Ski Edges And How To Tell If They Are Sharp

First thing I've found that really shows me how to determine edge sharpness. I was close, but not close enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDCO3ZPp9eA

Forget the plastic tube/pen, a fingernail will do just fine!

Don't get fooled. When filing an edge you create a burr. The edge may feel sharp, peel a nail or plastic pen but still be dull. Deburr before you test.

When removing burr, what should be used gummi or diamond stone?
I deburr side edge as a first step when sharpening, bottom as a last step, using gummi. I heard that burr may pull out diamonds from the stone, not sure if it's so. Any opinion on this?

Racers will use a soft gummy

I use Moonflex diamond stones in a Side of Beast or clamped on a Base of Beast with no problem. The Moonflex stones are way better than DMT stones and show far less wear.

Spongeworthy wrote

I use Moonflex diamond stones in a Side of Beast or clamped on a Base of Beast with no problem. The Moonflex stones are way better than DMT stones and show far less wear.

Moonflex stones are great - I have the full range of them. Keep them clean and they will last a long time.

Fingernail works best

Always remember to wet your diamond stone.  I keep a Nalgene bottle on my tuning bench

Coach Z wrote

Fingernail works best

Always remember to wet your diamond stone.  I keep a Nalgene bottle on my tuning bench

Isopropyl alcohol is a better wetting solution than straight water. But water works if you have nothing else.
I have a small perfume bottle that I use to spray it on.

When I'm doing multiple skis I leave the iron on and alcohol and heat don't mix well.  Plus the alcohol dries faster so you have reapply more often.

Not sure what alcohol would do to the ski base.  I would think dry it out.

Coach Z wrote

When I'm doing multiple skis I leave the iron on and alcohol and heat don't mix well.  Plus the alcohol dries faster so you have reapply more often.

Not sure what alcohol would do to the ski base.  I would think dry it out.

Z - How many times do I have to tell you to do your homework. Do a search on the web for diamond stone cutting solutions, you will find that everyone recommends a 50 50 alcohol water solution. Even our buddies at Artech will sell that to you - look at the label of ingredients.

Coach Z wrote

 Not sure what alcohol would do to the ski base.  I would think dry it out.

No worries. You need not even get it on the base. 50/50 alcohol/water in a small container. Dip finger in. Place a few drops on stone. Party on. Leave the perfume sprayer to the girls.