The top 5 Ski/snowboard problems and Solutions serving by hand.
by Tara and Heidi - 12:48 on 15 July 2022
We at Snowboard Guru do all our ski/snowboard servicing by hand, and yes, there are
Some problems with that, but when this is done correctly, there are fewer than you
Think.
So, some workshops have base and edge grinding Machines, but the edge sharpening only does the side edge. Also, hot wax can be done by a wax Machine. So, all done by machine.
So, which one are they using in their workshop? You may ask yourself.
Let's start with a workshop that uses machines only.
First, the pros and cons of a Stone Grinding Machine and all done by machine; most hire ski shops in resorts use this, as it is cheap and quick to use and does not need much training.
Stone Grinding Machine
Pros
- Smooth out the Scratches
- put back structure into the base
- will grind the base flat; great if you're skis/snowboard is a full camber
- old wax is cleaned with wax remover (acetone)
- Sharpens side edge only.
- Yes, it is waxed with universal wax
Cons
- Suppose your kit has Multiple base Profiles, e.g., rocker, flat, camber. The combination will put too much pressure on those contact points so that the base will be Patchy.
- So, if the person servicing your skis/snowboard doesn't know, they are probably being paid a pittance.
- Acetone dries out the base. It’s a porous plastic-like skin.
- Only the side edge is sharpened, and there are two sides to your boundaries.
- If you have multiple edges, contact points will be removed, e.g., Magne-traction all away check.
- Wax is only a thin layer of universal waxes.
- Big skis hire shops use machines as it is quick and easy.
Now the pros and cons of a Belt Grinding Machine (this uses a sandpaper belt instead of a Stone. This is a cheaper machine). Most ski hire shops in resorts and big retailers use this, as it is cheap and quick to use and does not need much training.
Sand Belt Grinding Machine
Pros
- Smooth out the Scratches
- Great if you're ski/snowboard is a complete camber base
- Sharpens side edge only.
- Yes, it is waxed.
Cons
- If you're ski/snowboard has Multiple base Profiles, e.g., rocker, flat, camber. The combination will put too much pressure on those contact points so that the base will be Patchy.
- So, if the person serving your ski/snowboard doesn't know, they are probably being paid a pittance.
- Big skis hire shops use them as it is quick and easy.
- Don't put structure.
- Wax is a thin layer and not a Temperature wax for the snow conditions.
Snowboard Guru Servicing by Hand our Pros and Cons.
Pros
- We can return the structure to the base with brushes and sanding blocks.
- It doesn't matter what base Profile it is as we work with the shape of the ground.
- So, rocker, flat or Multiple camber, we can work with it.
- Hot wax clean removes old wax and dirt from the base by melting new wax on and scraping it off.
- Remove rust without removing the metal edge.
- Sharpen both edges
- We use lots of different files for edges
- Hot wax to the temperature for your holiday
- Hand iron pushes the wax into the base, and it will last longer.
- You are the winner putting it in our hands.
Cons
- We can't get all the scratches out, but if that’s no problem, it probably has not been serviced for a long time. Check out our Summer Service.
- Hot wax cleaning takes more time.
- Sharpening edges by hand will take longer for us.
- Hot wax by hand takes time, as melting the wax into the base it’s just more work.
- It's not what you pay for; it's the experience and time.
So, if you get your ski/snowboard service in the resort, it will probably be serviced by someone working 48 hours on getting the ski hire ready for the new week of holidaymakers, as this is where the money is for them.
So, get your ski/snowboard serviced at your local workshop, but make sure you check how and who is doing the service. It’s like choosing a flat pack or a carpenter.
So now there are two things to think about
- Let us put in the hard work and service it for you HERE
- Book on to one of our Technician Programmes and discover how to do it yourself DIY. Check out programmes HERE
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