The AF-1 side and base edge mode was designed for World Cup
technicians who are tuning for Downhill and SuperG skis. The base
mode on the AF-1 is not designed to “set angle” but rather just put
a fine polish on the base edge for an ultra good glide. The base
mode is not used every time they tune and usually only performed
when the ski is new or freshly stone ground. It is overkill for even
the highest levels and requires a touch of expertise to perform very
well.

For most applications we recommend to save the $1000
difference between machines and use the AF-L (side edge
only) machine. The side edge mode is the true benefit of using
a Snowglide…sharp and consistent edges for daily training and
racing. We find it better to spend the extra money on additional
stones to make the most of the side edge mode.

2. How long do the Stones last?
This of course depends on the amount of usage. Typically home
use for 3 or 4 racers the stones will last for 3+ years. Club use with
10+ athletes stones should last 1 to 1 ½ years

Stone life can be drastically increased by using the different stones
to accomplish the work. We recommend that you use the Coarse
stone(B-252) for all the heavy work such as pulling in angles on
new skis or skis which have not been tuned by your Snowglide
machine. Once the angle is established change to the medium
stone (B-46 standard stone that comes on all the machines) to

polish the edge. If you desire a ultra smooth polish then continue
with B-25 or B-15

3. How easy is it to change the stones?
It takes about 30 seconds to change the stone. No tools required.
Simple remove the guard’s 2 thumb screws. Hold the stone in one
hand and loosen the knurled retaining nut. Installation is reverse of
removal.

4. How easy is it to learn how to use?
The machines are extremely easy to use. It will take a few pair
of ski to get the hang of it…but you’ll be close to an expert in 20
minutes. The machine does not remove that much material so there
is little to “screw up” or be nervous about.

5. What should I do to the Snowglided finished edge?
The Snowglide’s final pass is skiable as it is. Yet you may fine
the edge a touch aggersive. We recommend a quick pass with a
very fine ceramic stone (800 grit or finer) on the side edge and the
base edge. This is 1 pass on each side from tip to tail and with light
pressure. Then dull tips and tails with a rubber gummy stone to
desired points

6. How fast should I pass the machine on a ski and in what direction?
The pace to the grind per edge pass should be in the time frame of 8 to 12 seconds to go from one end to the other end of the edge. It is preferable to pass/grind the machine from left to right. If you are grinding a lot of material with a Coarse stone it is ok to grind left to right and then continue back again right to left. Final polishing passes should always be done from left to right.

7. Which extra stones do I need?
The machine comes with a medium stone (B-46) installed. This
Medium finish is fine for most applications. The medium stone is a
skiable finish.

We recommend having a Coarse stone (B-252) for heavy edge
work like setting edge angles initially on skis that have not
previously been tuned with your Snowglide or setting up brand new
skis. The Snowglide angle is very precise and the Medium stone
does not remove a lot of material, using the Coarse stone allows
you to get the true angles faster with less passes of the machine.
Coarse stone is also very useful when needing to fix rock damaged
skis. The Coarse stone lets you get a lot of work done faster.
Coarse stone should be followed by use of the Medium stone for a
skiable finish.

Fine Stone (B25) is for ultra smooth finish on the edge. This stone
can be run after sharpness is set by Medium stone

8. How many passes does it take to get skis sharp?
Depends on the edge you are working on. Once the angles on your
skis are “set” it takes 3 to 4 passes to reestablish sharpness.

Tuning once per week with the machine it takes 2 or 3 passes to
get regain sharpness.

Skis new to your Snowglide depends on the starting angles. We
recommend using the Coarse stone to reduce your time and wear
on the Medium stone. The Medium stone does not remove a lot
of material therefore we recommend a Coarse stone to “set the
angle” this typically will take 5 to 10 passes…maybe more on new
ski starting from 90 degrees. Since the Medium stone does not
remove a lot of material and the fact that the Snowglide machine’s
angles are extremely precise it can seem that the machine is not
sharpening the edge…it can take several passes for the precise
angle to “cut all the way” to the end of the edge. You can visually
see the edge grind in the width of the metal edge. It needs to come
all the way out to the end to be sharpening the edge. Until it does it
you will still be in the process of setting the angle and not actually
sharpening the tip of the edge.