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theabortionator
April, 2025

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It Is Important to Tune Your Waxing Iron!

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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
The ski iron should be flat and free of burrs etc.
Problem is not all irons are flat out if the box.
Here you will see an example of that and what to do.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/878536/How-To-Tune-Ski-Waxing-Irons
8 years ago
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johnblaze
Posts: 1543 - Karma: 2,837
I just wear tighter spandex.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
johnblazeI just wear tighter spandex.

Unfortunately that does nothing for your iron.
8 years ago
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,526
A 10 min video on a wax iron? Most NS won't take 10 to even wax their skis. Not too sure whom this video is directed to but I think you missed the demographic.
8 years ago
3 2
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
snowpocalypseA 10 min video on a wax iron? Most NS won't take 10 to even wax their skis. Not too sure whom this video is directed to but I think you missed the demographic.

Yes, I fully realize what you are saying. As one with years of experience I want to pass knowledge on to the younger's. They may not feel it is important stuff, but to really excel in the sport these tuning & waxing things are very important.

BTW, 10 minutes is a short video for me. If one listens to the whole thing they might learn something sooner than later.

Here is my longest ski tuning video.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/849783/Ski-Tuning-How-To-By-Hand-Park-Special
8 years ago
1 2
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9937 - Karma: 9,469
I appreciate the enthusiasm with all your posts about hardo waxing techniques but tbh 90% of people on NS's skis are lucky to see more than a single wax a season, probably done with an old clothes iron and a completely random hunk of wax. I think some form of wax vs. no wax is significantly more important than some form of wax vs. perfect technique
8 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52575 - Karma: 173,994
snowpocalypseA 10 min video on a wax iron? Most NS won't take 10 to even wax their skis. Not too sure whom this video is directed to but I think you missed the demographic.



Agreed. 10 isn't that bad depending on whats in it. But 5 and a half hours is crazy long OP.

Maybe condense some of the highlights into a short video, with links to expanded video on each piece if people are looking to learn more on each topic.

Most people won't even watch ski videos that are over 3 minutes unless it's nothing but bangers. 5 and a half hours is a long time.
8 years ago
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,526
5 hrs? Ga Damn, I've been to World Cup Level Tuning clinics that don't even last that long. If it takes you that long to tune a ski..... I am just at a loss.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
ski.the.eastI appreciate the enthusiasm with all your posts about hardo waxing techniques but tbh 90% of people on NS's skis are lucky to see more than a single wax a season, probably done with an old clothes iron and a completely random hunk of wax. I think some form of wax vs. no wax is significantly more important than some form of wax vs. perfect technique


Yes, there is no "perfect" world, yet what one does make a difference.
Let's say there is a short distance to a jump. Then one needs speed quickly. When one goes french fries, one needs the skis to accelerate. Without proper care that does not work so well.
Well maintained skis will give the rider more options. One may always check speed, but when you can't gain it you are screwed.
As far as skiing the East, more often than not icy conditions exist. Then edges need to be sharp. Even if the under foot area is rounded from rails the rest of the ski being sharper will help with overall control when needed.
Bla bla bla for now.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
theabortionatorAgreed. 10 isn't that bad depending on whats in it. But 5 and a half hours is crazy long OP.

Maybe condense some of the highlights into a short video, with links to expanded video on each piece if people are looking to learn more on each topic.

Most people won't even watch ski videos that are over 3 minutes unless it's nothing but bangers. 5 and a half hours is a long time.

I gave an up on your comment. I did the long total version so one could see just how long one may work to truly improve a ski by hand.

Other than a "long base bevel" this series might be more to your liking.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/739780/How-To--New-Ski-Tuning--amp--Base-Preparation-Part-1
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
snowpocalypse5 hrs? Ga Damn, I've been to World Cup Level Tuning clinics that don't even last that long. If it takes you that long to tune a ski..... I am just at a loss.


Well, if you speed it up to 2 times speed, which you can do at YouTube and watch it over time, then you may not feel so lost.
The WC guys have nothing on me. I guess I could be one if I wanted to, yet it's not a life I would want.
8 years ago
2 2
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snowpocalypse
Posts: 1036 - Karma: 3,526
DominatorJacquesWell, if you speed it up to 2 times speed, which you can do at YouTube and watch it over time, then you may not feel so lost.
The WC guys have nothing on me. I guess I could be one if I wanted to, yet it's not a life I would want.


