T12

We are getting near the end of the course and very soon you will be prepared to do all your tuning.

A few comments.

The more precise and clean you are as you work, the less work you will have.

Remember to do all work in gradual steps, never file or brush with radical tools. The golden rule in tuning is better 5 easy passes than one hard missed passed. If you make a "mistake" it is always more difficult repairing it!

In "structuring" the base again go from coarse grind to fine grind. Fine for me is 400 grind.

Soft Spring snow requires "deeper wider" grooves while winter hard snow requires narrower, closer grooves.

If you can get hold of the Swix Ski Racing Preparationj booklet on page 6 you have an excellent illustration of the beveling to do. Pay particular note of the base beveling. Note that if you like a tight sharp turning ski such as in Slalom racing , there is NO base bevel!

I know shops will argue with you. Just get them to do a FLAT STONE pass! Nothing else!!
I never do a base bevel. It is up to you to decide.
( for the skiers that registered for the course I will send you via snail mail the booklets from Swix.

Remember to keep a log of your work, so that you can refer to it.

You now have the essentials in ski tuning. Now you must practice on old skis.

Here is a hint that will make you the "respected skier on the hill".
In one of my old posts I asked how do you recognize "Pro Skiers".
You know the ones that do this for living; patrollers, ski instructors, racers, ski resort staff.

Well one of the clues is how the skis are "prepared for the hill"! Once you have finished tuning and waxing skis, place some folded newspaper between tips and tails. I go to my local carpet store and get for free carpet ends ( leftovers). I cut them just the width of skis and about 20 cm. in length. Every time I go skiing , I have carpets sections between the skis. Yes I am fanatic, but then my skis are not dulled and wax base is perfect.

That is why my skis give me so much pleasure.
As you take off the ski straps and take the carpet sections off watch the looks of respect you will get from the pros. They know you take care of your skis just like they do!

At the end of the day, have an old towel to wipe off skis so they will not rust!


Many of you have sent me via PM requests for specific problems or issues. Feel free to do so in the future.

As for the class that was enrolled, please send me your addresses so I can send you your "official" J2ski Ski Tuning Certificate which you have well earned.

If ever you see an old dinosaur tuning a pair or two of skis at ski base with a SKS pro race tuner, stop and ask, "Pavel? " If you see a twinkle in his I, it is I!

We will do a run or two together.

Till then, see you next class, where we will share some secrets on how to "personalize" your boots, skis and bindings!

It was a pleasure "meeting" you all!

Pavel