Great video that covers many points. But to qualm my fears of the unknown: does structuring the ski wear out the base? I was told stone grinding could/should be done 4 times during the lifetime of the ski. Is there any number like that for structuring skis with this particular tool?
The structure that this tool applies to the ski base is very different from that of a stonegrind. A stonegrind is cut into the base and when it is done base material is removed which is why it can be done only so many times. This tool presses the structure into the base. After ironing and scraping a few times the blue structure will be completely gone and the red or yellow strutures greatly reduced or almost gone depending). In short these are temporary structures and can be applied many times. They should be applied in the ski preparation process after the iron is no longer being used. For example after you hot wax your skis, scrape, apply structure, and brush. If you are applying liquid paraffin, apply structure after hot wax scraping and before liquid paraffin application. Thanks
You really need a table or some kind of bench or support system so when you press the structure in, the ski doesn't flex a ton making the process ineffective.
The structure lasts similarly to any pressed-in structure. If you hot wax after, the structure will be reduced. You can apply hand structure over a stonegrind. This is a common practice yes.
Are these patterns specifically designed for Nordic skiing or are they applicable for alpine? (not racing, just to bomb the steep groomers) There’s not much talk about structure for snowboarding, are there similar tools like this wide enough for a board? I feel like proper structure would help glide along the flats much better, especially in spring conditions. I have a high quality sintered base but over the years I’ve had to do some base patches & grinds to it so I’d rather not grind anymore if I can avoid it. I’m thinking a tool similar to this could be a better option. Thanks!
Jan, it sounds like you are not scraping and brushing your ski bases adequately. That said, you can clean the cylinder with a brush (copper for example but nylon works too).
Hi Scott, when you want to change your structure. Most people do this for races or for when the conditions change enough that it warrants a structure change. If not racing, I change my structure when it gets warmer and I want to have decent skis.
Thank you Ian ! Good level of details.
Great detail! Thanks so much, love all your products.
Great video that covers many points. But to qualm my fears of the unknown: does structuring the ski wear out the base? I was told stone grinding could/should be done 4 times during the lifetime of the ski. Is there any number like that for structuring skis with this particular tool?
The structure that this tool applies to the ski base is very different from that of a stonegrind. A stonegrind is cut into the base and when it is done base material is removed which is why it can be done only so many times. This tool presses the structure into the base. After ironing and scraping a few times the blue structure will be completely gone and the red or yellow strutures greatly reduced or almost gone depending). In short these are temporary structures and can be applied many times. They should be applied in the ski preparation process after the iron is no longer being used. For example after you hot wax your skis, scrape, apply structure, and brush. If you are applying liquid paraffin, apply structure after hot wax scraping and before liquid paraffin application. Thanks
Is there a way to get the benefits of the tool without a table? That's a piece of equipment I don't have room for...
You really need a table or some kind of bench or support system so when you press the structure in, the ski doesn't flex a ton making the process ineffective.
How long does the structure last?. Can you remove it before waxing for colder or warmer. And can/should we do structure over grind stone?. Merci!
The structure lasts similarly to any pressed-in structure. If you hot wax after, the structure will be reduced. You can apply hand structure over a stonegrind. This is a common practice yes.
Are these patterns specifically designed for Nordic skiing or are they applicable for alpine? (not racing, just to bomb the steep groomers)
There’s not much talk about structure for snowboarding, are there similar tools like this wide enough for a board? I feel like proper structure would help glide along the flats much better, especially in spring conditions. I have a high quality sintered base but over the years I’ve had to do some base patches & grinds to it so I’d rather not grind anymore if I can avoid it. I’m thinking a tool similar to this could be a better option.
Thanks!
Hello Michael, these tools are specifally designed for Nordic. They are too narrow to fit on an Alpine ski. Thanks
my structuring cylinder is dirty from the wax after using. Is it needed to clean him every time? How?
Jan, it sounds like you are not scraping and brushing your ski bases adequately.
That said, you can clean the cylinder with a brush (copper for example but nylon works too).
Hello! Great video! Is structure used for both classic and skate?
Yes it is, thanks
How often do you apply structure? Every time you wax?
Hi Scott, when you want to change your structure. Most people do this for races or for when the conditions change enough that it warrants a structure change. If not racing, I change my structure when it gets warmer and I want to have decent skis.
How wide can this tool go? Looks like maybe... 60 mm tops.
Up to 50mm