Sharpening the edges on your downhill skis is necessary for proper performance. Edge beveling can result in better glide, greater speed and increased gripping power of the ski, reports Tongar.com. With a few tools and a workbench, you can sharpen your skis at home. Check with the ski manufacturer to ensure the correct bevel angles for the base edge and side edge of your skis. Bring your skis indoors and allow them to warm and dry before performing edge work.
Step 1
Place a brake retainer on the ski to hold the brake in an up position. Use a Velcro strap or a thick rubber band.
Step 2
Position the ski on riser blocks with the base facing up.
Step 3
Clamp a metal file to the base-edge bevel guide. Ensure that the teeth of the file are facing the tail of the ski.
Step 4
Place the file flat against the base edge. Run the file along the base edge from the tip of the ski toward the tail. Use short, repetitive, overlapping strokes.
Step 5
Put the ski in a vise so that the side edge is up and the base is facing away from you.
Step 6
Clamp the metal file to the side-edge bevel guide with the teeth facing the tail of the ski.
Step 7
Place the file flat against the side edge. Drag the file from the tip toward the tail of the ski. Use constant pressure and short, repetitive movements.
Step 8
Repeat the steps to sharpen the base edges and side edges on both skis.
Step 9
Run a gummi stone down the edges of both skis to remove any burrs. Use the edge bevel guides with the stone.
Tips and Warnings
- According to RaceWax.com, a 0.5- or 1-degree base angle with a 1-degree side bevel is a typical starting point. A 1-degree base angle with a 2-degree side angle is better for hard pack or icy conditions.
- Do not overfile the base edge. The Harb Ski Systems website recommends filing the base edge only after the base is stone-ground to flat by a machine.
Things You'll Need
- Brake retainer
- Metal file
- Base-edge bevel guide
- Side-edge bevel guide
- Vise
- Spring clamp
- Gummi stone
Member Comments