Ski Builders Forum

What are some good topsheets to use? I'm thinking about using HDPE from McMaster-Carr, http://www.mcmaster.com/#4196a31/=4c71ms 1/32 thick, adhesive ready on one side, smooth on the other. The color kinda throws me off though, light beige/translucent. Has anyone used it and is the beige tint noticeable once the ski is pressed. It looks like the same stuff in the SB store though. I'd rather not brush something on after the ski is pressed so if anyone can recommend a better topsheet that'd be awesome. Also if you have used both PBT and HDPE, which produces a better topsheet?

dude, that's extremely expensive

How so? its 24" wide which should give me two pairs of skis at just under $25 per pair. Although the stuff in the SB store is 12" wide, I guess it comes down to the shipping costs which would be cheaper.

nd2ski wrote:How so? its 24" wide which should give me two pairs of skis at just under $25 per pair. Although the stuff in the SB store is 12" wide, I guess it comes down to the shipping costs which would be cheaper.

Skibuilders:

4m*$9.99/meter+$13.34 shipping=$53.30

McMaster:

6ft*$8.12/ft=$48.72

And I can guarantee that shipping from Mcmaster will not be less then $5, you'll be lucky if it is less then $10.

The shipping should run about $7 from McMaster and its delivered the next day versus about a week from washington. So at this point I'm not going to worry about a few bucks. To get back to my original question, is there a better type of material for the topsheet other than HDPE or are HDPE or PBT the best options.

Even if the sheet material from McMaster is cheaper you run the risk of delams, unless you can properly heat treat and abrade it. The topsheet in the skibuilders store comes already treated for bonding on one side.

polyamide is substantially better than UHMW

tantrum wrote:polyamide is substantially better than UHMW

Do you have an example of the material? My searches come up nylon and silk. Is it a fabric or a plastic sheet?