Yeah there are a few mfgr's that are doing this. That one is a "positive" pattern (I think). You will get a little steeper climbing angle with these.
ra

Sammer,
It is also much easier on the back! I have done both and now only use the router. Quick, easy, and low stain on my back.
ra

reduce the gap above the top mold with shims. This will make the cavity smaller and you should get better pressing results. As I understand it, you do not want to allow the hose to get round while inflating. If it gets round (because of the gap being large) it will not fill the void in the tip trans...

Here is the press (metal) that I was speaking of. http://skibuilders.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1349 I tried to find the postings on why you should build the bracing around rather than on the inside (as shown above) but have been unable to do so. I'm no engineer but do remember rereading that postin...

Kam,
You might want to let the base material relax a bit before lay-up. They kinda look banana shaped!
ra

Just visited your post, skis look great. Wonderful feeling when it all works! One thing I see in your pictures that causes some concern for me. It has to do with your press. There is a rather complete posting on the use of Ibeams and how to utilize their full potential. The basics of it are that the...

Nice inlay work. On the base... I used a router, put a shim on one side of the router to get the angle. Placed layout lines on the base to make the cuts look good. I placed a piece of wood on the base located to the layout lines to prevent the router (or me) form going too far with the cut. Make the...

schrader (spell) valves are the valves used in you car tires. Go to your local auto supply house, they should have plenty.
ra

I have cut the base with a router also. Same results, good on low angle touring, skins for climbing. To improve on this I would look to do a positive pattern. May gain a little in climbing angle. Only problem I have with the router base is where you cut the base becomes hard to seal up and then whil...

I too am with the down and dirty. Cut it straight across and press away. This I think is most are afraid of... http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u242/rockaukum/IMG_4579.jpg However I must say that my son pile drove into a tree stump after getting some air. One nice thing about this is we were able ...

These skis were pressed at 60psi at the compressor. I usually press at 40 with no problems but for some reason I went up on the pressure. Again, I think this system works just fine. Not having to make a different mold for each ski is a good time saver not to mention the $ aspect. The shim material I...

Okay, here are some pics of the set up. Let me know if you have any questions. I picked this up from another builder friend and he has had no problems either! sorry for the clutter but the press is quite convenient for storing stuff on also. You can see the shims for the camber here http://i170.phot...

This will and does work. I use mdf on edge as a starting base. Next I place any shims needed. For camber, rocker, tip rise, whatever... Next is mdf (5/8') layed on the shims. This sets in between the tip and tail blocks. Next are Ski / Board layup(cassette) Cat track, hose, top mold. I'll be in the ...

CO,
Very slick!
ra

Kam, Nice work. I have a press that the whole top portion raises and lowers with bottle jacks. One thing I would like to change is having the bottom raise and lower into place because my with my design the bottle jacks are between the two lengths of fire hose. Other than that this is the way to go. ...