NMH Alpine Skiing : Coed Alpine Skiing

Ski Tuning: The Basics

Recommended Equipment:

1. 8" base file(s) (chrome are best since they last much longer)
2. file card (for cleaning the file)
3. side edge file(s) (smaller file used to sharpen side edges)
4. 92 or 93° edge guide
5. plastic scraper
6. brass, nylon, or horsehair brush
7. wax
8. vise
9. iron
10. brillo pad(s)
11. . DMT Medium coarseness diamondstone

Note:  items #1-7 are essential, others make the job easier and better.  The team will provide an iron and a vise.

The Procedure:

1. Start by working on the base.  First check to make sure your base is flat using the true bar.  If it is convex (base is rounded and higher than edges), scrape with metal scraper.  This doesn't need to be done very frequently.
   Next, do either #2 or #3, depending on your experience:
2. Flat-file the base with one of your larger files.  Hold it at an angle, and move it from tip to tail using smooth, overlapping strokes.  Clean the file regularly with the file card.
3. To create a 0.5° "bevel" on your base edges, either use a tool specifically designed for this, or wrap one thickness of duct tape around one side of your file.  File the base with this tape running down the ski on the opposite edge you are "beveling."  The idea is to create a 0.5 ° angle on the base, at the edges, rather than have an perfectly flat base all the way across.  The angle can vary depending on personal preference.  0.5-1° is pretty standard.  Here's an exaggerated view:
   
   
4. Next work on the side edges. Put the ski in the vise sideways, with the edge facing away from you.  Hold the file against the edge guide, and the edge guide against the base of the ski, and make short, smooth, overlapping strokes from tip to tail down the entire edge.  With a 92° edge guide, you are creating an 88° interior angle between the edge and the base, as in the following diagram:
   
   
5. Dull back the tips in front of the base-to-snow contact point of the tip, and behind the contact point on the tails.  Use a stone, not a file, to do this.
6. Detune or debur the edge using a diamondstone and/or gummi stone.  This polishes the edge and makes it smooth, making carving and initiating turns easier.  Use the edge guide again to make sure you don't round your newly sharpened edges!
7. Turn the ski over and repeat steps 4-6 on the other edge.
8. Clean and texture the base to prepare it for waxing.  Use a clean cloth to remove serious debris such as metal filings, taking care not to rub them into the base as you wipe them off.  Then firmly run a Scotch brillo pad wrapped around a base file down the base to clean it, and to give it texture so that the wax can penetrate its pores.
9. Using an iron at temperature hot enough to melt the wax but not so hot that it smokes, drip wax down the length of the ski, then move the iron along the base to melt the wax evenly.  Don't let the iron sit in one place; keep it moving, but slowly enough so that you are actually heating up the ski.
10. Let the ski cool for a few minutes, then scrape the wax away completely.  Use a plastic, not metal, scraper.  This first wax application serves as a "cleaning" (note the dirt and particles of base and metal material that appear in the wax shavings).
11. Apply the second "coat" of wax.  Allow it to cool at least 20 minutes, then scrape to a smooth, thin finish. 
12. Brush the base with a brass brush.  You're done!

There are of course more details, and more elaborate tools and techniques, but the above steps should give you a good basic tuneup.  Do this at least once a week!

Sources for Ski Tuning Supplies, Helmets, Other Gear:

• ARTECH 603-632-9152

  • www.artechski.com
  • Great selection, some of the best prices available. Small family-owned business in NH.

• Tognar Toolworks 800-299-9904

  • excellent catalog (offers many tuning tips and instruction), better prices than others.

• Reliable Racing 800-223-4448 www.reliableracing.com

  • good selection, but expensive

• Race Place  800-814-7223 www.the-raceplace.com

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