The problem I see with this design is you basically need to do twice the work, so two bottom moulds, two top mounds, two cat tracks, 4 heat blankets if heat is used etc. You need to do two cassettes rather than one when doing the layup, and you risk slight differences in the moulds. You should ask y...

Another thing to look at would be making a 3D base that just tapers upwards slightly at the edges, so the edges sit above the level of the rail when sliding and it's just base touching. It wouldn't be ideal for turning or stopping but may help assist in edge deterioration. Would also be fairly catch...

It depends heavily on how you build it, but I can almost guarantee you that 25x25x4 SHS steel will not hold 50psi with the design above. You want more like 100x50x4 sections (with the 100mm side orientated vertically). I'd also look at at least 2 more bars running the length of the press on the top ...

The only thing I can think of with the MDF cat track section is deterioration over time, MDF isn't really designed to be flexed back and forth and will eventually crack apart. How are you going to suspend it? Also, if it's thcker than the end cat track pieces make sure there's enough pressure gettin...

To be honest most of us don't worry much about edges, and buying off the skibuilders.com site and paying for shipping is faaaaaaaaaaar cheaper than trying to make your own. Trust me I've looked in to it, and I have to ship to Australia. Probably stupid question but I'll ask anyway: do you detune you...

No probs, though it was intended as a genuine question rather than pointing out anything ;) I thought it may be for ease of application, as the carbon tape may be a bit neater when laying it all up, and possibly less likely to "wander" when pressing. falls - let me know if you need any add...

I hadn't noticed that, but that's a really good idea. Good work picking up on that Ben.

I'll probably move to the planer/crib style next year, when I don't have uni's CNC to steal for cores.

The most simple answer is "depends". There's no ideal flex pattern, flex changes depending on what you want from the ski. Is it a race ski, freestyle ski, freeride ski? What length is it, and what weight is the rider? Most people here use a vertical laminated layup for skis and boards. If ...

I use a paintbrush for layup of all stages, it soaks up excess epoxy on the base/core etc and is simple to use. It also means I don't have to pour the epoxy on the base before scraping, I just use the brush so don't use more than necessary. I tried the scraper and I didn't like it as much, I found i...

I use spring clamps, spare pieces of cat track and sash clamps to glue my sidewalls on. It has worked out very well for me, however, I glue them to the unprofiled core and they need to be the same thickness... i.e. http://s945.photobucket.com/albums/ad299/a_blackburn/Materials/?action=view&curre...

OnDeck wrote:For what it's worth, i put a lot fo epoxy on the edges, then put my VDS on dry and give it a light skim of epoxy on top,. Seems to work OK, and it's a,oot easier to handle with rubber gloves.

I do the same.

I'm sure I heard the word 'varnish' in there somewhere amongst the French babble.

Great writeup and very interesting, cheers.

Let us know how you go, I'm keen to find a light clear top for protecting veneer too.

Thanks dbs, I've got no problem with doing the work, I just don't have access to a base grinder and the shop I use is too busy to do them this week.