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

YongLa

YongLa

Member
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 =)
 
Are you talking about the 'Official Ski/Binding Maintenance" sticky? That only shows how to wax the skis...
 
yes, and no it doesn't, I have answered your questions multiple times int there, like i said, READ THE STICKY
 
Haha, sorry...

Could you direct me to the sticky that shows the current information I'm looking for?
 
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!
 
Thanks for the information man, it really helps.

I'm still looking through the sticky, trying to find more information >.>
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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 =)
 
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.

 
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 ;)
 
Youtube has some good instructional vids. Your local shop may also be willing to teach you, thats how I learned.
 
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