 Poster: A snowHead
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What is it?
A hot box is a sealed coffin like structure containing a fan, heater & a thermostat plus a rack to hold skis/boards in a horizontal base up position. It's purpose is simply to keep freshly waxed skis/boards warm for a long period of time to allow maximum penetration & absorption of the wax in to the p-tex base.
Why do it?
The benefit of this process is that one treatment is equivalent to performing multiple hot wax cycles (approx 5-10) which not only makes the wax treatment last waaay longer but greatly increases the longevity of subsequent waxings. A well saturated base makes it considerably faster & also makes the bases more durable which helps prevent against damage from scratches & core shots. World Cup race techincians use this process all the time to cut down the time/labour required as they'd normally be applying approx 50 waxing/brushing cycles to their skis before they even hit the snow! When they're on the road the WC techs take special portable heated ski bags costing $3500 to allow them to perform the same process whilst on tour.
Who would benefit?
Hot boxing is therefore ideal for racers or simply for those who just want the ultimate in speed & durability from the bases of their skis/boards.
Although a ski/board can benefit from hot boxing at any time it is ideal for new skis/boards or following a stone grind.
What's the process?
After hot scrape cleaning the bases & brass brushing to open the structure of the skis/board a generous layer of the selected wax is ironed in & then the skis/board are placed in the hot box for 4 hours at 120-160F, depending on the wax used. The bases are then left to fully cool before scraping & brushing in the usual manner ready for use. For best performance the bases would first be hot boxed using a special base prep wax & then after cooling, scraping & brushing they'd then be hot boxed again using a quality universal wax. Following cooling, scraping & brushing they'd then either be ready for use or ready for a racer to apply their choice of specific race wax tailored match the snow conditions. And just like normal base waxing the more hot box treatments the better so Masters racers in the US often hot box their skis 5 or 6 times before use.
How much does it cost?
From £10-£20 per treatment depending on what other work is done.
Where can I get it done?
Well this is an advertorial 
http://www.jonsskituning.co.uk/content/view/50/72/
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 23-06-08 23:18; edited 1 time in total
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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And here's what a hot box looks like with the door removed.
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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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or following a stone grind.
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spyderjon, do you have the equipment to do a stone grind? if not were can you get it done in the UK?
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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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spyderjon, given it's summer you want to get a van and do a day trip down the M1 to the big smoke, stopping off at various places en-route, to collect skis from all the snowheads who aren't in your neck of the woods. Take em off, box/box/service em and return em a month later.
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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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skimottaret, not at the moment but I have access to a machine. I currently batch up any base grind work to make the trip/time worthwhile so turn around is usually a couple of weeks.
EB's at MK & Lockwoods both have well maintained machines with well dressed stones.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Sideshow_Bob, You can get your skis cooked at Bartletts in Hillingdon. They've got a hot box, if you don't want to travel t'oop north.
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spyderjon, thats interesting the sales youngster at EB MK said they dont do stone grinding 
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That's different to the type of hot box I used to enjoy as a teenager...
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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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interesting Jon, do you remove the bindings before leaving the skis in there???
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spyderjon, What size skis will it take ?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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As spyderjon suggested, Lockwoods in Leamington Spa will do stone grinds. They have done a couple for me; one pair of skis and one pair of blades. On both occasions the end result was excellent (and the price was good too). Ask for Tom as he's the chap that knows what's what and was very happy to help......and as he said, it gets him away from fitting hiking boots for a half an hour or so!!! 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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skimottaret, That's strange as I met up with the British Tele squad at MK early last season & while I was down there I put a pair of Atomic GS skis through their grinder. Perhaps their machine is currently out of use or they don't have a tech at this time of the year?
kitenski, no need to remove the bindings as the heat will not harm them nor melt the grease etc.
rjs, Haven't measured the exact max ski length on the top shelf but approx 195cm. I take an accurate measure & advise.
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You know it makes sense.
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rjs, the box will accept a 198cm ski with a couple of mm to spare. Do you ski anything longer?
Max board width is 340mm.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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spyderjon, I don't own anything longer, but Lions have several pairs of DH and SG skis.
Ski Racing Supplies have a full size hotbox. We may build a club one based on their design.
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FAQ