Ha Ha ha Oh shit that was funny. Dude, you are a true kook. I watched some of your other YouTube stuff and good on ya for having a great time. Look's like you are living your dream. Not too sure what that dream is but too each there own. Whatever makes you feel good at night i guess.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
snowpocalypseHa Ha ha Oh shit that was funny. Dude, you are a true kook. I watched some of your other YouTube stuff and good on ya for having a great time. Look's like you are living your dream. Not too sure what that dream is but too each there own. Whatever makes you feel good at night i guess.

Long Base Bevel leftovers

Yea, I be kinda kooky, but my skis not hooky!

I am a living dream! Ha ha
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/785622/Dreaming-About-Skis-

In fairness here are the skis from the 5.5 hours of work after 100 something days of skiing.
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/867233/Bachelor-Parks-Real-Laps-Dillon--Be-Smooth--Moore-April-28th-2017
8 years ago
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oxiclean
Posts: 615 - Karma: 693
DominatorJacques has the best threads on this site.
8 years ago
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Flowbear
Posts: 339 - Karma: 828
To be honest quality of your wax doesn't really matter that much to the average skier unless your a racer. I still use a clothes iron and I've gotten a better result then some tune shops I've brought my skis into.

None the less this is great info!
8 years ago
1 1
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
FlowbearTo be honest quality of your wax doesn't really matter that much to the average skier unless your a racer. I still use a clothes iron and I've gotten a better result then some tune shops I've brought my skis into.

None the less this is great info!

I would say the quality does matter.
I have no connection to any makers etc.
I would say this to keep it simple I have found the best simple thing to do is............
No.1 Get Swix Glide Wax Cleaner and learn to use it. (Just google Swix Glide Wax Cleaner)
No. 2 Get the best "All Temp." wax. That's Dominator Graphite Zoom.
No.3 Get a real ski waxing iron. Learn to use it.
No.4 Get some ski brushes. Start with a brass brush. Learn to use it.
No. 5 Any wax that smells like perfume should be thrown out to the landfill, or give to someone you don't really like.
After that one can slowly do more a bit at a time.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
FlowbearTo be honest quality of your wax doesn't really matter that much to the average skier unless your a racer. I still use a clothes iron and I've gotten a better result then some tune shops I've brought my skis into.

None the less this is great info!


Oh BTW great point! You got better results than a "shop"! BINGO! You reap what you sow. Shops don't have the time!

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/856726/Waxing-Skis-Basic-Waxing-With-An-Iron--amp--How-Long-It-Takes
8 years ago
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Getshifty
Posts: 363 - Karma: 2,231
DominatorJacquesLong Base Bevel leftovers

Yea, I be kinda kooky, but my skis not hooky!

I am a living dream! Ha ha
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/785622/Dreaming-About-Skis-

In fairness here are the skis from the 5.5 hours of work after 100 something days of skiing.
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/867233/Bachelor-Parks-Real-Laps-Dillon--Be-Smooth--Moore-April-28th-2017



Bachelor real laps babyyyyy
8 years ago
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Flowbear
Posts: 339 - Karma: 828
DominatorJacquesThey may not feel it is important stuff, but to really excel in the sport these tuning & waxing things are very important


Sorry I forgot to quote this in my previous response. Wax won't excel your skiing unless your a racer or maybe a pipe skier. The average park rat or freerider can get away with waxing their skis with a block of kuu and a clothes iron and excel in the sport at the same pace as someone who tunes their iron and does a proper high quality wax.

That being said this is really good info to know! Props dude!
8 years ago
3 0
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
GetshiftyBachelor real laps babyyyyy

Yes, Real Laps are real. No cuts, one lap. Go down, don't make the full rail etc. we all see the reality of real park skiing.
I have gone down on at least three of them myself. On others have accidentally taken out the rider.
I like the real deal without the illusion of an edit which makes one look so good. The best have issues from day to day and lap to lap.
I will say that some takers have pulled of some skialishous laps and that's rare. Stay Shifty!
8 years ago
1 0
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
FlowbearSorry I forgot to quote this in my previous response. Wax won't excel your skiing unless your a racer or maybe a pipe skier. The average park rat or freerider can get away with waxing their skis with a block of kuu and a clothes iron and excel in the sport at the same pace as someone who tunes their iron and does a proper high quality wax.

