stated, you can not reverse too much sharpening. Also, if sharpened incorrectly or over sharpened you will end up with grabby edges. Personally, I just keep a good base of wax and don't let the base dry out. if you're racing I'm sure you may want to be more exact in your maintenance. Full disclosure: I snowboard.

No wonder you snowboarders can't carve and hold an edge.

Maybe Utah (once had a snowboarder out there tell me how he actually dulled his edges during storm cycles), but, you're from Ma., where, well, if the forecast is correct after this rain and flash freeze, will be an ice rink by Friday.
Full disclosure, I ski and snowboard.

[blindwilly]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pink

No wonder you snowboarders can't carve and hold an edge.

Maybe Utah (once had a snowboarder out there tell me how he actually dulled his edges during storm cycles), but, you're from Ma., where, well, if the forecast is correct after this rain and flash freeze, will be an ice rink by Friday.
Full disclosure, I ski and snowboard.

I say keep your carving and your moguls! don't need edges to fly.

[sfscott]

Sun Valley Ski Tools is your go-to for every tool and wax you will ever need.

YouTube for videos. Toko has a good series.

Stick to a GOOD shop for preseason grind/structure/tune or major base repair.

[tuxbailey]

Couple years ago when I asked the same question I was recommended this vise:



It works quite well as I just screw the 3 pieces to a 2 x 4 and quick clamp to a work bench (skis only.)

However, the company that makes it (tools4boards) doesn't make this anymore and it appears they have an upgraded model (different design.)

For the rest just get a kit from any of the recommended sites (racewax, etc.)

This video is quite good. Kind of relaxing to watch too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wktgAD_tXtk


Edit:

After you do this for a while your scraper will need to sharpened as well. Use a a sharpener:

https://www.tognar.com/toko-world-cu...per-sharpener/

I think I paid much cheaper on ebay.

[dr50470]

I used to tune our own skis, time consuming and never as good as the shop. I second the comments about not being able to keep the bottoms flat and having to deal with edges that were lower than the base=base grinding=premature ski wear and replacement. I still deburr edges as needed and wax, as needed....I typically ski 60+ days/year in New England (hard pack/ice) and have my skis tuned two-three times/season. The new tuning machines are incredibly gentle on your ski and, IMHO can't be beat by DIY.

[djg]

Originally Posted by mulp

haha i'll never forget the smell of burning ptex candles and then scraping them off with razor blades.

High school ski maintenance, at which I became . . . ok -- not bad. And the old iron and wax kit. I haven't done it myself in this century. I just use this plastic scraper that says Visa on it and hand it to the pros.

[merlinmurph]

Originally Posted by blindwilly

I say keep your carving and your moguls! don't need edges to fly.

Gotta land sometime. ;-)

Nice air!