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Making your own skis

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AttitashSkier
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 10
has anoyne made their own skis before. i am just wondering about how mush it costs to build the ski press and how much it costs per pair to build. i have checked out www.skibuilders.com and its a really good site that shows you how to build everything. hopefully, if the shit isnt too expensive i will have a pair for the winter. that would be something to be proud of.

http://www.freewebs.com/tricksonstickspro ductions/

GLC
Jul 10 2005 8:26PM
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ztragnoB
Posts: 1704 - Karma: 27
a lot of those skis on the website are sick, but it would be a lot less expensive to just buy a pair. But if you have the money it would be dope if you made your own




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Jul 10 2005 8:28PM
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garrett.
Posts: 9304 - Karma: 3,670
i have no idea....but i wouldnt trust myself making a pair of skis that would porbly cost atleast 400 to make wen u can just go buy a good pair for 400 and not worry about them braking or anything

cant tell me shit about the tricks of this trade switch blade with a little switch to switch the switch blade switch from a 6 to 16 inch blade shits like a samarui sword a sensay


Jul 10 2005 8:28PM
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freestyle_rich
Posts: 1854 - Karma: 10
i've been working on building a pair for the last 5 months in my spare time. i've been thinking and researching different properties and different materials than that of a typical ski. the press itself, if you are just to make a clamp press does not cost much at all, about 7 pieces of wood drilled togehter and some clamps made of aluminum with holes on either side for a bolt to fit through. my ski cost is around 120$ for materials, but my core material is not wood, which is why it is more expensive.





No Props!
Jul 10 2005 8:30PM
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LeBlanc
Posts: 2888 - Karma: 20
dont bother, its too hard. Unless your realy determined

---------------------------------------

- Simon


Real East Coast Skier
Jul 10 2005 8:33PM
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crooks
Posts: 14693 - Karma: 786
yeah good point

Jul 10 2005 8:38PM
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Knewnews
Posts: 2093 - Karma: 477
it would be sick but i wouldn't have too much faith in skis if i made them.

====================
chill
It's my medicine
Jul 10 2005 8:40PM
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AttitashSkier
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 10
i think the expensive part would be making the press. once thats built i think it would be worthwhile. im seriously considering starting up this project. i think it would be fun and you would learn a lot too. i hope i can afford the parts for making a press. im not sure how much it would cost.

http://www.freewebs.com/tricksonstickspro ductions/

GLC
Jul 10 2005 8:45PM
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BigJew
Posts: 6974 - Karma: 79
A friend of mine just took some old rossi cut's and chopped the tips and tails off and made some twins! They're pretty cool!

Jul 10 2005 8:45PM
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fizzlefry
Posts: 4662 - Karma: 15
Click for larger image these are sick




Kill Cops
Jul 10 2005 8:50PM
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AttitashSkier
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 10
i've also heard of some kid making skis with one of those foodsaver food sealing thingeys to press everything together. haha, i wonder how that worked out.

http://www.freewebs.com/tricksonstickspro ductions/

GLC
Jul 10 2005 8:52PM
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freestyle_rich
Posts: 1854 - Karma: 10
what kinda press are you planning on making? phnumatic?





No Props!
Jul 10 2005 8:52PM
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AttitashSkier
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 10
yes, i think that would work the best don't you? what kind of press are you using? im new to this and im not sure on all the different kinds.

http://www.freewebs.com/tricksonstickspro ductions/

GLC
Jul 10 2005 8:55PM
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freeskier1316
Posts: 1771 - Karma: 27
dude was going to do it and then i figured out the cost and way high just buy a pair but if you got da money go for it


'kevin whyed nils pull you out?' 'Cuz i was touchin bitches.' 'No seriously why did he put scott in for you.' 'Scott doesn't touch bitches.'

Viva Candide
Jul 10 2005 9:10PM
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AttitashSkier
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 10
^about how much do you think?

http://www.freewebs.com/tricksonstickspro ductions/

GLC
Jul 10 2005 9:12PM
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4frntSkier
Posts: 4008 - Karma: 143
a ton of those are telly

Jul 10 2005 9:15PM
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freestyle_rich
Posts: 1854 - Karma: 10
i'm using a clap press. they say that it isn't the best idea, but it's the most cost effective and i dont think that it will make a noticeable difference in the performance of the ski.





No Props!
Jul 10 2005 9:19PM
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skogenjake
Posts: 6685 - Karma: 511
yeah 120 bucks is awesome. everyone on this thread was like "making them are waayyyy tooo much". good luck with the skis. what are the dimentions? like most custom skis are super fat.

are you going like sandwich construction like a skateboard? ahh this just seems confusing




back to the original
Jul 10 2005 9:33PM
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wazzucrewskier
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 151
look in the washington regional forum, a guy here made some that had carbon fiber topsheets and stuff, they are about the size of prophets too, they are rediculous.

