 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi,
I have a basic bench setup with an iron and stiff nylon brush. I have been waxing and it seems to be working well. However do I need another brush (copper or horse hair).
I also want to move on to edging but want to know what I can get by with. There are five sets of skis which could do with at least a wax and edge before we go away as we should be getting a few days in Scotland. I just don't want to pay the local shop when I could do it myself.
Questions-
Do I need to do anything to the base edges? I hear they are probably ok for a very occasional service.
The skis are mixed, everyone else skis on piste with pretty bog standard piste skis (head, K2). I have a set of preachers and do some off-piste. Would I be ok edging the sides all to 3 degrees? Or should I get a multi-edging tool and find out the factory settings from the manufacturers.
Any further tools I need for deburring and finishing? I am on a budget so really looking at the essentials and then build up to the more specialised tools and equipment, fingers crossed I get an Christmas bonus from work.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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One more thing the single angle edging tools are much cheaper than the ones that do multiple angles so what would you advise I buy with the £20 or so I would save?
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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If you have the time, you will get all the answers to all your questions and more from Jon Coster at the Piste Office - I went on one of his half day ski tuning training sessions and left with all the tools you could shake a ski at as well as enough knowledge to know how to use the. He also has a handy online tuning guide with lots of advice about tools (which he also sells):
http://www.thepisteoffice.com/index.php/1-tuning-advice/tuning-guide.html
To your specific questions:
Base edges: you are right, they need less attention than the side edges, but I still give them a gentle once over each time I do the edges.
Jon has a handy page that shows what the manufacturers set their base and edge angles to. Unless you have reason to change it I would stick to what they are currently, as changing the angles is only possible by removing metal, and so reduces the number of times you can do it.
http://www.thepisteoffice.com/index.php/edge-angles-wax-data/15-ski-manufacturers-edge-angle-specifications.html
I prefer to use the guides that are set for a single edge angle rather than an adjustable one. They are cheaper and quicker to use, and chances are you don't need more than one unless you are very unlucky with the edges you've got your skis set to. You could, if they aren't already, standardise all your skis to one set of edge angles.
Other tools:
- alu-oxide stone
- file
- various grades of diamond file depending on the quality of finish you require
- something for de-burring (I use a gummi stone - very different to a gummi bear)
- something to lubricate the diamond files
- clamps/vices/bench to hold it all while you work
You might need to remove of the side wall, though this isn't something that needs doing every time, so if you've had your edges done before chances are you won't need that tool straight away.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Be wary of adjustable guides that can change angle without you noticing.
 What a tedious day that was.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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If you look at the ski tuning kits at Thepisteoffice you'll get a good idea of what you might need.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I wouldn't bother with the base angle if I were you.
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I bought a unit off ebay which gives you two angles, i also was given a unit you attach to a dremill... that works very well, but i now get my skis done in resort.. doing them myself was therapeutic..but soooo much info on youtube though, no need to go on a course..
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Good info.
The basic kit from the piste office looks good.
One question - it appears both my 2012 preachers and my wife's head 2011 skis are 1,1.
http://www.thepisteoffice.com/index.php/edge-angles-wax-data/15-ski-manufacturers-edge-angle-specifications.html
What is the chance that the shop (freeze pro) will have changed the angles and put what appears to be a more standard 1,3 on them? Would they even check or would they use a common angle?
I either have to buy 87 or an 89 edge guide want to work out what's on them already. I would prefer to do them to 1,3 as Whitedot seem to do that anyway and as a piste skier I think this would be better on my wife's skis too.
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@roscoeh, just get an 87 guide and set all the skis you have to that. Simples.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| spyderjon wrote: |
| @roscoeh, just get an 87 guide and set all the skis you have to that. Simples. |
I had a collection of 88s and 87s. I decided to standardise on 87 as my daughter is a racer and I service hers (almost) weekly. I certainly haven't noticed the difference on my skis that have changed. Not sure what that says about my skiing ability or servicing skills.
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