Learn from a Master Ski Tech

Race Waxing

Willi Wiltz has waxed for legends like Bode Miller and Daron Rahlves. This segment is from the advanced tuning clinic hosted by Toko and our Rennstall World Cup Tuning Center in Park City, Utah.

Benefits of DIY Waxing

For racers who have the time, interest, and space, setting up a waxing bench at home is a great way to stay in touch with your skis on a weekly basis. There’s a lot you can learn about the condition of your skis just by watching wet wax trail behind an iron. When skis are subtly base-high, concave, bent, or even just nearing the end of their tune life, it’s during the waxing process that these warning signs are most easily identified.

Watch the way your wax trail solidifies. Is the wax spreading evenly edge-to-edge, and tip-to-tail? If not, then it’s likely your once flat platform has succumbed to the abuse of the hill. Low spots will often make the melted wax appear milky or cloudy in comparison to the rest of your base. As your iron runs over high spots, the wax trail will appear to dry much faster. And always keep an eye on the 10-milimeters of base closest to your edges. When your bases are getting too thin, you’ll be able to see the clearly defined outline of the staples holding in your edge.

Home Wax Benches & Tools

A personal waxing setup is easier to assemble than you might think. While certainly a sizeable investment up front, there’s no better feeling than crossing the finish line knowing that your work at home paid off. And while consistently nailing your wax selection takes plenty of trial and error, if you invest wisely when it comes to the following essential tools, you’ll greatly accelerate your progression to full-blown wax master.

DIY Waxing Bench Set Up

Three-piece Vice:

Whether you invest in a collapsible travel bench, or build your own wall-mounted setup, the real key to a waxing station is a three-piece vice. This will support your ski at tip and tail, while securely clamping the middle to prevent sliding. That means you can edge, brush, iron, and scrape with reliable precision.

Iron:

If ever there was a piece of tuning equipment that you’ll thank yourself for splurging on, it’s your waxing iron. Getting an iron with suction-reducing perforations and a directional, beveled edge allows for the smooth and controlled glide that ensures even wax distribution. Always make sure your ski’s edges are clean and free of burrs, and check your iron’s face for any contaminants. Running your iron the same way every time is a great way to reduce multi-directional scratches and prolong its life.

Brushes:

A simple two-brush cycle will get the job done. With a directional metal brush for removing old wax residue, and a soft nylon brush for final polishing, you’ll be able to ensure a race-ready wax job. Add a stiff nylon version to the mix for skis that end up with that professional wax room look.

Plastic Scraper:

Find a quality 3-mm plastic scraper that you love, and then buy four more. Keep your scrapers sharp and clean, and you’ll be amazed by how much faster and more evenly you’ll achieve a finished product. While electric scraper sharpeners exist, you’ll be just fine with a hand file secured to your bench.

Wax:

The only part of a home setup you can’t fudge, race wax is scientific, highly specialized, and unavoidably expensive. But that doesn’t mean you need to purchase every wax that your local tune shop carries. Investing in a bulk all-temp training wax is a great way to save your sizable investments for the pricey fluorinated waxes that make all the difference on race day.