how often do you wax

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Greg

Yep. He's sure to reply with all sorts of technical mumbojumbo and words like poly-ethyl somethingorother. He may even draw up some sort of diagram...

Oh come on, is curiosity really such a bad thing? We should all strive to become more knowledgeable, which means asking more questions. And not accepting at face value what wax companies and ski shops tell us, since they're not exactly unbiased sources.

[Greg]

Originally Posted by Greg

Yep. He's sure to reply with all sorts of technical mumbojumbo and words like poly-ethyl somethingorother. He may even draw up some sort of diagram...

Originally Posted by Marc

So what exactly, chemically, happens to the polyethylene? Or is it a strictly mechanical phenomenon? In which case, the bases would just have lots of small scratches. I don't see how this could happen as, at least in the case of utlra high molecular weight polyethylene, the material has higher abrasion resistance than stainless steel....

So....who's buying me my beer?

[Marc]

Originally Posted by wa-loaf

I know Marc will talk about base material being stable and what not, but how do you explain that my wifes skis that sat unused for a couple year looked dried out and were definitely concave (and had not been when left in the basement)?

I'm not the authority on the subject. I'd defer to any chemical engineers here, if there's one present. From what I know of the properties of polyethylene that are free for anyone to read, I rule out what doesn't happen, but it doesn't mean I can explain everything as well.

[bvibert]

Originally Posted by Marc

Oh come on, is curiosity really such a bad thing? We should all strive to become more knowledgeable, which means asking more questions. And not accepting at face value what wax companies and ski shops tell us, since they're not exactly unbiased sources.

I just glaze over most of what you say on the subject, but I do use your posts to justify my lack of tuning, in my head anyway. I would never openly admit that I find any of your posts useful...

Crap, I just did...

[Paul]

Originally Posted by Marc

Oh come on, is curiosity really such a bad thing? We should all strive to become more knowledgeable, which means asking more questions. And not accepting at face value what wax companies and ski shops tell us, since they're not exactly unbiased sources.

This is the part that I absolutely agree with.

However, circumstantial evidence points to the other. Meh... I wax my skis every so often because I like the Zen-like quality of it. I am teh suk 2 much to make a difference anyway.

[Trekchick]

Originally Posted by Paul

Careful there, Trek...

Marc's post may look tempting....

Originally Posted by bvibert

Too late, she just opened a whole can-o-worms...

Sorry! You guys need to warn me earlier.

Originally Posted by Marc

So what exactly, chemically, happens to the polyethylene? Or is it a strictly mechanical phenomenon? In which case, the bases would just have lots of small scratches. I don't see how this could happen as, at least in the case of utlra high molecular weight polyethylene, the material has higher abrasion resistance than stainless steel....

Marc. you are welcome to overthink things if you want. I see it gives you a great deal of pleasure.
When it comes down to it, I take care of my skis and my practices make me happy. That's whats important in my house. You do what you want in your house.

Originally Posted by wa-loaf

I know Marc will talk about base material being stable and what not, but how do you explain that my wifes skis that sat unused for a couple year looked dried out and were definitely concave (and had not been when left in the basement)?

Moving along..........
If you put your skis away with any dirt or debris on them, without proper cleaning and storage prep, then the expansion and contraction due to altering temps will allow the dirt to actually embed in the pores of the skis. This can alter the structure shape. Basement, attic, dry or damp storage, doesn't matter.
Marc, another opportunity "overthink opportunity". Enjoy!

[bvibert]

Originally Posted by Trekchick

Sorry! You guys need to warn me earlier.

Where would the fun in that be??

[Trekchick]

Originally Posted by Greg

So....who's buying me my beer?

I will!

[Marc]

Originally Posted by Trekchick

Sorry! You guys need to warn me earlier.

Marc. you are welcome to overthink things if you want. I see it gives you a great deal of pleasure.
When it comes down to it, I take care of my skis and my practices make me happy. That's whats important in my house. You do what you want in your house.

Moving along..........
If you put your skis away with any dirt or debris on them, without proper cleaning and storage prep, then the expansion and contraction due to altering temps will allow the dirt to actually embed in the pores of the skis. This can alter the structure shape. Basement, attic, dry or damp storage, doesn't matter.
Marc, another opportunity "overthink opportunity". Enjoy!

Well, the amount of thinking one puts into a certain subject depends on the level of interest and the potential benefits I guess. It's certainly rare that I'm accused of thinking too much. And I agree that what you're doing makes you happy, then by all means continue. I'm trying to educate myself here and also further the discussion so that we all might become more knowledgable. I can't imagine anyone would think ill of that goal.

If you want me to stop asking questions, then I'll respect your request, but if not, I'm curious to find out where you learned what you know about about ski base material and what you've written so far. I'm honestly not trying to be an ass, I'm just curious. I'm like a three year old, just when you think I've finished asking questions, I'll ask another.

[SKIQUATTRO]

i use TOKO Universal Wax.....i am a fanatic about keeping my gear in good shape (bikes, skis, surfboards etc) Its not that the skis really need to be tuned as much as i do them, its more about the state of mind and satisfaction i get from tuning them...its relaxing...once the wife and kids are asleep, i'll grab a bottle of Cabernet, go down stairs, put on a game in the background and tune for an hour or 2....and i do all my buddies skis as well, i love it!