Ski Builders Forum

I have been using HDPE plastic, but what are some other materials that doesn't allow the epoxy to bond?? Would wax on aluminum flashing work?

Paste floor wax aplied and allowed to dry works pretty well. Nice product called part all is used allot. There are many industrial release agents out there. Spray on and paste types. Look at mold making supplies and foundry options.

I use part-all from Fiberlay, and parchment paper on top of that.

I use:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#2386K78

works great!

Release wax works great. Been using it for about 4 years now. You can get it online at tap plastics or at your local store if you have one. Slop it on their pretty heavy and you shouldn't have any problems getting it out.

I've used part-all no. 2 up until the latest pair, when I tried a liquid mold release, which has the viscosity of water. Part-all was fine, but it took a while to rub it on and sometimes left bumpy bits of wax around. The liquid stuff is incredible, as it goes on completely smooth. It also releases even better than the part-all. I think the liquid stuff is a polyvinyl alcohol (pva) product, but I'll have to check. Apparently it's supposed to be used in conjunction with a wax, but I'm pretty sure we put it on virgin aluminum on the latest pair, for the top (bottom piece had been used previously with wax).

I ended up using the backing of some laminate it is non stick even with epoxy, the ski popped right out of the mold.

clean and sand the mold well... then buff with some mothers car wax. Some of the paste "mold release" brands are actually made by mothers, and I've not noticed a difference between the two. Though i know the synthetic car wax doesnt work quite as well. Caranuba cleaner wax works pretty good .

Lay down a good amount... buff until there are no more lumps or chunks anywhere. You still have to "crack" it off the mold a pinch, but it will snap off clean

echoing others, but might as well put in my vote: parchment paper is super cheap and easy.

my layering goes:

mold, then a 1/8 inch thick ply wood, then a sheet of aluminum (with some partall wax on it) then parchment paper and then ski bases taped with low quality packaging tape (get low quality from Harbor freight because its easier to remove after)

We have been using a furniture wax on MDF and only with our first light coloured bases have i found out how deep the wax has been penetrating into the base with heat and pressure. I estimate that it was 0.1 m into the base.
Should be using a soft ski wax.

I have been putting tape on the bases to keep off the epoxy during pressing. However I am getting tired of peeling it off when done. Does anyone put mold release wax on the bases? (Local shop doesn't like to grind off the epoxy)
Thanks

I haven't used wax on the bases but it would probably be ok as long as it is put on carefully so as not to get any where it shouldn't be. In the past I have used Con-Tact paper on the bases to keep epoxy off. It peels off much easier than regular tape and is also easy to apply. I am fortunate enough to have access to a shop where I am doing the work myself so I don't worry about it too much and just grind away the epoxy.

neatturns wrote:I have been putting tape on the bases to keep off the epoxy during pressing. However I am getting tired of peeling it off when done. Does anyone put mold release wax on the bases? (Local shop doesn't like to grind off the epoxy)
Thanks

Yes I've put wax on the base (any paste wax with carnauba). Works well, epoxy comes off easily. Be careful not to get it on anything but the base. I leave a spot in the middle bare where I use spray adhesive to attached to the cassette.

Glad brand (for you aussies) baking paper works best for me.
Better than wax, fold up the edges so the epoxy doesnt drip onto the cassette.
I just used a cheaper brand of baking paper and it stuck to everything.

Anyone tried ski wax on their bases first?