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 BASE BEVEL
The first step in tuning a ski is to make sure it is not railed, meaning the edge being higher than the base. Using the base beveling tool, I slide the file across the base of the ski and determine this. If you do not catch any edge, the bevel is good. If you do, then continue until you don't.
 SIDE EDGE BEVEL
This step is the most important in ski race tuning. Make sure to use long and consistent strokes, by pulling towards you rather than pushing down. If you are taking off edge, that's good. It should only take you about five lengths of the ski to achieve a sharp edge. If you are not hitting edge, do not push harder. It means your sidewall is probably in the way.
 SIDEWALL REMOVAL
This is the most difficult step in tuning. Each ski manufacturer has a different sidewall on their ski. Take your time to adjust the tool properly on the sidewall and pull slowly without making it skip. The blade of the remover should be sitting on the sidewall away from the edge. The objective is to remove the sidewall and keep it smooth so that the ski can be tuned. Contrary to popular belief, removing the sidewall does not make your ski faster, but it can make your ski slower if you make a mistake.
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 STONING
After filing, use stones to polish the edge from burs. Since the side edge was filed last, the roughness should be on the base side. Using the base as a guide, I slide the stone across the edge. A sharp edge is no good if it is burred, as it will be slow.
 SCRAPING
Keep your scraper sharp and clean by using sandpaper. This makes it easier to use. Always scrape from tip to tail and use long strokes. With a sharp scraper, you gently and easily remove the excess wax. When a dull scraper is used, you have to use force and this will most definitely damage your base.
 WAXING
An average temperature for an iron is 120 degrees Celsius. With this temperature, you don't risk burning the base. After dripping the wax on, you slide the iron across the base, always keeping it moving. Move the iron slowly and make the wax smooth on the ski to make scraping easier.
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 BRUSHING
Use two brushes. Use a brass brush first, before waxing to prep the ski and clean out the pores. After scraping, use the nylon brush to finish the ski. Brushing is what makes a ski go fast. Brush until no more wax comes out of the base.
 CLEANING
Always keep your work area clean. Use a file card to clean your files every couple of times down the ski. A paintbrush is a great cleaner for benches and vises. An apron is nice to keep your dinner clothes from getting ruined. Remember to make a ski fast, the area it's in must be clean.
 EXTRA TIPS
Get a good set of vises. There is nothing more frustrating than going to brush your ski and the ski pops out of the vise. Elastics work great at holding binding brakes back. Tape over your bindings and plates when waxing, as it makes scraping much easier. A body file is a great tool when you need to smooth out your sidewall or top sheet. A rough top sheet especially at the tip or tail will make a ski slow.
SKI PREP TIP: When you tune your ski, let it warm up first. When your skis have reached room temperature, you can start.
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 TOOLS
Stones, Base Beveller, Files, Wax, Side Edge Beveller, Sandpaper, Sidewall Remover, Scrapers, File Card, Iron, Brushes, Paintbrush, Vises, Elastics, Tape, Apron, Body File
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