![]() Race skiers prefer a more acute angle like 87 degree, but that requires more maintenance and will feel a bit too aggressive for most recreational skiers.ĭepending on the state of the edge and how often you tune your skis, you can choose between different file options. Just stick to the same edge angle each time, you tune your skis. For most recreational skiers a side edge angle of 90-88 degree and a base edge angle of 0,5 degree will be just fine. The angle degree is either adjustable or given by the chosen file guide. When properly done, the edge cuts like a knife.įAQ 1: What angle degree should I choose? Do as you like.Ĭontrol the sharpness with your fingers regularly and continue filing until the edge feels sharp. Some people argue that you should always drag the files from tip to tail, but the other way around will make the edge just as sharp. Use long, regular and overlapping strokes from tip to tail of the ski. You are aiming to grind off fine metal ringlets of the edge. Hold the guide so it slides tight on the base and the file slides tight on the side edge without pressing too hard. This might be true, but great results are definitely possible without any kind of liquid, so I find lubricant optional. PRO TIP: Some people prefer to use water, human spit or ideally a 50-50 blend of alcohol and water as lubricant to collect excess material and allegedly make the diamond or file last longer. Do this on both the side edge and the base edge, if necessary.ĭepending on the size of the burs, you can either use a 200 (coarse), 400 or 600 (fine) grit stone. I prefer to use the file guide (please see step 4) to maintain the diamond stone flat on the edge, so it does not round it by accident. This is done by rubbing the diamond stone on the edge a few times until the edge feels nice and regular. Please note, that there are two sides to the edge: the base side parallel to the base and the side edge parallel to the side of the ski.īefore you start the file work, you want to remove the any irregularities or burrs on the edge to make the process efficient and prolong the life time of your files. Use a strong rubber band - a ski brake retainer - to hold the ski brake in. Secure your skis with the base of the ski facing away from you. The two identical vises should be placed so they can hold the ski with a bit of distance to the binding on each side. You can of course also cover the floor with an old carpet or something similar. Instead I recommend concrete floors, tiles, stone or another smooth surface that can take small metal ringlets and excess wax. Wooden floors and carpets are usually not a good option. You should therefore choose a location easy to clean and where this is ok. Tuning will produce metal shavings and if you wax the skis after sharpening the edges excess wax will most likely end up on the table and the floor. I therefore primarily recommend them through the links, although brands like Demon, XCMAN, Toko, Dakine, Racewax or Wintersteiger also make great equipment. Swix is the brand I have always used and known for excellent quality. It will make the process more enjoyable, easier and often with better results - and the equipment will last longer. I only recommend equipment of high quality, whether you go for a simple beginner kit or want a more advanced setup. Your support is much appreciated and will help us produce more inspirational material that can help you and others improve their skiing. Please note, that I am an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to buy any of the products I recommend – or any other product – on Amazon within 24 hours after clicking on one of our links, we will earn a small commission. ![]() These seven steps will take your ski edges from dull to razor sharp.ĭISCLOSURE: For each step, I link to buying options on Amazon for the equipment, I recommend. Remember, though, that tuning your skis is a skill that will be improved through practice. In this article, I present a step-by-step guide on how to sharpen your edges, so you will get a great result without having to pay a shop to do it. Sharp edges on your skis enables a good grip in the snow – which makes skiing on hard snow a lot more fun!
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