Side of BEAST User Guide

BEAST (Best Edge Accuracy Ski Tools) offers several tools to assist in ski tuning. The Side of BEAST is an accurate side edge tool that accepts any file or polishing stone to create a clean, sharp edge at your precise chosen angle. The Side of BEAST is offered with a 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5° or a 7° angle plate.

What Bevel Angle do you need?

The Side of BEAST edge angle is set with removable angle plates. Common recreational side edge angles are 1° - 3° with 4° - 5° available for more advanced skiers and ski racers. A 7° plate is also available for removing the side edge material for better access to the metal edge.

Checkout our Edge Tuning Guide for more bevel recommendations.

Set-Up (see photo above)

Place your ski on edge with the base facing away from you in a ski tuning vise. (We recommend the Jaws of the BEAST ski tuning vise for exceptional grip and adjustability.) Pull the Side of BEAST along the ski edge in long smooth strokes. Pro Tip: Pulling side edge tools offers more control and feel than pushing.

Clamping System & Plate Replacement (see diagram)

Insert a file or stone into the Side of BEAST by loosening the large clamp pressure adjustment knob. Any file or stone can be used in the Side of BEAST, but we recommend 8" files and 4" stones for the most efficient cutting action. Insert the file diagonally through the slot while making sure the direction cuts when you pull. Pro Tip: When the end of the file gets dull, you can break off the end to create fresh cutting surfaces.

Angle plates are held in place by the two smaller knobs on the top of the Side of BEAST. Back these bolts out to replace the angle plate with your desired angle and retighten.

Polishing

Any filing procedure leaves minor striations in the edge material and is best followed with polishing. Using diamond stones with the Side of BEAST allows you to polish your edges precisely at your desired bevel angle to create a smooth and super-fast edge. Pro Tip: Frequently moistening the stone with a lubricant such as BEAST Juice will keep the stone clean.

Sidewall Planing

The plastic or aluminum material reinforcing the edge can prevent the file from getting a good bite on the metal edge. We recommend trimming this sidewall material back with a Plane BEAST or Side of BEAST with the 7° plate and planar file to fully expose the steel edge and prevent clogging of files and stones, allowing quicker and easier edge sharpening.