All about ski racks

Both professional athletes and winter sports enthusiasts use various special devices and equipment. Considering that the condition and service life of the equipment directly depends on this, it is recommended to learn everything about ski machines. First of all, we will focus on devices designed for high-quality and correct processing of a sliding surface. It is important to consider that now manufacturers offer skiers a fairly wide range of models. In addition, the machine can be made independently.

Initially, it is worth noting that the design and principle of using the ski rack are as simple as possible. Any model of equipment is located horizontally on legs or is attached to the table with special fasteners. After installation, it is necessary to spread the guides to the desired distance and fix. Then you can start working with a sliding surface (lubrication or processing with a grinding tool).

In the standard design, the design of the machine necessarily includes two key elements. It is a bed, the length of which ranges from 120 to 150 cm, as well as guides equipped with clamps. In addition, the delivery set may include:

• legs with rubber tips (connected in pairs or are separate elements).
• additional fasteners;
• shelves for tools and lubricants;
• trash bag holder;
• bag or case for storage and transportation.

Many skiers most often use models of machines designed to handle one ski. At the same time, modifications of the equipment are available for sale, which make it possible to prepare a pair at once. If it is necessary to process several pairs, then a special ski table is used.

Features of the appearance of different models are due to their configuration. So, the structures equipped with legs outwardly resemble an ironing board. In their absence, the machine is a bar with guides and fasteners. Many manufacturers now produce lightweight models of machine tools, the weight of which does not exceed 1.5 kg.

At the moment, a fairly wide selection of specialized equipment for servicing all types of skis is presented in the corresponding market segment. Moreover, all available options can be divided into stationary and mobile. With the help of the latter, the sliding surface can be processed immediately before entering the track. Another important point is the financial side of the issue. The acquisition and operation of some machines will require significant costs, while the costs of others will be minimal.

It is equally important to consider that there are devices with rigidly fixed guides. Such models are designed for skis of certain sizes. The alternative is universal equipment samples. Alpine skiing machines deserve special attention, sharpening of which must be carried out in a vertical position and at a certain inclination. Very often, conventional machines are simply not suitable for this in width. Special designs are equipped with a vice that allows you to adjust the angle of installation of the central clamp.

Among other things, machines differ from each other in the material of manufacture. Most of the industrial products are made of aluminum profiles with a frost-resistant coating. Less common are wooden models.

To date, the release of the described devices is carried out by many specialized companies. The most popular foreign brands include several manufacturers.

• SkiGo is a Swedish companyspecializing in the development of equipment and accessories for cross-country skiing. Products of this brand appeared on the market back in 1979. Since 2015, an official representative office has begun to work in Russia.

• Swix - manufacturer from Norway, whose products are popular with both amateurs and professional athletes. The history of the company began back in 1946.

• Fischer is an Austrian company, specializing in the production of premium ski equipment.

• Holmenkol is one of the oldest representatives in the industry. This company, representing Germany since 1922, offers a wide range of ointments, accessories and devices for the maintenance of both cross-country and downhill skiing.

• TOKO is a Swiss manufacturer, whose products have been known since 1933. The company's catalog contains products for all types of skis.

According to current statistics, the most popular domestic brands are FISHIAN, RU-SKI and Master-Ski. According to athletes, amateurs and experts, the quality of the equipment produced by these companies is not inferior to foreign counterparts.

As already noted, it is not at all necessary to buy a ski machine ready-made. If you have certain skills and tools, such a device can be made independently using the appropriate drawings and diagrams. To create the simplest device you will need:

• wooden beam with dimensions 30x40 or 40x40 mm - 2 m;
• metal corner - 4 pcs.;
• axle and narrow metal plates from the constructor;
• clamps - 2 pcs.

Directly the process of making a homemade machine tool itself includes the following steps:

1. measuring the length of skis, and determining the configuration of their profile;
2. calculating the dimensions of the bars for racks and guides;
3. cutting at an angle of the upper part of the bars;
4. fastening the processed workpieces with corners, and installing the guides using self-tapping screws;
5. assembly of the retainer from the specified parts of the metal constructor, its installation on the rear rail.

The main advantage of a home-made device is its cheapness. If we talk about the cons. First of all, it is worth focusing on the static nature of the guides. The point is that it is not possible to change the distance between these structural elements of the machine, depending on the parameters of the machined surfaces. An alternative option would be to manufacture a fixture from an aluminum profile, the key advantages of which include:

• the ability to adjust;
• increased durability;
• light weight.

It is important to take into account that longitudinal rubber strips must be attached to the guides. Such measures will effectively protect the sliding surface from damage.

For information on how to make a ski preparation machine with your own hands, see the next video.