SKI TUNING TIPS

Ski Tuning Tips from Bert Lim:


Stay away from any tuning with a file on the edges, especially the base edge.  You can accidentally file away your edges and you can’t undo that.  For the most part, the kids only do the tuning using the various diamond stones with a bevel guide.  

Here’s a website I found that seems pretty good (they also sell through Amazon):  

https://www.racewax.com/tuning-tools/

Here are some items you’ll want to purchase:

1. Vices.  I’d get the Swix ones.  They work pretty well but seems a bit expensive for just vices.  

https://www.amazon.com/Swix-World-Vise-Piece-Design/dp/B000EB5Q72/ref=sr_1_3?crid=12RX2FMC00L6Q&dchild=1&keywords=swix+ski+vise&qid=1601926099&sprefix=swix+ski+%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-3

2. Waxing iron:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MQL875Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3. Whetstone Mini Diamond Stones:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004WFTD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s05?ie=UTF8&psc=1

4. Tuning clamp:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LYS5878/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

5. Side Bevel File Guides.  I think for racing, you need the 87 degree.  I got a set that has an 87-88-89.  You may also find some that are adjustable

6. Brush Kit:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045SPI6Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

7. Need some plexiglass scrapers:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0773ZZ9XQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

8. Beats manually brushing so I eventually purchased the roto brush kit that you use with a power drill.  Makes the job go much faster.  https://smile.amazon.com/XCMAN-Length-Nylon-Horsehiar-Handle-Safety/dp/B07W442K7Y/144-5818405-2839561

9. And of course wax.  Here is a good all purpose wax:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HDNGXAS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

10. I get some extra ski brake retainers.  Those are just heavy duty rubber bands to keep the brakes up.  I bought some cheap at Les Moise.

11. I would also get a gummi stone.  Helps clean off the rust and micro burrs on your edges before tuning.  

12. Fill in base gouges by using P-tex.  So I bought this kit.  I only did this for my family’s skis.  I doubt anyone on the team will actually do this.  Most will take it in to Les Moise to fix gouges.  But it was nice to have:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0045SPI6Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have done this in the unfinished area in my basement but it only has room for 1 setup and 1 person so not optimal for multiple kids.  I also used a Costco folding table so it’s not the most stable setup.  

If you are considering doing this inside, I’d also buy some tarps as the wax will drip a lot when you melt it on the base with the iron.   

When you brush the wax, it creates a fine wax dust (just like sawdust) that will also settle everywhere.  You’ll want to make the cleanup easier or have a shop vac available to clean up.   Easier in the garage, if it’s not too cold.