'If she floats than she is not
A witch like we had thought'
'Like most babies smell like butter
his smell smelled like no other'
'She'll come back as fire, to burn all the liars,
And leave a blanket of ash on the ground.
Jul 10 2005 9:34PM
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freestyle_rich
Posts: 1854 - Karma: 10
seeing that i want my skis mainly for park and pipe, i decided on mid size dimensions: 112, 80, 112. they are going to be symmetrical and centermounted like the invader, but with a smaller width for more edge control. if anyone wants to hear it i can post my entire idea.





No Props!
Jul 10 2005 9:41PM
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skogenjake
Posts: 6685 - Karma: 511
i do. that seriously sounds so sick. if it works out for you, you should start experimenting with different materials and stuff. maybe become another levinthal.




back to the original
Jul 10 2005 9:44PM
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freestyle_rich
Posts: 1854 - Karma: 10
^well man heres my idea: the core of the ski is going to be 5mm plexiglass (arcrylic board). the entire thing will be 5mm throughout the entire length of the ski. plexiglass is really flexibale and holds its shape nicely so there wont be any need to take down the amount of material at the tips. im going to have inserts to put my bindings in, centermounted of course. instead of using epoxy for the adhesive, im going to use a water reisn contact cement. it's much stringer and stiffer than epoxy so there won't be any need for fiberglass or other composites. the topsheet and base are going to be the same material- clear polyethlyne laminant so my hand painted graphics will show through. the edge and sidewall are going to be integrated- entirely steel edge/sidewall for untimate control and stability. the whole idea sounds a little over the top but i think it'll make a really sick ski.





No Props!
Jul 10 2005 9:55PM
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Calrin
Posts: 3096 - Karma: 561
im about 1/3 way done with mine , i have built the profiling table, made templates for the core and the base, ordered fire hose, laminated wood strips into cores, ordered the sidewall, tipspacer, fiberglass, base, edges, and topsheet. Tomarrow im gonna start on the press. i think i will have a finished product by the end of the summer. Its really expensive though you have to be pretty commited otherwise i wouldnt bother.

J I B T H E S H I T

There's a 65 ft booter. get your coat
Jul 10 2005 9:55PM
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AttitashSkier
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 10
thats really awesome, good luck

http://www.freewebs.com/tricksonstickspro ductions/

GLC
Jul 10 2005 9:56PM
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sketchlinefilms
Posts: 1557 - Karma: 10
man...if i had a better job than mcdonalds id try

Newschoolers...who have you hated on today?

SketchLine Films
Jul 10 2005 10:03PM
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o2bjedi
Posts: 480 - Karma: 20
basically if you have basic power tools the ski materials cost between $100-150.

i'm working on the profiling jig and hopefully will cut out the cores soon.

Jul 10 2005 10:06PM
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rynmartn
Posts: 2697 - Karma: 21
ya my friends and there dad havd there own company we make alot of skis

yay skiing
Jul 10 2005 10:07PM
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o2bjedi
Posts: 480 - Karma: 20
^ they have their own custom ski company?

Jul 10 2005 10:10PM
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freestyle_rich
Posts: 1854 - Karma: 10
^^ i wish i had that. all i've got is a garage





No Props!
Jul 10 2005 10:11PM
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canadianskier
Posts: 601 - Karma: 184
custom skis would be sick, definately worth the extra buck for tools

Jul 10 2005 10:22PM
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SmoKinSkier
Posts: 5501 - Karma: 20
You figure once u have all the tools and equipment and get the process down u can make ur own skis every year for about 100 bux. Then if u want make some for a few friends sell them for around 200 and urs are free!!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =


Skiing isn't a matter of life and death. It's much more important than that!'

I'm sick of following my dreams. I'm just gonna ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later"
Jul 10 2005 10:57PM
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skibuilder
Posts: 91 - Karma: 10
building your own skis can be pretty intimidating...i'll admit that. but it really doesn't cost that much to make your own setup from scratch. with simple power tools you can build all the equipment for a few pairs of skis (maybe even less). but afterwards you can pump out skis for less than $100. for the price i would pay for one ski i get about 4 pairs out.

and about the durability and trust in your own work. let's face it, skibuilding isn't rocket science, although ski companies would say so to justify their ridiculous prices. it's just sandwiching materials together. i've had over 140 days this season on one single pair of homemade skis and they still ride much better than any ski i've bought. i would say that anyone with patience would be able to make a high quality ski. just trust yourselves.

Jul 11 2005 1:16AM
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skibuilder
Posts: 91 - Karma: 10
sounds cool but i think you really need fiberglass or some other composite for torsional rigidity. the plexiglass doesn't have any torsional strength to it and won't hold an edge at all. also that polycarbonate stuff is a pain in the ass to bond to. but it's worth a try and would look pretty nice if it worked out.

