Homework #2 Answers Video tune up You Tube

First allow me to wish class and all other "observers" a very happy new year.

Some administrative issues first
1. Since we are so far away and spread throughout several countries it is important to me to get feedback from you so that I can gauge my pace and level of technical precision.

2. I am very serious about giving away at end of course a set of ski vices and as of now only Forny did his homework in regards to the video analysis. He is now the first place candidate for the vices.

3. I would like to know if the following are still "enrolled" in class since I have had 50 requests to join class formally. Are the following still "in class":
Jobster, Powderhound,Darko,Forny,Graviteski,Dino,Cleppard.

Please confirm via PM.

Video Analysis of Tune UP from YOU TUBE.

The goal of this analysis is for the class to understand the safety issues when tuning a ski. Also to identify procedures that are counter-productive, dangerous or not recommended.

I will identify the "errors" and comment on some of the more "dangerous" parts. For the persons who are late for class, may I suggest you view video before reading this message.

MAJOR ERRORS IN VIDEO

1. Ski on floor at back
Poor practice. Kept work area clean. Keep "other" ski away! Not leaning against wall.

2. 2 propane tanks indoors
***** extremely dangerous NEVER BUT NEVER STORE propane indoors

3. Using match close to indoor propane tanks

4. No work apron

5. Unstable work bench

6. Vice grips used as ski brake holders. Use large elastics.

7. Constant use of fingers and hands to wipe ski, ski edges, ski base.
Dangerous due to metal shavings
Hands have natural oils which "contaminate" base and edges
We will later do an exercise in which you will place thumb on base and then lay wax on spot. You will note than wax will NOT "hold" due to body oils!!!

8. Notice there is no or very little "clean up" after each stage of the tune up.

9. Base repair is poorly done due to poor training.

10. Using vice gripes to hold candle ( hold with hand)

11. Never let P-tex candle drip , it should flow one continous line so that Ptex material is uniform and bonded.

12. Note Ptex drips on unprotected bench which is dirty. Fire can catch!
I have ceramic tiles under ski to catch Ptex surplus

13. Grooves are never cleaned first

14. Grooves are not "prepared" for Ptex

15. Note tool used to get Ptex off. Never use metal scrapper . Use knife

16. Note how scrapper is used "sideways" or 90 degrees from ski edges.
Never do this since it creates grooves you will have to eliminate

17. Allow Ptex to cool over night BEFORE taking "over-flow" off

18. Note how match is thrown on floor, just next to wood chips.

19. Base never prepared for wax

20. Iron not hot enough since wax "drips" on base. It should flow in one set line.

21. Poor wax spread on base

22. Note how iron goes 90 degrees from ski edges. NEVER!!!
Iron must at all times flow from tip to tail.

23. Base not pre-heated for maximum wax penetration and notice how wax "solidifies" before he has chance to spread. You will be able to "identify" an experienced tuner by how fast he/she can lay wax BEFORE it solidifies. This is the key to proper waxing. You must lay wax from tip to tail in one quick even motion and quickly return to tip and spread still liquid wax over all of base!

24. No final structuring with brushes or pads

25. Poor tail finish ( table moves)

26, No side clean up ( extra wax on edges)

27. No clean up at tip.

29. No clean up at binding area ( beginners should have taped sides)

30. No protection of bases after tune up.
A serious tuner will place paper, rags or towel BETWEEN two skis to protect edges and base.

31. Iron with holes

32. Iron with short electrical chord

33. No clean up after working.

34. No protection on floor.
Solid wax on floor is very dangerous


Learn the correct and safe way to tune skis and do not use the poor procedures on the video seen.


You should have iron, old skis, tune area ready for next week.