consolidate information? The Text Book of Ski Building?

[Mikkelsen]

Since the birth of Skibuilders.com, many Ideas have bounced around, and with these there have been creative new ideas and concepts to be tested and tried. There are some things that we now know to work well, as well as other ideas to stay away from. Could we somehow consolidate these universal truths? e.g. detailed instructions on building different presses, with their corresponding pros & cons.

I think I would like to put together "The Text Book" on ski building. Many authors here could contribute to a chapter and submit their information on their area of specialty. It could be peer reviewed before printing, and as new ideas and creativity came out, it could easily be added in a newer edition.

If someone else wants to take the initiative then awesome, I just think that with all the information we now have here, it would be a great asset for everyone to have in their shop at their fingertips, organized, categorized, and the best compiled information out there. Big Kam, Endre, Davide, G-Man, Robogeek, what do you think?

[sammer]

I really don't think there can be definitive how-to.
100s of ways to achieve the same results is more like it.
Besides a definitive how-to would make people less likely to try new ideas.
Granted some ideas and techniques are better than others but trial and error is the best way to learn what works for you.
I think what you are referring to already exists on this site.
It just takes a while to get through the muddle.

just my $0.02

sam

[skidesmond]

I've thought about the idea of a book too. But there are so many ways to get to point A to point B. I don't think it could be all encompassing. There's probably a dozen different style of presses here and even more types/shapes/designs of skis and boards. But a book that offers the basics with hints of advance ski/board building would be a good start.

The "How To" section here is a great place to start.

[Richuk]

I agreed with Sam - a bit of confusion promotes new ideas. I dislike the idea of there being 'a right way' of doing things. Finding your way around the forum is part of the fun and getting chewed out by MM is a badge of honour!

The 'how to section' already published is great, its outline results that are clearly attainable. A 'pros' and 'cons' section' might be something people would get involved in and it would be helpful if the argument made reference to previous posts in support of the points being made? On the other hand, if you're not prepared to navigate the forum, its unlikely you'll finish the project.

Anyhoo ... just an opinion.

[ru-tang]

Its ridiculous to think that by publishing a book, you will limit the 'free thought' that goes into each person's work.

While there are a million different designs etc, plenty of other people have written books on age-old topics, such as sail boat design, car design, mathematics, philosophy etc. and yet it doesn't seem to slow the flow of new radical ideas.

A book would be a good idea, it would just depend on how you organize it. If the first line of the book is 'this is the only way to build skis' then it will serve as a challenge for others to come up with something better.

[Brazen]

Read hard

[twizzstyle]

trial and error is the best way to learn what works for you.

This is like my mantra.

There is definitely the "standard" way to build homemade skis/snowboards that has seemed to evolve over the last ~5 years on this site. Each builder on here throws their own twist on that "standard" to make unique works of art. If you try to get too clever and think you can re-invent the wheel, more often than not you're in for some humble pie and some lessons-learned, but I think that's the point? It is for me anyways. A book might be cool, but I think the majority of people into a hobby like this are self-taught, self-motivated, smart folk.

[MontuckyMadman]

I think a book is a great idea. It should exist in print on a library shelf. So much of this industry is shrouded in secrecy and proprietary BS.
All details should be included as well as how to make a ski flex the way you want to for the weight and ability of the rider.
The book should contain history as well as technique. It would be long and difficult to compile but it SHOULD exist.
Besides if the server crashes where does all this info go? Hopefully its backed up in triplicate.

Finding your way around the forum is part of the fun and getting chewed out by MM is a badge of honour!

Yikes am I that bad?

[Brazen]

[Richuk]

No, it adds character to both the forum and the chewed

[skidesmond]

I think a book is a great idea. It should exist in print on a library shelf. So much of this industry is shrouded in secrecy and proprietary BS. .....

Include a chapter called "Myths, Hoaxes and Lies"