Anyone tune their own skis?

[lv2ski]

I have wanted to get the right equipment and start doing my own tunings. It seems that often after I get my skis tuned they are over sharpened or something(tails+tips?) and really heard to ski on. It happened last year with my fairly new Volkl 5 stars, and a few times in the past with my other skis. So now I am hesitant to let anyone touch them. Any suggestions

 

[volklgirl]

Most likely, they're not "overly sharp". Instead, they probably have a hanging burr along the edge. It's super simple to take care of. Get a "Gummy" stone (approx $5-$7 US), lay it flat along the base edge and scrub back-and-forth all along the edge. Then do the same for the side edge. Whe you're done, squeeze the edges of the ski and slide your fingers down the length of the ski - gently . Anywhere the edges aren't totally smooth needs to be gummied again. You should be able to squeeze the ski very tightly with your fingertips and run you hands all the way down without getting nicked or cut.

Also, when you take your skis in for a professional tune, you need to specify that you want the base and edge bevels set back to the manufacturer's spec - 1* side bevel and 2* base bevel for all Volkls (unless you've experimented and found a bevel you like better). Otherwise they may grind them flat. Yuck!!

Also, if you're a skidder more than a carver, a quick "de-tune" of the tip and tail will allow the edges to release more easily for skidding. Take the same gummy and round off the edges at the tip and tail just to the point where the ski touches the ground (called the contact point).

Tuning for yourself is incredibly simple and gives you the freedom to set your skis exactly how you like. There's a thread on here about waxing, and many, many threads on Epic about tuning (including a new one with pictures). If you want, I can give you a quick run-down on tools and techniques for tuning.

 

[lv2ski]

Thanks volklgirl....I am not sure it could be burrs, but possibly. They tend to grab and not release into the turn, but I wouldn't consider my self a skidder any more. I do have a gummy stone and will be more liberal with it I guess, have just been concerned about damaging the tune. So you can use it on the base edge and the side edge, as long as it does not rub the actual base of ski? I have looked into "Rays Way Tuning" but haven't ordered the equipment. The thought and $$ of setting up a bench, clamps and all has held me back. I will check out epic. If you think of any other tips send them my way, Thanks

 

[volklgirl]

The gummy is soft enough and has a fine enough grit that you'd have to deliberately and repeatedly scrub at a weird angle to really mess up your edges. Your edges are sharp if you can scrape a curl off your thumbnail with them and they're "done" if you can slide your fingers smoothly down the edges. Even the smallest burr can cause your skis to 'hang' when skiing. Many shops will neglect the final polish and deburr if you didn't pay big $$ for their best race tune. :mad:

Home tuning doesn't necessarily require vises and big $$. We built an extension on our work bench out of 2x6s that hold the skis pretty securely, although we can't turn them on their side - though I've had no real need to yet. We got a combo base/side bevel too for around $30, a bastard cut and fine file from the hardware store as well as a brass brush and a small Arkansas stone for edge polishing, and Scotchbrite pads from Wally-World. The items we did spend $$ on are an iron (after years of using an old household iron), 2 grits of Gummis, plastic and metal scrapers, and a really nice horsehair brush (actually I won it during race league). The items that get daily use are the Arkansas stone and Gummis, the Scotchbrite pads, the brass and horsehair brushes, and the iron. The base and edge file items only get used "as needed".

If you've never tried it, start with waxing first. The best (cheap) wax for most conditions is Hertel Hot Sauce www.hertelskiwax.com. Drip it on, iron it in, then scrape it all off. Rub gently with Scotchbrite, brush vigorously, and you're done.