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Base Bevel Guide - SKS Vario vs Swix

#1
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9/27/09 at 9:36pm
  • Joined: September 2009
  • Post Count: 3
Hi guys,

Another base bevel help thread.  I've narrowed my selection of base bevel file guides down to these:
Swix - http://www.artechski.com/swixbasebevelers.aspx
SKS Vario - http://www.racewax.com/product/RC-3533

Experience reports on either would be great.  Also, does anyone know if the Swix can take 70mm stones?

Many thanks,
Chad

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#2
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9/28/09 at 9:48am
  • Joined: March 2006
  • Location: Berthoud, Colorado
  • Post Count: 1,036
Well, it's an apples and oranges comparison because the Swixes have a fixed base bevel angle and the SKS tool is adjustable.  I used to use SVST or Beast guides, but I got tired of the fact that they didn't have any way to hold the file solidly.  I mostly bevel at 1 degree base, but occasionally I do .5, or if I'm tuning any of my teammates' skis, they may want something other than a 1 degree.  I got one of the SKS tools, and it's excellent.  I like all their tools, and the base beveler is very well made, holds the file solidly, and is very precise. 

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChadwickVM View Post

Hi guys,

Another base bevel help thread.  I've narrowed my selection of base bevel file guides down to these:
Swix - http://www.artechski.com/swixbasebevelers.aspx
SKS Vario - http://www.racewax.com/product/RC-3533

Experience reports on either would be great.  Also, does anyone know if the Swix can take 70mm stones?

Many thanks,
Chad

 


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#3
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10/4/09 at 2:09pm
  • Joined: September 2009
  • Post Count: 3
Thanks for the input SkiRacer55.  I spent the last week or so looking back over options.  I was curious, when you said you got one of the SKS tools, are you specifically talking about the SKS Vario or some other tool by SKS.  Also, from your description, if it was not the SKS Vario, I'm guessing it was still a multi angle tool.  Is that correct? If it is the Vario, somebody mentioned that the angle setting mechanism on their multi-angle tool (I don't believe it was a Vario though) sometimes unsets itself as they work, have you had any problems with this?

Quote:
Originally Posted by SkiRacer55 View Post

Well, it's an apples and oranges comparison because the Swixes have a fixed base bevel angle and the SKS tool is adjustable.  I used to use SVST or Beast guides, but I got tired of the fact that they didn't have any way to hold the file solidly.  I mostly bevel at 1 degree base, but occasionally I do .5, or if I'm tuning any of my teammates' skis, they may want something other than a 1 degree.  I got one of the SKS tools, and it's excellent.  I like all their tools, and the base beveler is very well made, holds the file solidly, and is very precise. 
 


 


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#4
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10/5/09 at 1:00pm
  • Joined: March 2006
  • Location: Berthoud, Colorado
  • Post Count: 1,036

It is an SKS Vario, has a new part number this year:

http://www.fktools-us.com/ProductDetail.asp?PartNumbNew=3165

 

There isn't any locking mechanism on the bevel angle, but I haven't had any problems with it unsetting itself during operations.  I really like SKS stuff, I use the Swing Cut 3000 for side edge beveling...

 



 

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChadwickVM View Post

Thanks for the input SkiRacer55.  I spent the last week or so looking back over options.  I was curious, when you said you got one of the SKS tools, are you specifically talking about the SKS Vario or some other tool by SKS.  Also, from your description, if it was not the SKS Vario, I'm guessing it was still a multi angle tool.  Is that correct? If it is the Vario, somebody mentioned that the angle setting mechanism on their multi-angle tool (I don't believe it was a Vario though) sometimes unsets itself as they work, have you had any problems with this?

 



 


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#5
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10/5/09 at 1:29pm
  • Joined: April 2007
  • Location: N-H
  • Post Count: 1,000
I use the Swix bevels (1 degree, and .5 degree), and they work very well, keeping the files firmly in place. Solid metal construction too, I doubt they will be out of tune any time soon.

So I heard you like Mudkips...

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#6
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10/5/09 at 6:54pm
  • Joined: June 2007
  • Location: S E Michigan
  • Post Count: 113
I use the Swix base bevel guides with 70mm diamonds. Work great.

Karl
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#7
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10/10/09 at 7:44am
  • Joined: September 2009
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Awesome.  Thanks everyone.  Your help has been invaluable.
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