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DIY ski waxing

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Msteury
Posts: 70 - Karma: 164
I just bought my first waxing and tuning kit !
how do I decide when my skis should be waxed and or tuned ?
Also any tips on the process are welcome .
thanks in advance
heres a little sliding we did in our B Y!!
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/945252/trim-C004A890-84E0-4464-8F16-4B875913CE3A-MOV
Nov 19 2019 10:22PM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
In terms of when to wax. It really depends on how much you go out/what kind of conditions you're on. If its icy the wax will be stripped a bit faster.

Typically you can tell when a base needs wax. The colours start to look a bit dull, or if its black it gets white.

And always make sure the waxing iron is in motion.

All the best!
Nov 19 2019 10:50PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9790 - Karma: 72,421
@DominatorJacques
Nov 20 2019 1:55AM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
BlumpkinPumpkin@DominatorJacques

Yea. I have an ass-wipe of tuning waxing video. They be longer than most dudes thing-a-ma-jiggers!
From my channel one needs to search tuning, waxing, etc. Too many to list.

Have fun.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/739780/How-To--New-Ski-Tuning--amp--Base-Preparation-Part-1
Nov 20 2019 4:56PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
One more bone.


https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/856726/Waxing-Skis-Basic-Waxing-With-An-Iron--amp--How-Long-It-Takes
Nov 20 2019 4:57PM
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2781 - Karma: 16,810
You can usually tell by looking at your ski bases. If the color is deep and vibrant you are typically good but when they start to look faded and dry you know its time for a wax. You can tell by touching them too. Feel your bases right after a wax job and after each time you ski and eventually you kind of get a sense for when you need more.


Also, when it comes time to scrape your skis after a wax. Make sure to put a tarp down to catch it all and make that your designated wax tarp. If your on carpet it will be impossible to get it out and if your on a hard floor the oils in the wax will make it really slippery nomatter how much you sweep it.
Nov 20 2019 5:21PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51668 - Karma: 162,598
SuspiciousFishif your on a hard floor the oils in the wax will make it really slippery nomatter how much you sweep it.


How to kill your roomates that walk around in socks with 3 easy steps. Wax, scrape, await their immanent demise. Results guaranteed or your money back!!!


Also OP, it's pretty straight forward. Some people wax all the time but most generally just when the base starts to get dry. You'll feel it skiing and can see it looking at the base if it's pretty dry. As mentioned keep the iron moving to not burn your bases.
Nov 20 2019 5:57PM
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abar.
Posts: 1062 - Karma: 6,889
I scrape my base with my fingernail and see if I can see a mark. Though unless you shine a light on it and squint really hard this will probably lead to you waxing more than you need to. It'll be pretty obvious once you do it a few times. I don't scrape my bases cuz I wax more for maintenance than speed, and the snow will smooth it out after a few runs. Saves a lot of time and mess. A bunch of people smarter than me can probably say a bunch of reasons why that's bad tho
Nov 20 2019 6:10PM
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Msteury
Posts: 70 - Karma: 164
Thanks bro’s
wish me luck !

i love it dude !!
WALK THE WAX = Terminated
I can think of a few victims . 😂
Nov 20 2019 6:27PM
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2781 - Karma: 16,810
MsteuryThanks bro’s
wish me luck !

i love it dude !!
WALK THE WAX = Terminated
I can think of a few victims . 😂


This reminds me of the old "Butter the floor" pranks that started showing up on youtube 10 years ago lol


https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/945389/Roommate-Pranks-His-Buddy-With-Butter
Nov 20 2019 6:30PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
SuspiciousFishYou can usually tell by looking at your ski bases. If the color is deep and vibrant you are typically good but when they start to look faded and dry you know its time for a wax. You can tell by touching them too. Feel your bases right after a wax job and after each time you ski and eventually you kind of get a sense for when you need more.


Also, when it comes time to scrape your skis after a wax. Make sure to put a tarp down to catch it all and make that your designated wax tarp. If your on carpet it will be impossible to get it out and if your on a hard floor the oils in the wax will make it really slippery nomatter how much you sweep it.


I like this, but if you wait until "fade & dry" you might be too late. Once "burned" you will need to scrape away the burn, or it will just be right back after you ski the fresh wax again. You can't wax away burn!