That being said this is really good info to know! Props dude!


True to some degree. One can wax with a clothing iron as long as they don't get it too hot. If they don't get it too hot and take more time it can be fine.
One can use crap wax and it's better than nothing sometimes.
If one does not scrape and brush well, then nothing can be better sometimes.
Again, many have no point of reference.
They have never been on a ski that has good glide.
There are many variables as to snow condition, yet everyone needs to start somewhere.
8 years ago
1 0
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Flowbear
Posts: 339 - Karma: 828
DominatorJacquesTrue to some degree. One can wax with a clothing iron as long as they don't get it too hot. If they don't get it too hot and take more time it can be fine.
One can use crap wax and it's better than nothing sometimes.
If one does not scrape and brush well, then nothing can be better sometimes.
Again, many have no point of reference.
They have never been on a ski that has good glide.
There are many variables as to snow condition, yet everyone needs to start somewhere.


Agree 100%!
8 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52575 - Karma: 173,994
I've always had a tendency to overshoot even on a dry base.

I do wax more often now, not that often, and try to speed check sometimes.
8 years ago
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Flowbear
Posts: 339 - Karma: 828
There should definetly be a thread dedicated to tuning tricks and tips for those interested. Just did a quick search and there's not much around.
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
theabortionatorI've always had a tendency to overshoot even on a dry base.

I do wax more often now, not that often, and try to speed check sometimes.

Ha ha! You are lucky I guess. Maybe heavy too. One needs to learn speed for the deed for real. I am guilty of over and under many times. Still better to need to check than knuckle it from french fries! Ouch!
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
FlowbearThere should definetly be a thread dedicated to tuning tricks and tips for those interested. Just did a quick search and there's not much around.

I believe there is a single thread somewhere, but it's like a million pages long so everything gets lost and is too hard to find what you might search for again. I agree. Should be a forum title section rather than a thread. Then things could be found much easier from titles of the postings there. It 's more difficult here, but I love the younger's and just like to help them. These things do make a difference. Crappy stuff will hold back ones progression. It's like if you drive a Hugo or a Subaru WRX Sti. How much you gonna' learn with a Hugo? I say not as much as with the Sti.
It's like having a super car (that's you) and putting shitty all season tires on it. You want killer extreme summer performance tires on that car! (Tires = your skis).
So if you are a super car, why would you put shitty tires on your wheels?

Here it is. The thread.
8 years ago
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Flowbear
Posts: 339 - Karma: 828
NS is brutal for finding threads and that was a great analogy.ahah ^
8 years ago
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KravtZ
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Go with a hotwax usually once every week or two...keeps my skis lasting so much longer. Why would I really care though about flattening iron, etc all those details. I don't race anymore. I hit rocks, runs through the park. Thats why you should own 2-3 pairs of skis
8 years ago
2 0
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
KravtZGo with a hotwax usually once every week or two...keeps my skis lasting so much longer. Why would I really care though about flattening iron, etc all those details. I don't race anymore. I hit rocks, runs through the park. Thats why you should own 2-3 pairs of skis

Really, you should make sure your iron is flat. If it is railed or rounded too much it will not be good for waxing.
It's not that hard to do and racing has nothing to do with it.

I have 15 pairs now. Too many, but I can't seem to part with any of them! ;-)
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
The referenced post has been removed.

Yes, a forum of threads just about tuning and waxing would make things much better here for searching the web to get info.
I think NS is missing an important category right there. Many folks search these things on the web and if NS had a forum for tuning it would help drive traffic here. Used to be Epic Ski. That was a pretty cool site. TGR is also a nightmare. Now we have PugSki, but the people running it are super uptight. If they were a bit looser it might be an okay site. So there is a void and NS should try to fill part of that.
Can you hear me NS Admin's?
8 years ago
1 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 52575 - Karma: 173,994
The referenced post has been removed.


I mean, even the regular forums are dead. Cults and regionals are all but gone. I'm not surprised
8 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
The referenced post has been removed.

Yea, Admin. has moved a few of my threads to "Gear", yet I don't think tuning and waxing is really about Gear.
I see gear as skis, boots, poles, outerwear and those things.

Then again as I have said, there is this thread, but because it's all one huge ball of wax under one thread title, it's not good for searching for information. One could spend all day poking through those pages. That's why folks loose interest there.
8 years ago
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