Sharpening skiis

Question
I just bought a ski sharpener costing about $30.00.  It has one file for both side and base edges.  I am a recreational skiier and ski about 6 times a season on mostly hard crusty snow in the east coast.  

Can you recommend how often to sharpen and what degree I should sharpen my edges.  

Maybe there is a special book or reference site.

Thanks for your time.  

Answer
Hi Mary,

Opting to do your own ski tuning is a great decision but there are some things to learn. There are many sites that have good info and also books at your local library or book store. Just put in 'ski tuning' on a browser and sift through the choices. Many hits will just be folks selling tools and accesories but there are some good sites with helpful tuning info.

Something you will need is some type of bench/vise system to keep your skis in place while performing the tuning. They come in a variety of styles and prices ($50 and up). If you are only skiing 6-8 days per year, you will probably only need about 2 sharpenings per year. Once at the start and maybe one midway through depending upon conditions. Icy, crusty conditions will dull edges a bit quicker than soft or powdery condtions. Hitting rocks, roots, or other non-snow related objects will have their effect on edges also.

So, in looking for a vise/bench system, you can probably stay on the lower price range. I built my own bench that works for skis and snowboards from scrap wood and stuff.  If you are really determined to do your own ski care (which can be fun and rewarding), you will probably want to do your own hot waxing also. This means more outlay to get started. Total outlay with vise will run you between $100-150 depending upon which vise system you choose.

Here is a list of basic items you will need to consider; vise/bench (if you have a bench in the garage, most vise systems will clamp right on), edge file (which you have), and a deburring stone for the edge work. For hot waxing; base cleaner, wax remover, base scraper, edge scraper, wax (all temp works well but there are specific temp ranges available), waxing cork (local shop will have these), iron ($10 special at Target works for me, don't get it too hot), and a brillo pad for finishing.

I could go into detail about how to sharpen your skis with your new sharpener but you really need a few more items to be able to use your new tool. Here a few random sites that have books, accesories, and info;

http://ecom1.sno-ski.com/skituning.html

http://www.tognar.com/

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/raysway/

http://www.tokous.com/

Hope this will help you make an informed decision about doing your own ski care. Once you have all the gear you will spend very little annually for ski care. Also, once your friends find out you can do this, they'll be looking to you for advice and help. You can teach them to do their own or do it for them for a small fee. Keeping your skis properly tuned and hot waxed makes for great skiing every day you go.

One thing I tell skiers/snowboarders who do their own care is this, wipe the excess water off your skis edges after you have gotten home. This eliminates surface rusting of the edges. Also, when the season is done, tune the edges up so they are sharp and ready for the next season. Then hot wax them but do NOT remove the wax. Leaving the wax on during the summer will preserve the bases and keep the edges from getting surface rust. When the snow starts flying, scrape the wax off and you are ready to rock.

Hope this helps.
Have great season,
Windlover