Summer Wax Applied and RIP to long time friend

[Puck it]

Applied the summer wax last night to all of the skis. The fat lady has sung.

But in the process, I lost long friend. I have used him for close to ten years. He served me well. He could not control his temp last night and started to smoke.

RIP, good friend.


AKA - my waxing iron.

Need to look for a cheap one at Wally World, now.

 

[PomfretPlunge]

Ain't no companion like a blue-eyed Merle

-- Led Zeppelin

 

[andyzee]

Did the same this past weekend. Typically I just take candle was and throw on a good layer, figure since the main purpose for this is to keep the skis from drying out, it should be good. This year I did things differently. I just put a layer of 25+ deg wax on and figure I could just scrape it off when the slopes open. Anyone see anything wrong with this?

 

[deadheadskier]

packed up all my gear for summer storage this past weekend as well. no summer wax. i know i should, but I'm lazy

 

[bvibert]

no summer wax. i know i should, but I'm lazy

It doesn't really do anything, so I wouldn't worry about it.

My skis are still lined up next to the door, waiting for that next dump.

 

[Glenn]

I'm a big fan of ski waxing irons. I used to use the ol' regular irons...but setting the temp was a chore. I vote for spinding a few extra bucks and getting the flat surface, easi to read temp adjuster Swix (or other brand) iron. Makes the job a lot easier.

 

[andyzee]

I'm a big fan of ski waxing irons. I used to use the ol' regular irons...but setting the temp was a chore. I vote for spinding a few extra bucks and getting the flat surface, easi to read temp adjuster Swix (or other brand) iron. Makes the job a lot easier.

I've been using a regular iron, works well, see no issues. However lately I have been thinking about picking up one specific to skis. Do you really feel there is a difference. Oh, I just set mine until the wax melts, pretty simple.

 

[Puck it]

I've been using a regular iron, works well, see no issues. However lately I have been thinking about picking up one specific to skis. Do you really feel there is a difference. Oh, I just set mine until the wax melts, pretty simple.

I use parrafin. It is a great all around temp wax and cheap. I have been using it for years. When it gets warm I use a fluoro wax though. Much cheaper for a regular iron, too.

 

[andyzee]

I use parrafin. It is a great all around temp wax and cheap. I have been using it for years. When it gets warm I use a fluoro wax though. Much cheaper for a regular iron, too.

It's not only money, it's also work I'm thinking of. What would be wrong with just putting regular wax on and then scraping it off in a few months when you want to use the skis.

By the way, went to town on my skis this year. Filed and sanded the bases, ouch, wish me luck..

 

[Puck it]

It's not only money, it's also work I'm thinking of. What would be wrong with just putting regular wax on and then scraping it off in a few months when you want to use the skis.

By the way, went to town on my skis this year. Filed and sanded the bases, ouch, wish me luck..

I do it every year like that. I may run the iron over the wax once and then scrape. And you are ready for October skiing.

 

[RootDKJ]

Did the same this past weekend. Typically I just take candle was and throw on a good layer, figure since the main purpose for this is to keep the skis from drying out, it should be good. This year I did things differently. I just put a layer of 25+ deg wax on and figure I could just scrape it off when the slopes open. Anyone see anything wrong with this?

I use warm wax for the summer coat. No issues.

 

[drjeff]

I'm a big fan of ski waxing irons. I used to use the ol' regular irons...but setting the temp was a chore. I vote for spinding a few extra bucks and getting the flat surface, easi to read temp adjuster Swix (or other brand) iron. Makes the job a lot easier.

+1

I've been using a regular iron, works well, see no issues. However lately I have been thinking about picking up one specific to skis. Do you really feel there is a difference. Oh, I just set mine until the wax melts, pretty simple.

I never really thought it would make as much of a difference as it does. But a ski specific waxing iron IMHO is far superior than a "regular" iron for a couple of big reasons.

#1 - much easier to control the temperature, and if you notice on the packaging the wax comes in, it does have a reccomended temp - too hot and you can actually alter the properties of the wax and decrease its performance

#2 - the much thicker base plate on the ski specific iron is GREAT! It holds the heat far better and lets you go much quicker when after you've melted the initial beads of wax onto the ski and your ironing it in.

Kind of one of those things where you don't really how much easier it is with the "right" tools until you have one! :idea:

If you see one on sale, pick it up, you won't regret it!

 

[andyzee]

Root/Doc, thanks. Great advice!

 

[jimmywilson69]

I'll second the ski wax specific iron. You can get a decent one for $80 which if you have a family or own several pairs of skis pays for itself rather quickly.

I picked up a nice waxing kit earlier this year on Tramdock before they killed it.

lots of good info in this thread.

http://forums.alpinezone.com/showthread.php?t=89026

 

[Warp Daddy]

Yep my waxing iron is much smoother than the household iron i used in the past . It is easier to both control temps and the manuervability and ease and smoothness of wax application is better

 

[Puck it]

I use the waffle iron to make my running shoes.

If Wally World does not have a cheap one, then I will get a real wax iron.

 

[bvibert]

I use the waffle iron to make my running shoes.

If Wally World does not have a cheap one, then I will get a real wax iron.

Since you have all summer to get one I'd keep an eye out for sales. I got a basic Swix iron on Tramdock for around $35 a few years ago.

 

[Puck it]

Since you have all summer to get one I'd keep an eye out for sales. I got a basic Swix iron on Tramdock for around $35 a few years ago.

There are all ready some for that price on the net. Regulars irons have gotten expensive, but I will look tomorrow at the store. $15 should do it though.

 

[Glenn]

Jeff summed it up nicely. I find the ski specific iron heats up faster and seems to stay at a better temp. Also, the dial has some temp markings on it that make setting the temp easier. I find that my swix iron doesn't smoke at all at the settting I use.

Another benefit is the size and weight. I know that doesn't sound like much. But when I wax the skis, I do 3 pairs at a time.

 

[Warp Daddy]

Jeff summed it up nicely. I find the ski specific iron heats up faster and seems to stay at a better temp. Also, the dial has some temp markings on it that make setting the temp easier. I find that my swix iron doesn't smoke at all at the settting I use.

Another benefit is the size and weight. I know that doesn't sound like much. But when I wax the skis, I do 3 pairs at a time.

Additional good points Glenn i wax 3 prs too !