Ski Maintenance/Waxing etc

[Rimmel]

I notice there is a distinct lack of information or discussion on this subject.

Does anyone maintain their own Skis? or do you all leave it to Ski servicing centres?

Personally I am a hands on type of person and love to do this sort of stuff myself.

Has anyone got any input in this area?

thanks
Rimmel

[jim-ratliff]

Does anyone maintain their own Skis? or do you all leave it to Ski servicing centres?

Personally I am a hands on type of person and love to do this sort of stuff myself.

Has anyone got any input in this area?

thanks
Rimmel

You want to talk to Gary Cassara once he gets back from his current ski trip.  He not only maintains his own skis, he even maintains others skis for them (whether they want it or not).  He not only waxes and files the base of the skis, he waxes and smoothes the topsheet of the skis.  I won't say he's over the top any, but he is VERY close.

If he doesn't respond when he gets back because the topic is old, PM him and I'm sure he will be glad to share his "few" thoughts on the subject.

[Gary]

Rimmel....yes....I  tune and wax my own skis (as Jim knows) cause my life do depend on them....Even factory tuned skis need to be checked...hands and eyes always trump machine work in my experiece.

So....what stage of maniac self tune servicing are you up to speed on?

Now Jim...we don't file the bases of our skis and if you do...it might cause some serious problems in turn transitions...

Yes....I am over and under the top with my ski board buddies....but hey....they give back what I put in!

Be happy to share any knowledge I have with what I've learned.

Gary

[Rimmel]

Personally I am a hands on type of person and love to do this sort of stuff myself.

Keywords being "sort of stuff" 

I've never tackled a pair of ski's before, in fact I just got the very first pair of Skis that I own! (Fischer amc 76 RF2)

However like I say I am very good with my hands (always have been). I saw a DVD that had a little about Ski repair and waxing, it looked like something I could do. I am also a researcher though and thoroughly investigate all options before taking on any task and therefore I though I'd ask for tips/tricks/advice on methods and equipment to use.

I'm guessing as with most things theres lots of different ways to do things depending on ski type/edge angle etc etc.

However I don't want to open my own Ski repair shop I simply want to be able to keep my edges sharp and the Skis waxed (perhaps repair the odd by mark on the bottom of the Ski). Rather than pay ?25 ($50) a go to a Ski shop for a quick wax and edge.

Can you offer any advice?

Also: Having a pair of boots fitted this week in England by a reputable boot fitter, would it be OK to post of review of my experience? For me it would be good to see if the process differs from your side of the pond.

Thanks
Rimmel

[midwif]

Hello Rimmel
A couple of months ago there was a series of articles by a contributor on just that subject. Go to the main page of realskiers and look under articles. There were three, I think, by a profound do-it-yourselfer. Recommendations on tools included.

[Rimmel]

oooooooooh thanks?

Just read the articles: Theres not enough information so someone who's never done it before. The articles assume prior knowledge in my opinion.

Good for a general overview of the process though.

[Ron]

Rimmel, first off, its easy so don't worry. Once you get the knack of it, you will be like me and gary and travel with different waxes and a mini-tuning kit.  If you really want a great resource, go over to epicski.com and check out the tuning forum there. You can read evreything you ever wanted to know and much more. Its very rewarding  and relaxing. Get your bench setup, add some tunes and a cold one or two, Put some posters on the wall and your ready to rock!

[Perry]

 
Now that sounds like what I need to do to improve my waxing station!!

I haven't messed with the edges yet.  Not sure why, except an early instructor implied it was a bad idea and that has always made me hesitate.  I think I will get a 1 and 2 degree file guide thingy

[patprof]

I  ski 4-5 times a week and got sick of paying $25-30 every two week for a shop wax and tune. Over a period of three years I acquired all the tools I needed: multi-bevel tool, diamond stones, files, iron, vices, fiberene, etc. I purchased most of my stuff from Tognar. Waxing and edge tuning is really easy to learn --and you can find much info online (this site, Tognar, Swix, etc.). I still get a shop stone grind once a year and have them plane my sidewalls, when needed.
  You can expect to pay about $150 to get all set up. It's actually very satisfying to learn how to do your own. AND-you know they were done right!