Edges

[ClayWheeler]

Hey guys, Im new on this forum and I'm starting to build my own skis and I was wondering if I could cut the bases and route the sides about a millimeter in at a 45 degree angle then cut some sheet metal (titanium) to the same shape, and lay it up on top of the bases (that's gotta be pretty exact).

Why do I wanna do this?Well first of all I wanna try it, and second of all titanium is harder than steel, the alloy of choice has a tensile strength of 128,000,000 psi, and third of all, some people bevel their edges a few degrees to get rid of drag so I just wanna see if my idea will be any better.

Feel free to criticize all you want. I just want to see what you guys think.

**OFF TOPIC** Do you guys know where I can get some ski designing software for Mac? Thanks a Bunch!


-Clay

[skidesmond]

I don't think the edge would stay on very long. A typical edge has the tangs/teeth that sit inside the layup. And even then, occasionally, you can get an edge to blow out. Do a sample layup first and run some flex tests on it and see how it holds up.

[ClayWheeler]

Thanks skidesmond I think I'll try that. I'm still open to other advice/suggestions too.

[vinman]

The ti would probably have to primed in some way. I agree with SD, you'll need something else to hold the edge in place.

Snow ad works fine on the Mac, if you can find it on the web someplace.

[falls]

Good idea, but I think titanium will be too hard fo ski edges.
Although edges need to be tough/hard, if they are too hard they become brittle when taking impacts. The standard rockwell 48 steel edge has been arrived at because it is hard enough to be durable, but soft enough to absorb impacts without cracking. My feeling would be that titanium would tend to crack with impacts.

[cainguy]

Using "titanium" is like skiing on "snow".
There are many grades and conditions (hardness/temper etc)
There are grades that are very ductile, others that are resitant ot corrosives that will burn flesh to the bone and others that are good uses for springs...etc.

The steel Falls speaks of is indeed a good choice as it has a high enough carbon content to get to 48 HRC (above and tempered back to to 48) but when annealed (heated do it's easier bend) won't brake as easily when bent. tjis hardnes sis now lost, so any heating of the edges past a "dark straw colour" results in loss of temper...not yours the steels

As SD said, I think the teeth are the key.....mechanical strength and more surface area for bonding

JT

[ClayWheeler]

thanks guys. Theres a typo in my first post 128,000 not 128,000,000 psi

[twizzstyle]

For your first pair? Absolutely not. Keep it as simple and standard as possible, you've got a lot of work ahead of you and a lot to learn, and you'll have better chances of getting usable skis if yoeep things basic.

Then, you can start experimenting!

I'm really confused though. You want to bevel the side edge of the base material at 45 deg? Then lay the titanium on top of the base? Huh? I think I need a picture.

Also edge bevels are typically in the 1-3degree range, not 45!

[MontuckyMadman]

I have no idea how this could work at all or be cost effective. I actually dont understand what you are talking about. Edges are like 3.50 a piece.

[falls]

Does anyone else look at the picture under Montucky's name and think it is some type of space alien head on a human skiers body? Just askin'

[chrismp]

jep, looks a bit like admiral akbar

[twizzstyle]

I've always seen someone with half their face peeled off, blood and brains, etc. gross I know.

[MontuckyMadman]

ITS A TRAP!

[chrismp]

hahaha i knew it!!

[artski]

Coonskin hat with the tail coming around the right side