Jul 11 2005 1:19AM
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AttitashSkier
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 10
how much did it cost you to build the press?

http://www.freewebs.com/tricksonstickspro ductions/

GLC
Jul 11 2005 5:46AM
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Melvs
Posts: 15174 - Karma: 480
I've been looking into this for awhile, and am definitly planning on building a press within the next year.

-Pat
www.wbpfilms.com
EST.
382

Jul 11 2005 7:43AM
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Calrin
Posts: 3096 - Karma: 561
the plexiglass idea will probably yeild a ski with terrible flex. wood cores are profiled so that they are stiffer in the center and more flexible on the tip and tail. they usually taper from 10-15mm at the center down to 2-3 mm at the tip and tail. good luck though it will be cool to see how it works

J I B T H E S H I T

There's a 65 ft booter. get your coat
Jul 11 2005 9:53AM
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skibuilder
Posts: 91 - Karma: 10
^ i agree. plus plexi-glass is incredibly weak. i'd rather use balsa wood instead of plexi-glass. if you're looking to make a clear ski i'd try getting some extremely clear epoxy and making an all fiberglass ski. it'll be super heavy but it definitely will not break as easily as the plexi-glass.

Jul 11 2005 11:57AM
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hucker22
Posts: 6176 - Karma: 23
those are sick, it would be sweet to make your own twins and be like ya i made these, especially if they were good and u threw down in comps and shit

__________________

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if it's not you then do it for the sake of fashion
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Jul 11 2005 12:08PM
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freestyle_rich
Posts: 1854 - Karma: 10
i'll make the plexiglass idea then tell you how well or crappy it performs. I'm making a ski differently for two reasons:
1) the materials are cheaper and easier to find
2)why make a ski that i can just buy at a store?





No Props!
Jul 11 2005 12:29PM
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Melvs
Posts: 15174 - Karma: 480
I was thinking about making a ski out of 2x4s, profiled, and then with the base, topsheet, etc. figured it'd reduce cost a TON... any thoughts?

-Pat
www.wbpfilms.com
EST.
382

Jul 11 2005 1:13PM
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Calrin
Posts: 3096 - Karma: 561
would definately work, but the 2by4s would have to have no knots. i have already laminated strips for the cores and it really wasnt that hard or expensive, but whatever.

J I B T H E S H I T

There's a 65 ft booter. get your coat
Jul 11 2005 1:21PM
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Melvs
Posts: 15174 - Karma: 480
I know it's not that expensive. I was just thinking of trying to find a way to make skis buildable and cheap enough for everyone to be able to do it.

the main cost seems to be building the press. I have the 4 in firehose (my brother is a firefighter, I got some through him for free), so how expensive would you all estimate the building of the rest to be? I have all the nessecary tools, just raw materials are needed.

-Pat
www.wbpfilms.com
EST.
382

Jul 11 2005 2:13PM
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*DrewT*
Posts: 7768 - Karma: 481
what do you use to pump up the fire hose in a pneumatic press? Like how would you ge3t that much pressure?

go skiing

www.skipunx.com
Jul 11 2005 3:25PM
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Melvs
Posts: 15174 - Karma: 480
air compressor.

-Pat
www.wbpfilms.com
EST.
382

Jul 11 2005 3:28PM
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Calrin
Posts: 3096 - Karma: 561
snowboardmaterials.com has everything you need the raw material end up under 200

J I B T H E S H I T

There's a 65 ft booter. get your coat
Jul 11 2005 3:30PM
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RRhighrider
Posts: 2141 - Karma: 1,141
i have always wanted to make a couple pairs of my own this has been helpful

Alcohol the cause and solution to all lifes problems.
Jul 11 2005 4:26PM
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o2bjedi
Posts: 480 - Karma: 20
On skibuilders.com they explain how to build a fire hose press. It's pretty much just a steel frame, a hose connected to a air compressor, and a mold for the ski.

Jul 11 2005 5:15PM
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Jwenz
Posts: 8893 - Karma: 7,634
I vote just buy skis...easier and hassle free

Swollen is the way to go, holla
Jul 11 2005 8:06PM
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Melvs
Posts: 15174 - Karma: 480
where's the fun in that? apaprt from the whlole skiing thing...

-Pat
www.wbpfilms.com
EST.
382

Jul 11 2005 9:01PM
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skibuilder
Posts: 91 - Karma: 10
the 2x4 thing will work. but i still would vertically laminate it. the only additional cost is the wood glue which is about $4 for a relatively large bottle. you can also just try using fir (what K2 uses) or even some select pine. the would should run about $10-15 for a pair of skis.

Jul 11 2005 9:06PM
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papasteeze
Posts: 12055 - Karma: 915
It's like making snow for the back yard - it keeps you in touch... do it! and good luck!

Sign in @ www.paskiandride.com for info on PA Skiing.
Jul 11 2005 9:07PM
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