Lesson 5: Getting hands dirty

Before we begin class just some small "administrative" issues to present.

First a small reminder that you all had "homework" to do and I do note the feedback for the final class mark and prize! ( and diploma)

I still do not have de Loco and Jamser's email so that I can send some tuning material and pictures.

I also would like to welcome back Jan who has changed school districts, but since he was "enrolled" before his move the school administrators of this course accepted him! Jan will try to catch up with all the work we did!

Also I have received several emails asking to be part of this class and thus obtain all the "class notes and documents " that the registered students obtain. Sorry all requests.


The class title is actually a teaser! ( You will get to know me and find out that I try to keep students interested with various teaching techniques)
In fact before you start your tuning wash hands and clean skis. Not so much because of germs and viruses but because you do not want to pass along ; chemicals, grease, etc...If you are like me I do all sorts of work around the house and use strong cleaners, lithium grease, boiled linseed oil etc... All are contaminates which can cause problems.
I will show you later how to "read" wax once it is melted on a ski base. As it changes from liquid to solid state you can "see" areas that are contaminated often with just your own body oils or shop dust, or pieces of steel edges!

I will assume you all have that old ski and a clean work area!

As far as tools if you are just start to learn,, just get basic tools which I will list and gradually increase your inventory! I suggest you get a plastic tool box with a tray which can come out of the box! I like the kind that has many sections for various small tools!

May I suggest also that many of the tools that you will need can be bought in various stores other than ski shops! I have found that ski shops and ski tuning companies have prices that are much higher ! So for same tool, and I mean same tool you can have a 10-20% difference!
I find great scrub plastic pads in my local grocery store!
I find great sanding paper in my local auto parts store.
I find great files in my machinists shop!
I get 50-100 plastic scrappers for my classes in a hobby store who has left over plexiglass.
I get 50-100 metal scrappers from left over machine shop. They will pressure cut all metal for free!
The machine shop will also give me 50 true bars ( that are really true) for free from left over metal bars.
Now before I get all sorts of emails about how tools must be perfectly calibrated, let me just say that all machinists I have dealt with are perfectionist to the ,002" since their job depends on it!

My point is that getting all the tuning equipment does not have to be so expensive! Think outside the box!

Let me give you an example.
One of the essential tools you will have to buy is a diamond stick. Once you get "hooked on tuning" you will have several! One company supplies ski shops but also sporting goods shops ( for sharping knives).
Imagine the same diamond stick sells $10 more in a ski shop! Look around for quality and tool price!

Do not buy cheap! It is dangerous and on the long run you are not saving money!

As I mentioned previously get an "old iron"! I modify mine by installing a longer and better electrical wire!

I also test it in an old ski BEFORE I use it! This was your homework! You do this to "test" the reference dial ( if you have one) and also you learn the possible problems if you ever leave an iron on; a bench, a ski base, rag, etc...

Never never but never leave an iron plugged if you leave work area. This is very important for the younger students. Once you start working with iron do not answer cell phone, go watch TV, get a drink, see friend!!!!

I get sample ceramic tiles and I insist that all irons be placed on these tiles. Get to know your iron! I have several and each has its personality and heat zone! That is why you have a "practice ski"!

For a complete list of basic tools just visit my previous class ( 2006) under TOOLS. I can also send you all an excellent site that lists all tools my level of competence.

You must learn to use each tool effectively! That will take more time than you think! Just sanding or filing has its "secrets"! For example typically poor tuners use their hands and fingers as "holders" of the paper. If you watch master car body men/women they all use a rubber block which has a half moon top section and the lips have tiny pins which hold the paper.
My is 30 years old and still going! It feels good and it sands great since it has a perfect level plane. Cost $4!

For now what you will need for next class are the following;
1. Iron
2.paper towels ( I like the shop towels, thicker, stronger)
3.gummy block
4.diamond stick
5.true bar
6.vices ( for skis not larger shop vices)
I have a set of old wooden vices that are still functional that was given to me by an old cross - country skier called Jack Rabbit! That is another story and class! So Jan , in your spare time , if you want you can build yourself a set!
7. ceramic tile ( larger the better)
8.Old carpet piece! Your homework is finding out,,,what Pavel would do with an old piece of carpet 5'x14"
9.Metal and plastic scrapper
10. 6" mill bastard files ( Yes that is exactly what they are called)
11. Sheets of sanding paper (for metal) with following grades; 100, 180, 200,
12. Special sanding pads made for plaster joints. These are used by plasterers and look like square meshed pads. Far superior to sanding paper for some jobs.
13. Sanding blocks. These are foam or hard plastic blocks with surfaces for sanding. Found in large hardware stores.
14. All purpose ski wax! Get cheapest for practice. Not candle wax or other types of wax. For the students will be sending you a document on this topic soon!
15.Apron. If you have no male ego issues an old one from your wife or in-laws is great! I am sure they would love a new one from you!
16. Power bar. I like to be safe so all my tools are plugged to a power bar with internal fuse.


I am sure to have forgotten some tools, however with this list it should be a nice shopping trip! In the case of de Loco and Jamser you can share some tools but you will soon discover that you want YOUR tool box and YOUR TOOLS. My sons never seemed to clean the iron my way, or set the files in their place. So at 12 they had their tool box!

Hope this was no too boring of a class. Remember your base burning homework and keep those hands clean!

Oh,,,remember momework !!! That carpet! What is it for?