SKi Tuning

[bubblebutt]

I'm thinking of trying to tune my own skis, i.e. repair the bases, tune the edges and wax them, not because I don't want to pay for proffesional tuning but I think it would be a neat thing to learn how to do.

Anbody out there got experience on what you need to buy and any books that explain how to do it?

[pete_a]

http://www.tognar.com/

 

check out tognar toolworks...they've got everything one could possibly need for ski tuning. I spent about $50 ordering a soldering iron, 10' of p-tex string (better than ptex candles), and few random things like a metal scraper....at-home base repair is now a piece of cake for me.

 

...for a cheap waxing iron, just got to goodwill and pick up a clothes iron for $5.

[iain]

just like in skiing, it's easy to spend way too much money on ski tuning gear.

 

here's the essential stuff, in my opinion:

cheap iron w/o steam holes (usually set to "wool" setting or lower) don't even think about using it for clothes after you have waxed with it

 

plastic wax scraper

some universal wax

metal wood finishing scraper

quality file (for flat-filing the bases and for sharpening your metal scraper)

ptex cord or candles (the cord is more durable and has a higher melting point, but requires a ptex iron to melt and use)

ptex iron (I find a standard soldering iron too hot)

a good brush

edge sharpening thingy

 

above all, for good base repairs, a sharp metal scraper is key. keep it sharp during your scraping with your file.

 

some vices are also nice if you want to get good repairs, though I have done without them using the kitchen counter instead. this can be VERY frustrating, but good ski vices are expensive.

 

don't breath the fumes.