1. Preparing for course 2007

Well the class list is fast becoming complete and again we have a wide participation. I had planned to start course in August in order to get all the skis ready for the winter season, however I must "visit" my local hospital for some knee surgery. If you all do not mind we will formally start classes in September.

Meanwhile you can all do the following to prepare for the classes;
1. Buy old old pre-steam iron
2. Buy some 6" mill bastard files ( at least two) Fine cut.
3. Locate a work area since this will be a "hands-on" course
4.Buy some ski vices or wait for me to show you how to construct some form of ski holding device. Read last year's messages. In my opinion ski vices are a must. it is well worth the money to buy a set. My have lasted me 20 years!
5. Buy some sanding paper ( metal type) at least 60 , 120, 150 grit!
6. Buy a sanding block or get stiff sponge block
7. Buy some pot plastic scrub pads ( two grades rough and fine)
8. Get apron ( of you design or type)
9. Obtain at least two old skis. I have discovered children"s skis are very cheap ($5) and short! The more damaged at base and edges the better!!!!!
10. Start to make Christmas list for your parents, friends and husband and wife so that you get great ski tuning tools in December.

As we go along I will ask you to buy more tools.

You are all in the 90 percentile as far as ski interest. The first question you should all ask yourselves is how "serious" do you want to get in the tuning! There will be two levels of interest; level 1 for general interest and level 2 for serious life long interest. I will post material needed for both groups.

At level 1 you just want to get started in ski tuning thus all tools will be "basic" but good so that you do not injure yourselves. My experience has been "cheap" tools break and cause injury. Get good tools right away!

Level two is a more serious involvement thus I will recommend that you buy some tools now and get the best so that they will last you a life time. Vices is a good example. If you really are serious about tuning you need ski vices. Not woodworking vices, not steel all purpose vices, You will damage your skis and hurt yourself.
Ski vices are "specialized". They have rubber inserts to protect ski edges. They have notches for vertical and horizontal placement.
If you do plan to buy vices please note that older models have an opening range that is too narrow ( old skis were narrow), so be careful.
With the use of integrated plates I using more and more a three unit vice in which the two extreme platforms ( at tip and tail) are adjustable, while the center unit clamps onto the ski plate!

You will need some wax bars. I buy mine in large quantities at $8 a kilogram bar, You can also do so via ski school racing clubs, university ski clubs or local ski schools! I hope that at end of course you will get to know each other and "pool" your needs. In my case I have about 20 skiers who annually "contribute" to a large purchase of ski wax, thus we get wholesale prices. Whatever you do, NEVER buy those small tiny store waxes. Too expensive! Do not buy the $90 per bar high tech waxes! All-purpose wax for all ski conditions is great for ski storing in the Summer, but not for skiing! You must get at least three temp. ranges. I will discuss this in course.

Do not use candle wax or bees wax.

In conclusion, August will be your month of preparation. Get your husband, wife, parents ready to to smell of wax. Ask them permission to do this course and to "allow" you a place to: making a mess, to sanding ski bases, to toil on steel and plastic.


PS
If you have read the class outline, I am sure you have noted that we will also work on boot tuning. If possible get an old boot with cant adjustment, lean ad flex adjustment.

Also if possible get a camera so that you can send me pictures of your work!

Do you have any recommendations on ski vises?

Any thoughts on these? http://www.fktools-us.com/ProductDetail.asp?Part_Number=MT3400

Thanks!

I do not recommend this vice. Here are the reasons.

Plastic based I do not like plastic for tools.

It uses tension string to hold ski down. Such vices then to move at the center. You can not do serious edge work with this type.

I recommend the three unit type. Fpor years I used the Toko 2 unit type and it was great. However these three units with clamp in center are so much more "tight"! With so many ski shapes thes units adapt well.

Nice to see we will have more topics to discuss.

OK, well, how about this one? http://www.fktools-us.com/ProductDetail.asp?Part_Number=MT3418#

I don't mind spending the money if it is worth it. :)

I have a FK Tools iron. Something about the shade of blue they use - very functional looking 8)

seems rather expensive?!, Pavel can you recommend a vice and give a rough idea on cost? :?:

I am always on the lookout for great ski deals.

In Canadian ski stores the Toko sells for 125$. Cost for store is $60. I bough my first vice with university racing team and since we bought 10 units we got wholesale price at $50 ( many years ago).


There are "deals" where ski resorts close, ski stores close or ski center auctions. The units I have now I bought for $70 at a ski center that had "silent auction" !

This is one tool that you must consider quality since you can ruin your fingers and ski edges if vice releases.

Many ski racers sell their vices once they give up ski racing, or just get some free!

Good vices last a very long time so if you think over a 20 year period ( that is how long mine last) it really is not that expensive. Also once you have mastered the tuning you will find "friends " will ask to have a hand tune done. Yes you can pay off your great vice in one season.

Sorry but I do not know any good vices under $50. However I do visit many many ski shops during the year, if you really want a good vice and are patient tell me and if I see a great deal I will buy one for you!