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I want to start waxing at home... help?

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YongLa
Posts: 489 - Karma: 185
I never usually wax my skis but it sounds that it's important that I do...

Shops for expensive, and in the long run, I'm pretty sure that waxing at home (in the proper environment and tools) would be better.

I know there is a sticky on HOW to wax, but I'm really just curious on the tools and the environment that I would need to wax my skis in.

So my question is, what are the basic tools needed to start waxing at home? and also, what's the usual cost to get started?

Thanks for you help =)
Nov 16 2010 10:31PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,398
READ THE STICKY
Nov 16 2010 10:33PM
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YongLa
Posts: 489 - Karma: 185
Are you talking about the 'Official Ski/Binding Maintenance" sticky? That only shows how to wax the skis...
Nov 16 2010 10:35PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
false
Nov 16 2010 10:35PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,398
yes, and no it doesn't, I have answered your questions multiple times int there, like i said, READ THE STICKY
Nov 16 2010 10:36PM
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YongLa
Posts: 489 - Karma: 185
Haha, sorry...

Could you direct me to the sticky that shows the current information I'm looking for?
Nov 16 2010 10:37PM
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p-fo
Posts: 9372 - Karma: 6,155
you will need an iron, wax (obviously), scraper, wire brush, soft/plastic brush. brushes are optional but the first 3 are pretty important. i dont know a whole lot about the cost because i use/have sort of inherited my dads xc waxing supplies which are basically the same, but go to your shop and see what they have. scraper should be pretty cheap and possibly free. iron will range a bit depending on temp adjustability etc. wax also depends a lot on quality. it comes in various temp ranges and some all temp. you can really wax your skis anywhere you dont mind having wax shavings going everywhere but a table with 2-3 holders works best. like: |__| where you rest the skis on the uprights. a setup like this makes everything easier, but really isnt necessary. hope this helps. good luck!
Nov 16 2010 10:40PM
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YongLa
Posts: 489 - Karma: 185
Thanks for the information man, it really helps.

I'm still looking through the sticky, trying to find more information >.>
Nov 16 2010 10:42PM
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Rob.
Posts: 189 - Karma: 16
Check out the video "How to Wax skis". It's in the first post.

There are kits you may buy, which are probably a good place to start.
Nov 16 2010 11:01PM
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ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641

1) Wax. I use all-temp Lib Tech banana wax. 10 bucks it'll last you a good season. I wax my skis everytime before I shred.

2) Iron. Doesn't need to be anything special. I use one I aquired for 4 bucks from goodwill. Better to get one without holes, but if not no big deal. A lot of the stuff you hear about "proper ski iron holding constant temps" is usually just a gimick.

3) Wax scraper. I use a Swix one I bought for 5 bucks from my local shop. Try to find one with an edge scraper too ps.

3) Brilla pad. I don't use brushes, just some good 'ol green brilla pad to buff my wax. I let the slopes do the rest of the cleaning.

Process:

1) Find stable work table and clip boot into ski, or use something to hold the brakes from deploying.

2) Heat iron. Hot enough to melt the max, but not hot enough to cause it to smoke. If it's smoking, turn the iron down. I heat mine at about 50% heat.

3) Drip wax from tip of iron onto skis. Iron wax into skis moving from tip to tail and vice versa in a linear motion. Make sure to get full coverage.

4) I usually let my wax harden for about 5-10 minutes before scraping. It's not necessary if you're pinched for time say morning of the slopes opening, but it allows the base to absorb the wax better.

5) Angle the scraper at a 45 degree angle and scrap wax off moving from tip to tail. Buff rest of wax off with a brilla pad moving from tip to tail. Use edge scraper (if applicable) to scrap wax off of edges.

6) Shred brah!

7) Refer to sticky for a better in-depth tutorial.

Nov 16 2010 11:24PM
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minibus4
Posts: 517 - Karma: 13
If u want to get all technical you could build yourself a hotbox(wooden box that you can set a fixed temp that you put you skis in) so that the bases absorb more wax or use a hot blanket wrapped around the skis. but something to hold your skis is a must.
Nov 16 2010 11:25PM
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ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641

BTW, use a PLASTIC wax scraper. Try to avoid a metal one.

Nov 16 2010 11:25PM
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YongLa
Posts: 489 - Karma: 185
Holy, this is amazing! Thanks man!

This is exactly what I'm looking for. except the instructions on how to wax, I already know how to do that xD. But this helps, thanks!

+K for everyone who helped =)
Nov 17 2010 12:17AM
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tBatt
Posts: 9632 - Karma: 580
Depends what your budget is. If you're trying a real low budget, go with what he said. Wax, iron, scraper, brillo pads. Use a set of saw horses or something to set your skis on.

If you have a bit more money to spend, get some better gear. You'll need:
A sturdy table
A clamp system to hold your skis down
Something to hold back your brakes (thick rubber bands work fine)
Wax (all temp waxes generally suck. Just get some Swix CH6 and CH8, don't bother wasting money on HF or LF)
A wax iron with temperature settings
Plastic Scrapers
A brush (if you're only going with 1, get nylon)

If you don't know what you need to wax your skis, I doubt you know how to do it right. Read the sticky.


Nov 17 2010 12:47AM
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SupaHotFire
Posts: 356 - Karma: 104
Nov 17 2010 12:52AM
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ShredAZ
Posts: 1054 - Karma: 641

Glad I could help man! Sorry I must have mis-interpreted your post. Ignore the instructions! Start up cost will run you 20-30 bucks but pay for itself in just a few days at the mountain!

Good luck bro! There's always a cheaper way to do more expensive things ;)

Nov 17 2010 4:49AM
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joshua
Posts: 5046 - Karma: 1,280
Youtube has some good instructional vids. Your local shop may also be willing to teach you, thats how I learned.
Nov 17 2010 10:41AM
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