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Post by lynn on Dec 11, 2013 9:01:13 GMT -7
As noted in another thread, the shop we have been patronizing has ruined a pair of brand new skis. Jim and I are loathe to continue going there. The vibe is different than years past and the owner doesn't seem to be "in house" as much. Any of the local forum members have suggestions? I know a lot of you do your own tunes, but that is just not happening in a smallish NYC apartment. At least until my 23 yo finally leaves; that room could become the bike/ski dominion. Unfortunately, my daughter show no signs of wanting to leave the nest. Thanks in advance, Lynn
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Post by JimRatliff on Dec 7, 2014 19:57:59 GMT -7
Precision Ski in Frisco was recommended to us some years ago, and we had been very happy with all of their work until last year. Lynn had a brand new paid off Head MYA 8's that we took in for a wax and new ski prep. I know, Gary and Svend would have done this themselves, but not me.
We were extremely dismayed to find next day that they had melted the ski, or at least a large section of PTex. They wound up replacing the skis with a new pair, but the experience and my inability to understand how this could possibly happen led to our looking for alternatives.
Lacking recommendations, we both took our new narrow skis in for a wax. After reminiscening about last year's experience, the counter guy said "oh yeah, I remember that." He took us into the back, showed us the machine, and told us what had happened. This approach was confidence inspiring, and when we picked up our skis the next morning, the ticket said N/C. That was a nice touch, and we are again comfortable recommending Precision Ski in Frisco.
See the next entry door what I now know about infra-red waxing, and what happens if someone tosses a rag over the carrier rail.
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Post by JimRatliff on Dec 7, 2014 21:05:35 GMT -7
Infra Red wax machine.
Much simpler than I expected. The ski sits on the platform base up, and the infra-red carrier moves back and forth over the base. It takes several passes over the base to heat the base all of the way thru the base to the core. Once they can feel the heat on the top of the ski (which is upside down), then they begin rubbing the wax on as the carrier continues moving.
They seemed to feel that the even heating for the full depth of the PTex is the advantage of this machine, yielding a better and longer lasting wax job.
What happened to Lynn's ski last year? Someone tossed a rag over the back of the machine arm, and it wrapped around and jammed the drive belt, to the head was still heating but the carrier wasn't moving.
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Post by livingproof on Dec 8, 2014 10:15:38 GMT -7
Props to Precison Ski for taking steps to make-up for last seasons disaster. Enjoy your Colorado skiing and let us know how it goes.
The infra-red wax machine does sound high tech. I know enough to have my skis at room temperature prior to waxing. I usually keep ironing over the melted wax so that it goes trough cycles of wet and solid prior to scraping. Skis are much warmer when done so, maybe there is a lesson to be learned that working a very warm ski produces better wax. Then again, wax, for me, is a very minor aspect of the ski day. Sharp edges rule in the Poconos.
Lynn, when your daughter leaves, wow, a ski room and a bike room....in Manhatten yet... that would be one high priced equipment area that techie Jim would fit out very nicely. Now if was a shoe room, it would make your smile so much brighter.
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Post by gary on Dec 9, 2014 7:55:17 GMT -7
Kudos to Precision for taking you back into the shop, showing you what happen and then not charging for the recent service.....shows they really do care! I like many have had bad experiences with shops...to the point that I've become almost paranoid about who works on my skis. Always, Me....a Gary Tune has never failed me. You wouldn't think any one could foul up a wax job...maybe the key is to look for a shop that does it the ole fashion way...hand waxing. Done properly the top skin still heats up to draw the wax down into the base.
Most tuning, base and edge can be done on the living room floor. Just like when we travel...a brake tie back, base guide, side bevel guide, diamond stone 440 grit and a ceramic stone to polish pretty much takes care of "paper cutting" the next day. A steady hand is all that's needed! A good paste wax in between hot waxes always keeps the base moist and snow worthy.
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Post by livingproof on Dec 9, 2014 9:05:20 GMT -7
@ Jim Ratliff
As you are coming to Gary's International Guys Ski Extravaganza, have G give you a lesson in touching up skis on the floor. The space under your feet is all you need to keep skis tuned all season long.
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