Ski Vise is a necessity, but you already figured that out. IMO, most of the tools and brands are very similar. I like the SVST edge guides best but other brands are fine. I have the beast base bevel guides, and I actually think that SVST are better, but they are really six of one. The one tool that I have that I find to be a necessity is a sidewall planar. In this one, there is only one top get and that is bu SWIX. It is vastly superior to everyone elses. It also caost about $150, but it is well worth it.
As for Kits, SWIX makes some pretty reasonably priced kits that run $150-250 that have mostly everything you need to get started including wax. Somoeone gave me one as a present and that is what I use at my home in Montana (supplemented with tools I already had and brought out there).
On your question as to whether yo wnat to put your base bevel yourself. In my? experience, if you wnat it done right, do it yourself. There are two places that I go to (one in Tahoe and one not too far frommy home in California) that can and will do a better job that I can or will do myself. I use them when I am lazy or when I need some work that is either time consuming or needs to be? more exact that I can do myself. I also go to pros for race prep wax, as that is really a fine art. I also learn alot from these places and I ask a lot of questions. I also buy new tools there and they will give me a lesson on how to use it properly.
Get yourself set up. You can learn the basics online. Swix and Holmekohl have great videos on their websites. Then try to leran from people you find that know and care (caring is the key ingredient. Lots of shop guys just don't!!).
Home
Login
Register