DIY base structure for spring snow?

[dub_xion]

Curious if anyone does any kind of DIY base structure for spring glop to break up that suction. This’ll be for skis that are pretty much only used in the spring.

I’ve considered using a nordic riller bar (without the tool that would limit ski width) as a kluge, as pressing sounds like it’s not as permanent as a ground-in structure.

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[kamtron]

I've used 100 grit sandpaper. Couple passes by hand adds some structure that seems to help. Ymmv

[tango uniform]

I've used 100 grit sandpaper. Couple passes by hand adds some structure that seems to help. Ymmv

This definitely works, but I've gone 60 grit; the rougher the better ya..

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[MagnificentUnicorn]

I’ve used the edge of a file to put some structure on dedicated spring skis. Varying degrees of pressure will change it from mild to aggressive. It works pretty well.


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[glademaster]

If they're truly only going to be used in the spring, take them to a shop and have a spring/wet snow structure put on the bases.

[schindlerpiste]

I use my soft wire brush lightly and then yellow wax

[glademaster]

If you go that route, I recommend using fibertex/scotchbrite for a few passes too, prior to waxing, after wire brushing.

[arild]

I used to do 80 grit sandpaper with firm pressure from tip to tail every spring. Just one pass on a dewaxed base, then red swix, worked like hell. No suckage.

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[XXX-er]

I’ve used the edge of a file to put some structure on dedicated spring skis. Varying degrees of pressure will change it from mild to aggressive. It works pretty well.


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yeah this^^ works IME, drag the file at a shallow angle and it will leave a pattern, you are not removing base material just putting marks in it

rilling tools for XC work great but I've only seen them wide enough for an xc ski

[tuco]

Yep.
Although if they are dedicated spring skis, just do as glade suggests or get a skivisions.

Edit:
Zardoz is your friend for spring glop.

[XXX-er]

i don't bother rilling anymore but I do have an old pair of BD made in china verdicts that came with a really coarse base finish and i have noticed as the temp rises/ gets closer to freezing the faster they are in compro to the rest of the crew on cat tracks

so base structure is a real thing IME

[RShea]

Stiff steel brush can help to add structure also.

[dub_xion]

Thanks! I’ll consider those options. I also hit up tognar for some suggestions and will post here what Scott says.


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[Skidog]

Think v's that's how Andy at Peruvian used to structure my based for spring. Keeps the suction action down

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[dub_xion]

So tognar recommended a skivisions flattening and structure tool, but I’d really only be able to do a linear structure. I’ll probably try the sandpaper trick and finish with scotch brite pad to clean the hairs up.


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[tuco]

So tognar recommended a skivisions flattening and structure tool, but I’d really only be able to do a linear structure. I’ll probably try the sandpaper trick and finish with scotch brite pad to clean the hairs up.


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Yep.
Although if they are dedicated spring skis, just do as glade suggests or get a skivisions.

Edit:
Zardoz is your friend for spring glop.

Linear is what you want.
Sandpaper raises micro hairs
Don't forget the Zardoz!

[MagnificentUnicorn]

Linear is what you want.
Sandpaper raises micro hairs
Don't forget the Zardoz!

That’s why the edge of a file is effective. It doesn’t remove material, it just cuts grooves in the base.


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[tuco]

Yep.
Just doesn't work as good as a dedicated grind or skivisions

[dcpnz]

Kind of surprised no one has hacked up an old nordic structure tool like this to work on alpine skis. Thinking cut off the narrow sides and either free hand it or run it down something straight like a piece of angle iron. It's only 50mm wide but I reckon that'd be enough to make a big difference. Every spring I think about giving it a go and then lifts stop spinning before I get to it.
Guessing the pressed in structure wouldn't last long but thats probably ok.

[detrusor]

^^^^
That’s what I use. Just make a pass on each side for a wider ski. Money


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[XXX-er]

Not real familiar with the use of Hairies in classic XC skiing but I know they do sand the kicker section under foot for grip

I can't see how this would be good on an alpine ski ? IMO sanding is just not the same

I have borrowed that Swix tool to use on a classic xc ski

also dragged the edge of a single cut file along the base

[Spyderjon]

........rilling tools for XC work great but I've only seen them wide enough for an xc ski

Snoli make a 240mm rilling file for skis, one side coarse and the other fine. Their model ref 303/1. Probably sold in the US/Canada under the FK/SKS brand.

[dub_xion]

^^^^
That’s what I use. Just make a pass on each side for a wider ski. Money

So you just cut/ground off the sides that function to center (nordic) skis, but limit ski width? Interested in pressing using a riller as it is more temporary and would probably last fine through the spring, then recover by November/December, and less hairing effect as with sandpaper



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[XXX-er]

I wonder if the pattern ^^ would just kind of go away/melt out with some hot waxing ?

[dub_xion]

I wonder if the pattern ^^ would just kind of go away/melt out with some hot waxing ?

Time to ask my nordork friends.


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