Maximize Your Wax Room Set-Up

Wax Room Set-Up

Attention to detail in setting up of your wax room can let it perform like a well oiled machine! From a proper table, to ski racks, to safety equipment; figure out what you need to succeed here...

Waxing Table

The wax table is the center of every wax room. Setting one up to meet all your desires is closer than you think!

Depending on your space, you will want to look at different sizes, weights, and styles of waxing benches. Most brands of wax benches have specific profiles and components that only work on their benches, so keep that in mind when you are choosing your style! If you aren't traveling, you can build a sweet set-up using compatible profiles on a hand-built table.

Compact Travel Benches
Being smallest of the work benches, this style is ideal for the
traveling waxer. Being super lightweight and fold-able, you can set
these up while you are at home and then fold them up and bring them to a
race site that won't have waxing facilities. These set-ups are often
only a form attached to legs, but some offer a small tray to store tools
on.
Steel Tables
The steel table is the sturdiest! It's heavy nature makes it ideal for
grip waxing as the table is less likely to move while corking. Though
they usually have a folding capability, travelers don't often opt for
this option due to its weight. Steel tables are generally affordable but
some lack table space and some brand's lack overall quality depending
on where they are constructed.
Aluminum Tables
These tables are the best of the best! The downside? They usually cost
an arm and a leg. Aluminum tables are super lightweight to travel with,
stable to wax on, and have a large top to store all your tools on. The
large size may take up a lot of your storage room. Usually the best
option to go with if it is in your budget. These tables are a sound
investment when your skis require the best!

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Table Attachments

The best way to make your wax room the way you want
it to be! Mix and match the wax table attachments that you need and run
the wax room the way you want!

Some attachments are only compatible with certain tables! Be sure to verify compatibly before purchasing!

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Profiles

In the same way that tables can be expensive or cheaper, so can the profiles you put on them. Profiles are key when it comes to waxing cross-country skis. Generally, the more you spend, the stiffer the profile will be. Putting pressure on the tips and tails of skis with rub-on waxing or structure rilling generally requires you to have a stiffer profile. Some profiles slot seamlessly into the tables and some clamp onto it. Usually clamp-able ones can go onto any table making them more universal! Profiles are easily adjustable to accommodate any size of ski.

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A product picture of the Toko Ski Vise World Cup

Vises

Vises are the preferred option when it comes to alpine skis and snowboards due to their edge tuning capabilities. Some XC vises exist but are usually used for traveling. The vise is perfect for securely holding your ski to the table. Variable widths are available for wider powder skis.

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Clamps

Clamps are by far the best upgrade for a profile! Get rid of that binding pin and swap it out for a quick-release clamp system. Some modern bindings such as locking Turnamic or Prolink Race bindings with the easy-pull tabs are a real pain when working on profiles with binding pins. Clamps solve that issue and save you precious waxing time! Double check whether a specific clamp works with your profile before purchasing!

A product picture of the Rode Ski Rack for Waxing Table

Racks

Ski racks that attach straight to your table can be quite convenient if you are waxing personal skis or a small fleet. It is a great option if your table is pushed up against a wall as you won't be able to use a second profile/vise at the same time. If you need skis to dry with the bases upright, then these are also a great option for that!

A product picture of the Rode Iron Holder

Iron Holders

Keep that hot iron secure and out of the way! Iron holders are great for wax rooms where there is a ton of hustle and bustle. It keeps your iron from falling over and burning the table (or yourself). These tools clamp to any flat surface.

Other Wax Room Gear

There are few other key items needed in a successful wax room, especially for large-scale operations. The following items are industry-specific products that we carry.

A product picture of the Rode Wall Ski Holder (8 Pairs)

Wall Ski Holders

A MUST HAVE for the traveling waxer! These wall holders are cheap, pack up small, and can go up anywhere! There is no worse feeling than knocking over the whole team's fleet of skis. If you at minimum have a few of these on hand, then the risk plummets. Most of these racks hold up to 8 pairs of skis. Easy to slip in and out of for controlled waxing!

Rode Wall Ski Holder

A product picture of the Rode Floor Ski Rack 16 Pairs

Floor Racks

If you have a bit more available space in your travel plans, invest in a floor rack! This system tends to hold more pairs of skis, don't require a wall, and holds each ski individually! These racks are a game changer in the wax room! Rode makes a super lightweight foam one, or you can find custom made wood ones for a bit more stability!

Rode Floor Rack

Wax Boxes

Whether you get one that has your favourite wax brand's name on it or you go to the local hardware store to pick up something cheap, you NEED something to store your wax and tools in! Walk around a race site and you will never see an identical set-up between teams. Everyone has their own way to sort their wax and those that take their time to actually organize it definitely have a leg up over the competition!

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Scraper Sharpeners

Keeping your glide wax scrapers sharp is a key step to ensuring as much melt wax as possible comes off with each scrape. If you do a lot of waxing with green waxes, you definitely need to make sure those scrapers are sharpened every couple pairs of skis. You can get pre-made products to sharpen your scrapers or you can use the block and sandpaper method. Whichever you choose, just make sure you're actually doing it!

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Thermometers

Though they don't replace testing, they sure do give you a direction. Pinpointing the temperature of the snow can give you a more accurate reading of what is going on under foot. If you are really feeling wild, pick up a hydrometer as well to get the full picture and know the snow's humidity.

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Aprons

Keep all that waxing debris from filling up your pockets! Aprons are not only for baking but also for the super messy scraping and brushing jobs in the wax room. Rep your favourite brand and keep yourself clean at the same time!

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Masks

Even in the fluoro-free days, the vapours, dust, and debris cannot be good for you! Keep yourself in mind when waxing skis and throw on a proper protection mask! Throwing a buff over your mouth may make you feel better but vapovapoururs don't discriminate on which fabrics they can seamlessly pass through.

Swix Protection Mask

Extra Considerations

Power Supply
Your waxing set-up may not be directly next to a power supply. If you plan on ironing, heat-gunning, or charging drill batteries, you will want to be set up with proper power. Make sure your extension cords and power bars are capable of handling the wattage of your iron!
Ventilation
When working with hazardous solvents, you need to make sure that they don't linger in your space. Whether you can get your space set up with a high-quality vent or just a fan and a window, you need to make sure you have something.
Dust Management
At minimum, you should come equipped with a dust pan and a broom to clean up after the fact. Alternatively, newer in the industry are vacuum systems. Hook up your shop-vac to a compatible roto handle or iron frame to suck dust and fumes away!
Layout
If you are popping up a temporary wax room, you will want to take a few minutes to pick the best way to set things up! Maximize number of waxing stations, ski storage areas, and walking area. Minimize athlete traffic and messy organization. If it is a skate race day, put your grip wax out of the way in a corner or under a bench. Permanent layouts can be exactly how you want them to be but keep the same tips in mind.
Coffee
Wax techs love coffee! It is not uncommon to see a espresso machine in the corner of a wax room. Don't forget to leave room on a shelf for your machine! Snacks are also usually involved with full days of waxing. Ensure your athletes know what you like for the day of!
Music
If you have anything over a few pairs of skis to wax, you will want tunes to drive you forward! Good music makes skis faster! WARNING: Wax tech music styles may vary!