Removing base burn is work. It can be done though.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/781970/How-To-Renew-A-Sintered-Base-Ski-and-Fix-Base-Burn
Nov 20 2019 8:08PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
abar.I scrape my base with my fingernail and see if I can see a mark. Though unless you shine a light on it and squint really hard this will probably lead to you waxing more than you need to. It'll be pretty obvious once you do it a few times. I don't scrape my bases cuz I wax more for maintenance than speed, and the snow will smooth it out after a few runs. Saves a lot of time and mess. A bunch of people smarter than me can probably say a bunch of reasons why that's bad tho

If you want proper base geometry and maximum glide, you must scrape and brush!
If all you do is hit rails...........well, there that is. If you jump, you might need speed to do the deed!




https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/798663/Scraping--amp--Brushing-Skis-Final-Preparation-Of-Ski
Nov 20 2019 8:13PM
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soup
Posts: 6343 - Karma: 4,415
DominatorJacquesI like this, but if you wait until "fade & dry" you might be too late. Once "burned" you will need to scrape away the burn, or it will just be right back after you ski the fresh wax again. You can't wax away burn!

Removing base burn is work. It can be done though.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/781970/How-To-Renew-A-Sintered-Base-Ski-and-Fix-Base-Burn


Ahhhhh. This is the video I've needed for a year now.

I used to think waxing was only for racer dorks. Then when I started to have to buy my own skis and use them for more than a season, I began to take care of them. You may not notice initially, but keep riding then waxing. You'll pick it up and soon you won't be able to ride without that fresh slick glide you get from a pair of fresh whips.
Nov 20 2019 11:54PM
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Saucerboyshane
Posts: 226 - Karma: 590
if your skis are sticky in snow, wax them.
Nov 21 2019 7:50AM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
Saucerboyshaneif your skis are sticky in snow, wax them.

One needs a wax slightly harder than the snow to be skied.
One may have just waxed the skis, but if the wax is too soft the skis will "stick"
It's not just wax, it's the right wax for the condition and temperature of the snow.
Nov 21 2019 10:38AM
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CabbyArrant
Posts: 779 - Karma: 4,120
Don't use too much wax. that's a really common mistake I see our new shop techs make a lot. they basically cover the base even before spreading with the iron. Then they spend the next 45 min scraping the base to remove the insane amount of wax they used. a double pass of the ski with a nice drizzle is what I do.
Nov 21 2019 10:43AM
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johnblaze
Posts: 1477 - Karma: 2,600
wax every time you ski
Nov 21 2019 10:50AM
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Msteury
Posts: 70 - Karma: 164
My wax kit came with a universal wax is that ok for southern Michigan? I’m not doing comp’s or anything like that🤷‍♂️ just ski for the fun!!!!!!
DominatorJacquesOne needs a wax slightly harder than the snow to be skied.
One may have just waxed the skis, but if the wax is too soft the skis will "stick"
It's not just wax, it's the right wax for the condition and temperature of the snow.
Nov 21 2019 10:55AM
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Bdoobz
Posts: 838 - Karma: 4,893
MsteuryMy wax kit came with a universal wax is that ok for southern Michigan? I’m not doing comp’s or anything like that🤷‍♂️ just ski for the fun!!!!!!


Wax is rated to certain temperatures. The packaging will say a range of temperatures that the wax is ideal for. If your typical temperatures are within the range your'e all set!
Nov 21 2019 10:58AM
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freeskibum82
Posts: 6355 - Karma: 5,055
1. make sure the skis are warm. the warmer the better as itll open up the pores of the ski to accept in the wax.
2. match the wax iron temp to the temp recommended by the wax being used.
3. Follow Dominator Jacques videos
Nov 21 2019 1:42PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
MsteuryMy wax kit came with a universal wax is that ok for southern Michigan? I’m not doing comp’s or anything like that🤷‍♂️ just ski for the fun!!!!!!

Might be fine for sometimes, but might need a harder wax if the snow is real cold, fresh, or man-made for sure.
When in doubt, always wax harder.
Air temps and snow temps are not the same.
Still, what sort of temperatures will you have on average for early season where you ski?
Nov 21 2019 2:05PM
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Msteury
Posts: 70 - Karma: 164
DominatorJacquesMight be fine for sometimes, but might need a harder wax if the snow is real cold, fresh, or man-made for sure.
When in doubt, always wax harder.
Air temps and snow temps are not the same.
Still, what sort of temperatures will you have on average for early season where you ski

Normal temps are like 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harder wax as in colder temps or warmer ?
Are there more than one layer of wax you put on when you wax a ski like base layer vs finale coat? Just waxed my first pair of skis , looks pretty good , can’t wait to try them!!!!!

