This is a thread about error accumulation. Specifically: error accumulation in tuning tools.
I've posted about this before, but I've got reason to post about it again.
Imagine a very nice pair of Dynastar Course Pros, tuned to 1 and 3 as set by aluminum file guide. Handed over to skier. Skier looks at conditions in the NE on Saturday, and decides to run his quickie tool with a fine stone in it a few more times. Completely predictably, a day later the skis felt as if they hadn't been sharpened at all.
Sure his pocket tuner tool says '3' on it. Is it the same '3' degrees as on the solid metal guides? Maybe -- but probably not. And if there was even a tenth of a degree difference between them (highly likely when you think about it) every 'polishing' stroke he did was actually dulling the skis.
Recommendations:
Do's:
Use only one guide for all the steps in preparing an edge , from filing to fine stone work.
Don'ts:
Unless you know two guides were calibrated the same way, do not use them on the same workpiece.
When using the magic marker method to determine pre-set angles, do NOT assume that the number you come up with is correct for anything other than the tool you just used to determine it.
I've posted about this before, but I've got reason to post about it again.
Imagine a very nice pair of Dynastar Course Pros, tuned to 1 and 3 as set by aluminum file guide. Handed over to skier. Skier looks at conditions in the NE on Saturday, and decides to run his quickie tool with a fine stone in it a few more times. Completely predictably, a day later the skis felt as if they hadn't been sharpened at all.
Sure his pocket tuner tool says '3' on it. Is it the same '3' degrees as on the solid metal guides? Maybe -- but probably not. And if there was even a tenth of a degree difference between them (highly likely when you think about it) every 'polishing' stroke he did was actually dulling the skis.
Recommendations:
Do's:
Use only one guide for all the steps in preparing an edge , from filing to fine stone work.
Don'ts:
Unless you know two guides were calibrated the same way, do not use them on the same workpiece.
When using the magic marker method to determine pre-set angles, do NOT assume that the number you come up with is correct for anything other than the tool you just used to determine it.