Ski Builders Forum

I just finished pressing my first pair of skis. Thanks to everyone on the forum for lots of great advice. I built a clamping press with a hose filled with water similar to the one described by schoeckl. This was my first attempt at building skis so I was glad I found his easy, inexpensive, and safe method for building a press.

The skis have an alder core. I was going to use poplar, but the alder seemed a lot lighter and should have a similar strength. The ski has a black plastic base, 22 oz triax fiberglass, the alder core, more 22oz triax fiberglass, cotton fabric graphics, and a clear top sheet. I used plastic tip and tail spacers and wood side walls.

I used Tap plastics marine epoxy. I don't know if any one has used it for skis, but it was avaliable localy.

I'll post the photos soon.

yes, pictures please!
where are you located?
we haven't used tap epoxy with skis, but my roommate and I get other supplies there.

Congratulations on your skis.

I tried the tap epoxy and didn't like it. It certainly worked and the skis have held up fine (Probably about 30 days so far), but after it had cured it seemed too brittle. It should be said that I have no real evidence to support myself and, like I said, my skis came out fine. I prefer MAS or System Three. They are all pretty similar price wise and MAS seems to have the best wet out properties. It also has the nicest tone, unless you don't want color, in which case it is the worst.

If you have photos of your press please post them as well.

you gotta post some pictures.
congrats on the skis. keep it coming.

Just posted a few pictures of my press and skis in the ski builders gallery.

http://www.skibuilders.com/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=25

cool!! Love the graphics!