Litehiker
Well-Known Member
When I was working in a ski shop one of my jobs, besides being a ski salesman, was mounting bindings on XC skis.
Most skis had either wood or foam cores that required "potting" the screws in epoxy glue.
"Potting" is the art of making an inverted cone (^) in the foam or wood with an awl. The inverted cone was filled with foam-friendly epoxy and the bindings were mounted on the skis with the supplied screws.
Once the epoxy had cured the skis were ready. The screws would not pull out.
For foam core fiberglass or carbon fiber stocks this method is what I recommend to keep the studs or flush cups from pulling out. Remember, ASK the stock maker what epoxy to use. Usually Marine Tex is "neutral" with most types of structural foam. That's my experience.
If you don't do this "potting" then basically you have mostly the fiberglass or carbon fiber shell to do the work of holding the stud in place, not a good idea as it can easily break under strain.
I would not recommend using a drill for potting as you ned to keep the entrance hole an exact diameter for strength and good looks when the stud or flush cup is mounted. An awl will work for potting but you need to vacuum out or knock and dig out the debris you create when making the inverted cone.
Eric B.
Most skis had either wood or foam cores that required "potting" the screws in epoxy glue.
"Potting" is the art of making an inverted cone (^) in the foam or wood with an awl. The inverted cone was filled with foam-friendly epoxy and the bindings were mounted on the skis with the supplied screws.
Once the epoxy had cured the skis were ready. The screws would not pull out.
For foam core fiberglass or carbon fiber stocks this method is what I recommend to keep the studs or flush cups from pulling out. Remember, ASK the stock maker what epoxy to use. Usually Marine Tex is "neutral" with most types of structural foam. That's my experience.
If you don't do this "potting" then basically you have mostly the fiberglass or carbon fiber shell to do the work of holding the stud in place, not a good idea as it can easily break under strain.
I would not recommend using a drill for potting as you ned to keep the entrance hole an exact diameter for strength and good looks when the stud or flush cup is mounted. An awl will work for potting but you need to vacuum out or knock and dig out the debris you create when making the inverted cone.
Eric B.
