Ski Racing - October 31, 2011

BACKSHOP

The Secret to Saving Money on Tuning Tools

Need/Use
Product
Best Source
Notes

Lighting
Clamp lamp
Local or online
Get two.

Heavy duty light bulbs
Eco flourescent daylight
bulbs
Local or online
These travel better than traditional bulbs and
give off a daylight-style light.

HINT: THERE’S ONE IN JUST ABOUT EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD BY DAVE PESZEK

Whenever the skis arrive each fall, that’s my signal to make the yearly hardware-store run. Over the years, like many in the ski racing world, I’ve accumulated so many tuning tools that the only things I need to order from the wax companies are tape, wax and new brushes. The hardware store holds the final stash of goods for prepping and maintaining my skis for the season. I hope this list gives you some good ideas and helps you to prepare for your best performance. (Note: items that are best sourced from the wax companies include ScotchBrite pads — for abrasive and non-abrasive buffing — ski tape, paper sidewall tape, brake bands, files, irons and waxes.)

Diamond and stone
cleaning/lubrication
Cutting oil
Local or online
You need about 4 ounces per athlete per season.

File cleaning
Brass brush
Local or online
Keep your expensive files clean and sharp —
stay away from the file card!

Ski/bench dusting

4-inch Wooster Stain
Brush
Local or online
Stain brushes work best over paintbrushes.

Wax removal from side-
walls and edges
Clorox SOS Tuffy
Online
Look for an abrasive-free scrubby.

Floor protection for tuning
while traveling
Eco 9 by 12 foot plastic
dropcloth
Local or Online
Inexpensive solution when traveling; tape to floor
and keep the hotel or condo owner happy!

Scraper sharpening/Iron
cleaning and flattening/ski
prep
Drywall screen
Local
You need 80-grit ( 4) for ski and iron prep;

Aluminum 90-degree
angle
Local
Usually sold in 36-inch lengths; buy one, cut in 6-
inch increments, and pass them out to the team!

General
Scott blue shop towels
Local
One roll should be enough for a season of tuning
Binding Tools
Pozi No. 3, Phillips No. 3,
drag link, large flathead
Local
Drive tips wear out quickly; it’s a good idea to
replace every year. I like to use a drag link and
ratchet for Rossi/Look bindings.