Tuning Tips

Quick Tuning Guide

Quick Overview

Tuning Tips in a Nutshell

Base Structure and Waxing

  • Like treads in a tire, structure (stone ground patterns) in your base enhances performance.
  • Keep the base waxed and the structure open (unclogged) to efficiently move water away and maintain speed. If not, the suction effect of water will slow you down.
  • A stone-ground base should be waxed a couple of times (minimum!) before you take it on the snow.

Waxing Steps:

  1. Apply brake retainers to hold brakes away from the work area.
  2. Brush off dirt with a brush reserved for dirt (metal, such as brass, is preferred; steel brushes are aggressive and should only be used by experienced tuners).

Edge Preparation

Multi-Angle Ski and Snowboard Edge Tuner (RB-3503)

Base Edge

  • The amount of base edge bevel affects the ability of the ski/board to engage a turn on snow.
    • More bevel = easier pivoting or sliding from side to side.
    • Most base bevels are set to 1.0 degrees.
    • Non-race skiers may wish to start with a 0.5-degree bevel. If edges lock into turns too soon, increase to 0.75 or 1 degree.
  • To reduce the bevel angle, you must resurface the base, so start with smaller angles and increase as needed.

General Rule #1: Base Edge

  • Set it and forget it. Do not overwork the base edge.
  • If you increase it above the intended angle, resetting requires a base grind.
  • Minor roughness can be removed with fine diamonds; avoid filing unless resetting the bevel angle.

Side Edge

  • Side edge beveling gives skis more grip on snow surfaces.
    • Higher angles should be reserved for experienced racers.
    • Typical angles range from 1.0 to 3.0 degrees (89 to 87 degrees).
      • Less angle = less grip.
      • Aggressive edge (high angle) = more difficult for lighter racers to recover from being up on edge.
      • Most start at 89/1 degree and transition to 88/2 with skill development.
      • Advanced skiers on icy hard-packed snow may choose an 87/3 degree side bevel.

General Rule #2: Side Edge

  • Routine sharpening is achieved from the side edge only.
  • Avoid repeatedly filing your edges; use diamond stones followed by burr removal with a gummi stone for maintenance.

Edge Sharpening Procedure:

  1. After setting your edge angle bevels, use a 300-400 grit diamond stone to smooth file striations and further hone the edge.
  2. Sharpen edges weekly using a diamond stone on the side edge only.
  3. For severe edge damage, use a 100-grit diamond stone.
  4. After setting the side edge, run a gummi stone down the edge (at a 45-degree angle) lightly from tip to tail to remove hanging burrs.

Waxing Process

Cleaning and Waxing:

  1. Start with skis at room temperature; never start with cold skis.
  2. Side edge beveling gives skis more grip on snow surfaces.
    • The more you do this, the faster your ski/board will get because you're infusing more wax into the base.
    • This deep wax reservoir also provides greater protection for your base.
  3. Repeat until the wax comes up clean, then wax with what you intend to ski/board on.

Iron Temperature:

  • If unsure of temperature settings:
    • Start at a low temperature and raise it until you have a 4–6-inch trail of melted wax behind the iron.
    • Too short = iron is too cool; too long = iron is too hot.
    • Never smoke the wax.
  • Wax each ski for about 3 minutes.

Cooling and Scraping:

  1. Let the base cool to room temperature slowly (do not place skis in cold environments).
  2. Scrape off excess wax (this may take multiple passes).
    • Sharp snow crystals will dig into excess wax and slow you down, so it must be removed.

Brush off excess wax from the base using nylon or horsehair brushes for final polish.

General Rule #3: Waxing

  • You want wax in your base, not on your base.
  • Excess wax can add drag; keep structure open like treads on a tire to move water out from under your ski/board.

Avoid Chemical Cleaners:

  • Avoid using chemical or citrus cleaners as they dry out the base and leave residue behind.
  • Use the hot-wax-scrape method instead:
    • Drip light wax, melt it, scrape while still liquid—this cleanses and conditions in one step.

Time to Snow Test! 

Now that you're equipped with these tuning tips, it's time to take action! Keep your skis or board performing at their best by regularly following these steps—happy skiing! If you need some tools, check out this selection of tools from racewax: