T4 The Tools

If you still want to tune your skis and board ( I will use the term ski to denote alpine ski and snowboard), you will have to decide now if you want to jump in the water all the way or just dip your toe into this cold water!

I will present three levels of commitment as far as ski tuning tools. You decide which is best for you, however you MUST at least have level 1 tools to continue this course for January 2007.

I have found that you do not need to buy tools from ski shops or specialized sources on net. Many of the tools are found in general stores, grocery stores and hardware stores. I will only recommend the tools I use or have used and are effective for our stated needs.

Level 1 The Entry Level Tools
Log booklet
Vices
This is a MUST since you can not do proper tuning without having the skis attached to a level surface.
I have seen many sites recommending chairs, stairs, tables, beds etc...!
Do not use anything but ski vices since you will ruin your skis and hurt yourself!
I have used regular machine vices! Crushed my sidewalls!
I have used a kitchen table with C clamps. Cut my fingers!
I have used a friend to hold skis. Cut his finger!

If you are serious about tuning, then get a ski vice! Which one is best?
Do not get plastic vices! A good vice will last you at least 10 years if not more years. It will save you money so look at this purchase as an investment! For many years I used a Toko vice but found that the model I had did not open larger enough for the new wide skis.

Here are the elements of an "acceptable vice"
1.inner vertical rubber inserts ( not to damage edges)
2.jaws opening range should fit SL skis at widest part
3.Large vertical adjustment screw which holds vices to table
4.Rubber washers on top of vertical attachment screw in order not to damage table
5. Notches at top of vice in order to hold ski horizontal. This notch must not be too deep, thus go passed ski surface. This is very important since the vice jaws will stop wax iron from flowing on base.

Snoli and FK make great units. I prefer the three unit vice set up because you can adjust height of vice platform to fit any ski bindings.

The negative aspects of the old TOKO two unit vices was that for some bindings such as Rossignol you did not have clearance.

Before buying any vices, always check that the skis will fit!, that is that vertical space will allow bindings to hang above work bench!

The round plates that are at end of vertical screw ( which tightens vice to table) often come off. Check that they are well placed on this screw!

True bar (hardware store or machinist)

6 " mill bastard file ( at least two)

10 plastic scrub pads ( various textures from coarse to fine)found in
grocery story

Paper towels

1 file guide at 2 degrees bevel.

Tape 4" from paint shop for trim painting.

Old iron

extension chord

Ceramic stone 220 grade

4 Brushes ( coarse to fine) Nylon found grocery store or hardware store

Brass brush

Rubber pad

Sandpaper ( metal) 120-220 grit)

Metal scraper ( plaster spreader or see machinist )

Plastic scraper

Plastic-rubber bands ( see postal workers or office supplies)


Typically the cost should not be more than $100 US.

2 Wax bars ( -5 to +10 range. -8 to -15 range)

Trim for ceramic tiles 4' ( not error! Used for practice filing and bevel work)

Apron

One ceramic tile ( sample) from ceramic store . Used to rest hot iron!
Hot iron will melt plastic counter tops. Hot irons will burn carpet or wood!

For the persons attending course you can "build" vice system with 2X4 wood and lug bolts! PM me!





Level 2 Tools

All of the above plus

SKS roller cutters ( for beveled vertical edges)

Diamond finishing bar

Vario base bevel guide

Very fine file

Ceramic bars 300, 400, grade

Gummy bar

Fine brass brush




Level 3 Tuner (the pro)

All of the above plus;
P-tex candle white and black
Spagetti P-tex repair white black
Diamond file
Base level heavy file
World Cup chrome files 9 fine -coarse)
SKS Vario tuner ( side and base bevel)
Roto-brush ( brushes horse hair, nylon and brass)
Roto shaft



The ultimate level ( for the fanatic )
All of the above and;

Wintersteiger Discman Ceramic tuner-
Once you use this once you will understand why you MUST have one!


Just get basic tools and over the years get friends, wives, husbands, father and ,,,,get you some of the tools.

The tuner must take the time to "learn" how each tool works. You have to learn the "touch" in using each file. You must learn what file is best for the work you want to do!

In the first level I asked you to get some ceramic tile borders. These are made of aluminum and are used to place at ends of ceramic tile counters and floors. They are cheap and great to practice filling and setting beveled edges since alu is soft and you will have to learn to be "soft" with files!

You still have time to pass along your wishes to Santa!

Typically irons come with short electric chords. You need at least 10 feet if not more! I cut the plug off original iron and buy an electric extension chord. Just re-wire and tape up with electric tape!

In order to be clean, I visit my favorite carpet store and they give me "ends" which are sample carpets or old carpets. I place one 8 "strip on bench and another 12" strip on floor. Every two months I change carpets. Clean floor. Clean bench!


I assume you have a well lite work area!

I am sure I have forgotten a tools thus this session is an "open session" with more tools indentified as we go along!


I will assume that you will get all tools by January 2007 and we will begin serious tune up work.


If you have any questions about tools please reach me via PM.

Happy shopping!