Simplified Ski Tuning 19Jan18

I've been neglecting a tune on my Liberty Helix 105s. Here I describe my simplified tuning scheme. Always work tip to tail - try not to "scrub" but use single tailbound strokes in almost all tools/steps. I do one ski at a time through to complete like I learned at DHR with "one piece flow."

1. Get stuff ready - vices attached, iron out, brushes out, clean rag available, diamond stones in water, tools handy, etc.
2. Do the base stone grind first because this might touch the base edge. Here the work is to get off the larger high points in the base. A metal sheet tool can be used too. Wipe with rag when done.
    
   
3. For the edges do the base edge first. Start with a file ensuring it's in the base edge tool tightly you set the angle where you want it. Do a couple of passes in the correct direction (file is one way). Wipe off the shavings as you don't want that stuff in your base.
   
   
4. Switch to the diamond stones for the base edges and make several passes with each of 100, 200 and 400 (I usually go no finer than this). Wipe frequently. Stones don't have a direction and a scrubbing motion is more tolerable with these. Make sure the stones are cleaned on each change.
   
   
5. Put skis tight in the vises and move on to do the side edges. Again use the file first, the progressively move to diamond stones from 100 to 400. Wipe frequently.
   
   
6. Clean the bases moving from metal to nylon or hair with brushes and finish with scrubber pad . Wipe. Base should now be clean, pretty smooth, and ready to accept wax.
   
7. Drip hot wax along the base of the ski by holding it to a 120° iron. Then go back and work the wax completely flat into/onto base with the iron. Let the ski cool and grab a beer.
   
8. Scrape the wax off with a plastic edge tool. Clean this mess up with a vacuum quickly - it's icky.
   
9. Brush with nylon and buff with a softish scrubber pad and your done; finish the beer and get ready for the other ski.