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Fischer Name Inlay on Base not smooth.

#1
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10/18/09 at 9:47am
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On a new pair of Fischer Watea 94 skis, the Fischer name inlayed on the base causes it not to be smooth.  The edges of the inlayed letters are not level with the base. I thought hot waxing would help but after 4 base coats, I can still feel the inlays.  I know these are not racing skis but is this normal with Fischer skis ?  


Edited by Sonny123 - 10/18/09 at 11:00am
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#2
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10/18/09 at 11:22am
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I often wondered about the potential for this type of problem by creating a design in the base with various types of base material, but have never heard of the problem actually arising. What does the retailer have to say about it.

Waxing won't level the base. It isn't meant to stay on the surface, but to penetrate the base. A metal scraper will bring down the 'proud' parts of the base, but not recommended as it degrades the structure of the base.

A grind is what is needed.

MR
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#3
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10/18/09 at 11:33am
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Thanks MastersRacer,

I bought them on line and will contact them to see what they say.
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#4
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10/18/09 at 12:06pm
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All of my Volkl Racetigers were like that, even after grinding. Its the same with every ski with a base inlay, which is why most manufactures refrain from using inlays on speed skis. For GS and SL skis it doesn't make that much difference. The product advertisement to them is worth more than performance.

So I heard you like Mudkips...

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#5
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10/18/09 at 6:03pm
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I thought about grinding this new set of skis but not now due to your comment.  This is just plain Stupid for ski manufacturers.  No, it is Stupid for me to make a purchase of skis that have a non-flush base. 

Why is an advertisement on the base important ?     

Unbelievable.
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#6
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10/18/09 at 6:42pm
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 You can almost always feel the diecuts. Don't worry about it.
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#7
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10/18/09 at 6:56pm
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I agree. Not a big deal at all. If you'd like to flatten them out a bit, a sharp metal scraper will do a good job. Touching the bases up every now and then will minimize any differences. You can also use sandpaper, wrapped arond a file or scraper. Sharp metal scraper, like a Sandvik, has always worked for me. Don't sweat it. Doesn't affect the skis performance, at all.

 

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#8
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10/18/09 at 7:23pm
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Thanks, I'm not going to worry about it.  The inlay is about 1/4 of the ski so probably no reason to wax the ski either other than keeping the edges from rusting.
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#9
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10/18/09 at 7:36pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonny123 View Post

Thanks, I'm not going to worry about it.  The inlay is about 1/4 of the ski so probably no reason to wax the ski either other than keeping the edges from rusting.
You definitely want to keep them waxed! The amount of wax in them is a good start, but wax frequently. More frequently if you ski in the east and on harder snow. You want to keep the base's pores filled with wax and keep the base from drying out. It also makes the skis more enjoyable, especially higher performance skis like these.

Stephen S. Hultquist
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#10
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10/18/09 at 8:13pm
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I'd say running the skis in a bit may make the inlay inset a bit less noticable. Like I said, there really is not huge performance difference. Nothing to sweat over for freeskiing.

So I heard you like Mudkips...

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#11
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10/18/09 at 10:55pm
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My watea 94's have the same thing.  Never worried about it, they ski just fine.  Definitely keep them waxed, dry bases will be much more noticeable during skiing than the tiny difference between the inlay and the rest of the base.
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#12
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10/19/09 at 5:53am
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Thanks for the information, I'll not worry about the inlays and keep them waxed.
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#13
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10/19/09 at 10:16am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonny123 View Post

The inlay is about 1/4 of the ski so probably no reason to wax the ski either other than keeping the edges from rusting.

Sonny123,
 

 

Perhaps I don't understand your statement, but this in no way negates the need to wax your skis!  The inlay is made of the same base material as the rest of your base (well, not quite - if the rest of your base has graphite in it, the inlay does not have graphite).  It will absorb and dispense wax just as the rest of the base.
 


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#14
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10/19/09 at 7:22pm
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The inlay protrudes 0.003" on each letter from tip to tail but not laterally.  The base grind person must have had something more important to do. 
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#15
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10/19/09 at 7:26pm
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My Watea 101's have that issue.  I wouldn't worry about it....unless you're a racer....
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#16
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10/19/09 at 8:53pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonny123 View Post

The inlay protrudes 0.003" on each letter from tip to tail but not laterally.

At what temperature?   Does it stick out more or less as you iron it? 

Edited by comprex - 10/19/09 at 9:38pm

Now on Mondays.

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#17
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10/23/09 at 8:46pm
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You guys need to go skiing.  or get laid.  or something.

If you want perfect inlays, buy Salomon.  For some reason they are very good at it.

This thread earns some serious GapicSki points.
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#18
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11/3/09 at 3:54pm
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The temperature doesn't seem to make a difference.  I've just been hot waxing these new skis.  Garrett, I do need to go skiing.  My oldest son is named Garret, no joke.  
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#19
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11/14/09 at 12:39pm
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Problem solved with a block of wood and emory cloth.  The Fischer inlays name is now flush to the base and skis are re-waxed.  Now just need snow.
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#20
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11/14/09 at 7:54pm
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It will be back....
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#21
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11/15/09 at 12:18pm
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In the old days ski companies could put their names on the bottom of skis without this problem..
Of course the new-fangled inlays might show up better.  Sizzle over steak.

It's because those Fischers are so fast they have to do something to slow them down

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