Realized my viper needed a set of carbides like right now, I mean they were bad. I’ve had the idea of making some before and with extra time at work I figured I’d finally give it a try. I used regular carbon steel round bar and bent it to match the old set. I then took some hardened tool steel and welded it on the bottom and put some 1/4 bolts on the top. Has anyone ever tried making a set of carbides before? If so how did they come out? I’m expecting they won’t last to long and I’m not very worried since I had plenty of time to waste. I could be wrong depending on how the hardened steel holds up, but I do plan on checking them frequently just incase they do wear faster than I expect.
i have made them before when i could not identify the brand of skis insurance put on a 1975 gs338 that some one stole and my dad got back in the early 80's.
depends how hard the steel is. i used 5/8" grade 8 ubolt rod when i did those with 3/8" x 1" bolts and as far as i know, the ones i made are still on that sled.
depends how hard the steel is. i used 5/8" grade 8 ubolt rod when i did those with 3/8" x 1" bolts and as far as i know, the ones i made are still on that sled.
They aren’t pretty but I’m thinking they should hold up for a few rides atleast. 
A couple of bucks
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Did that on a regular basis on my JDXs.
I even vice-gripped a copper bar at an angle while the skegs were upside down. Then hardwelded(stick) the entire length. Remove copper bar and way-ole.A nice 45*(ish) edge that cuts nicely in the snow.
I even vice-gripped a copper bar at an angle while the skegs were upside down. Then hardwelded(stick) the entire length. Remove copper bar and way-ole.A nice 45*(ish) edge that cuts nicely in the snow.
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2muchhp
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Years ago I made plenty of them by running the bar flat and then welding a 8" tringle file to the flat bar. Man did that makem turn, almost dangerous.
I thought about doing that but didn’t have any old files on hand.
Finally able to post a picture. They’re pretty aggressive haha might have to cut em down but it’s all pretty new to me.
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2muchhp
VIP Member
That ought to get it around, it surprising how long they last when only riding in snow. It's the side of the road and bad trails that wear them out.
I bought the files at Home-Depot, I think about $12 but still much cheaper than new carbides. They last quite a long time
I bought the files at Home-Depot, I think about $12 but still much cheaper than new carbides. They last quite a long time