“ SHREDDIT!!!!”😁thx guys.
Nov 21 2019 3:43PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
MsteuryNormal temps are like 10 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Harder wax as in colder temps or warmer ?
Are there more than one layer of wax you put on when you wax a ski like base layer vs finale coat? Just waxed my first pair of skis , looks pretty good , can’t wait to try them!!!!!

“ SHREDDIT!!!!”😁thx guys.

Go online to get these few waxes. Graphite Zoom & some Bullet.
For snow temps. above 18 F or so use the Zoom.
When it gets colder than that ad 50 to 60 % Bullet to the mix.
Can get here, but other places too.
https://the-raceplace.com/collections/tune-wax/products/dominator-zoom-wax?variant=24946075463
https://the-raceplace.com/collections/dominator-ski-wax/products/dominator-bullet-extreme-cold-wax

That said, you need a base prep. wax. This is the best. Use first thing to prepare and then from time to time.
Iron and cool with this wax at least three times. Then scrape and brush. Then wax away with the aboves.
https://the-raceplace.com/collections/dominator-ski-wax/products/dominator-renew-base-prep-wax?variant=24946082951

Dominator Zoom waxes are the best "all temp." aka "universal" waxes on the market.
Good luck.
Nov 21 2019 5:43PM
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saucy+steve
Posts: 146 - Karma: 420
step 1
let the wax drip on the skis

step 2
use the waxing iron to distribute wax

step 3
wait 5-10 minutes for wax to fully dry

step 4
scrape off excess wax with that scraper thing

step 5 use brushes from kit for finishing touch
Nov 21 2019 7:14PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
sauce_man_stevestep 1
let the wax drip on the skis

step 2
use the waxing iron to distribute wax

step 3
wait 5-10 minutes for wax to fully dry

step 4
scrape off excess wax with that scraper thing

step 5 use brushes from kit for finishing touch

5 to 10 minutes not nearly enough.
Wax needs time to re-organize it's molecular structure after melting by cooling.
Cooling time is important. Always cool at "room" tempatures. Never place ski in cold temps. to cool.
6 hours is best.
Minimum times. Soft=3 Hrs. Med.=2 Hrs. Hard=1 Hr. These are just approximate times.
Nov 21 2019 7:43PM
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saucy+steve
Posts: 146 - Karma: 420
DominatorJacques5 to 10 minutes not nearly enough.
Wax needs time to re-organize it's molecular structure after melting by cooling.
Cooling time is important. Always cool at "room" tempatures. Never place ski in cold temps. to cool.
6 hours is best.
Minimum times. Soft=3 Hrs. Med.=2 Hrs. Hard=1 Hr. These are just approximate times.


But if ur doing a diy quick wax five to ten is good
Nov 21 2019 7:46PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9790 - Karma: 72,421
sauce_man_steveBut if ur doing a diy quick wax five to ten is good

If you're in a hurry I guess. Otherwise give it some time. Go eat. Watch a movie. Play games. Etc. Then finish your skis
Nov 21 2019 7:55PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
sauce_man_steveBut if ur doing a diy quick wax five to ten is good

May as well just use a paste or liquid no iron wax then.
This stuff is the best!
http://www.dominatorwax.com/products/momentium-warm
http://www.dominatorwax.com/products/momentium-cold
Nov 21 2019 8:44PM
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P3t3r
Posts: 1795 - Karma: 5,554
@DominatorJacques The real question is.... Do you know who is sending you THE POWDER?
Nov 22 2019 1:45PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
P3t3r@DominatorJacques The real question is.... Do you know who is sending you THE POWDER?

No! It's still a mystery! Those be spendy mags. right there! Somebody gifted "The Jacques"
Nov 22 2019 8:07PM
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Jibijsaga6
Posts: 123 - Karma: -205
I like tuning up my skis I haven’t and won’t ever laugh at a white kid skiing that’s falls at the terrain park freeskiing isn’t for everyone.
Nov 22 2019 10:17PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9790 - Karma: 72,421
Jibijsaga6I like tuning up my skis I haven’t and won’t ever laugh at a white kid skiing that’s falls at the terrain park freeskiing isn’t for everyone.


What areeeeeee youuuu!?!
Nov 22 2019 10:29PM
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11233 - Karma: 76,337
Jibijsaga6I like tuning up my skis I haven’t and won’t ever laugh at a white kid skiing that’s falls at the terrain park freeskiing isn’t for everyone.

Hmmmmm....nice sentiment, but probably could have left out the "white" part.

Could it be I have fallen into the trap?
Nov 22 2019 11:22PM
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