Machine Tuning vs. Hand Tuning: Finding the Balance
When it comes to getting skis ready for the snow, there’s often a bit of debate about the best approach—machine tuning versus good old-fashioned hand tuning. Some skiers and shops still swear by hand tuning, while others embrace the efficiency of modern machinery. But what’s the real story behind these methods? Let’s break it down.
The Skepticism Around Machine Tuning
You might have heard folks say that automated, stone-ground edges or machine-prepped bases lack the personal touch or precision of hand tuning. There’s a sort of bias, maybe because automation feels too “robotic,” or maybe because some believe machines can’t match a skilled hand. But before we dismiss them outright, think about this: if your washing machine shrinks your cashmere, do you start washing all your laundry by hand? Of course not. You recognize the machine’s limits and find ways to work with it.
Why Do We Need Machines at All?
In ski manufacturing, part of the finishing process involves tuning and refining skis before they reach the customer. Major companies like Montana Reichmann and Wintersteiger have scaled-down versions of the big factory machines that produce the final tuning on the skis. Essentially, these machines help create a baseline—flattening and structuring bases and setting the edge angles—so that each ski meets the manufacturer’s specifications. Hand tuning takes a lot of time—sometimes up to 30 minutes per pair—and while it can be a satisfying hobby, it’s not practical for busy shops or serious ski racing setups. That’s where machines come in—they speed up the process and ensure consistency.
A Hybrid Approach: We Need Both
My philosophy? A mix of both methods works best. Start with machine tuning to quickly flatten the base and remove most damage from the edges. This gives you a clean, solid foundation. From there, hand tuning can focus on the finer details—adjusting edges to suit a skier’s specific style or preferences.
Trying to hand-tune 10 pairs of skis from scratch? It’s a tall order, and the last ones might not match the quality of the first. Machines handle the heavy lifting, freeing us up to concentrate on those subtle, precision adjustments that machines can’t easily replicate.
Why We Keep Things Separate and Hands-On
Even with top-notch machinery, I believe in staying hands-on throughout the process. We have dedicated, standalone machines—like a stone grinder and an edge finisher—so each step can be meticulously controlled and inspected. After the initial grinding, we assess whether more work is needed before moving to edging. Using dedicated equipment for each step allows us to give each ski the individualized attention it deserves, ensuring top quality from start to finish.
In the end, combining machine reliability with skilled craftsmanship gives us the best of both worlds—speed, consistency, and personalized precision.