Alexei Volkov
When it comes to speeding down snowy slopes, there are a variety of sleds to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic snow saucers are a popular choice, known for their durability and ease of use. But one question that often arises is whether waxing these plastic snow saucers can enhance their performance. While some enthusiasts advocate for waxing to increase speed, others argue that the type of plastic used in snow saucers may not effectively absorb wax, rendering it ineffective. So, should you wax your plastic snow saucer? Let's delve into the details and explore the pros and cons of waxing these beloved winter toys.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should you wax plastic snow saucers? | Yes, waxing can make a sled go faster. |
| Types of wax | Car wax, W-D-40, Clark W Griswolds kitchen lubricant |
| Types of sleds | Inflatable, wooden, plastic, metal |
| Sled performance | Plastic bottom sleds perform well in powder and packed snow. Metal runner sleds do not perform well in powder. |
| Sand sledding | Sand is not as slippery as snow, so sleds will not slide as fast. Sand-specific sleds are available and are faster than snow sleds. |
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What You'll Learn
Waxing plastic snow saucers makes them faster
Waxing plastic snow saucers can make them faster, and there are several ways to do so. Firstly, car wax is a strategy for increasing speed. Car wax often comes with a foam applicator, making it easy to cover a large surface. Alternatively, some people use W-D-40, but this should be avoided in large quantities as it degrades rubber.
Waxing is a well-known method for increasing the speed of snowboards and skis. The bases of downhill skis and snowboards are made from a material with ""pores" that hold the wax, reducing surface tension with the snow. While snowmobile skis are made of solid plastic and would not absorb wax, plastic ski skins can be applied to the bottom of the ski to achieve a similar effect.
Waxing a plastic snow saucer is a similar process to waxing skis or snowboards. First, warm up the wax to make it easier to apply. Then, slather it on, and buff the saucer by rubbing it in the sand. This will help to reduce friction and increase speed.
It is worth noting that the type of sled and the snow conditions are also important factors in achieving speed. Plastic bottom sleds perform well in powder and packed snow, while metal runner sleds do not perform as well in powder. Additionally, the more packed down the sledding path is, the faster you can go. Therefore, using the same path multiple times can increase speed.
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Car wax and W-D-40 can be used to wax saucers
Car wax and W-D-40 can be used to wax plastic snow saucers to make them faster. While some people swear by spraying W-D-40 on their sleds, it is important to note that King, an expert in the field, advises against using a lot of it on a blow-up snow tube as it can degrade the rubber over time. Car wax, on the other hand, is a safer option and can be easily applied using a foam applicator, which many brands provide.
W-D-40 is a multi-use product that has a wide range of applications. It can protect metal from rust and corrosion, penetrate stuck parts, displace moisture, and lubricate almost any surface. It is also useful in removing snow and ice. For example, spraying W-D-40 on a snow shovel prevents snow from sticking to it and protects the shovel from rust due to salt. Similarly, it can be used to spray the exit chute of a snowblower to keep snow from sticking and prevent damage to the parts from freezing.
Car wax and W-D-40 are not the only ways to make your plastic snow saucer faster. One trick is to create a path through the snow and sled down it multiple times until the path is well-packed. Another method is to lightly spray water on the path so that when it freezes, you'll have an extra slick surface to sled on.
While these products and tricks can enhance the speed of your plastic snow saucer, it is important to remember that speed is also dependent on matching the right sled to the right snow conditions. Plastic-bottom sleds perform exceptionally well in powder and packed snow, whereas metal runner sleds struggle in powder and slow you down.
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Warm the wax for easier application
When waxing a plastic snow saucer, it is important to warm up the wax for easier application. Warming the wax will help it spread more smoothly and evenly across the surface of the saucer. This will ensure that the wax adheres properly to the plastic, reducing friction and maximising speed.
To warm the wax effectively, follow these steps:
- Start by reading the manufacturer's instructions for the specific wax you are using. Different waxes may have varying optimal temperatures and heating methods.
- As a general guideline, aim for a temperature of approximately 41°C (105.8°F) or higher. This temperature range ensures that the wax is malleable enough to work with while still being safe for application.
- Use a dedicated wax heater or a similar tool to gently heat the wax. Some wax heaters have rapid heat modes that can quickly melt the wax, but always reduce the heat once the desired consistency is achieved.
- Pay attention to the melting behaviour of the wax, as it may vary depending on the wax type, amount, and room temperature. Stir the wax occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Once the wax has reached the desired temperature, test it on a small area of the saucer to ensure it is not too hot. The wax should be warm but not hurt or burn.
- Apply the wax to the saucer using a foam applicator, a wooden spatula, or a similar tool. Spread the wax evenly and thinly across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Work in small sections at a time to prevent the wax from cooling down too much before application.
- Follow up with buffing or sanding to enhance the smoothness of the waxed surface.
By warming the wax and applying it carefully, you can effectively wax your plastic snow saucer, leading to faster speeds and a more enjoyable sledding experience. Remember to follow all safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions throughout the process.
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Buff the saucer by rubbing it in the sand
To make your sled go faster, you can wax it and then buff it by rubbing it in the sand. This process is especially useful for sand sledding, as sand is not as slippery as snow, so you won't slide as fast. Sand sledding is a unique experience, and sand-specific sleds are faster than regular snow sleds on sand.
Buffing plastic can be done in several ways, and it's important to do it correctly to avoid scratching the plastic. One way to buff plastic is to use sandpaper. Start with fine-grit sandpaper (between 180-600) and gently rub the plastic using irregular circular motions. You can also use wet sandpaper, which is less likely to cause scratches. Immerse the sandpaper in water and rub it over the plastic using a back-and-forth or circular motion.
Another method is to use toothpaste, which can be applied to a microfibre cloth and rubbed onto the plastic in circular motions to remove scratches. You can also use a combination of baking soda and water, dipping a microfiber cloth into the mixture and then rubbing it on the plastic in circular motions.
If you're looking for a shinier finish, you can start with 800-grit sandpaper dipped in water and rub the plastic in a circular motion. After a few minutes, move up to 1,000-grit and then 2,000-grit. A buffing wheel can also be used to get a gleaming finish, especially for soft plastics like motorcycle trim and hard plastics like headlights.
By following these steps, you can effectively buff a plastic snow saucer by rubbing it in the sand, improving its speed and performance.
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Sand sledding is slower than snow sledding
While it is possible to use snow sleds on sand dunes, sand sledding is slower than snow sledding. This is because sand is not as slippery as snow, and sleds tend to dig into the sand and stall. Snow sleds will work on sand, but they won't go as fast as sand-specific sleds.
Snow sleds with rails will not work on sand, but plastic snow discs and flat sleds can be used. The type of sled and how it is treated also play a role in speed. For instance, plastic bottom sleds work great in powder and packed snow, while metal runner sleds slow you down in powder. Car wax is a strategy to make sleds faster, and wax is often applied to the bottom of sandboards. However, even with wax, snow sleds on sand will not be as fast as specialised sandboards.
The sand at White Sands National Park in New Mexico is particularly soft, and sledders report that it is a unique experience. The softness of the sand means that falls are softer than on snow, but the sand can get into your eyes and mouth, which is not a pleasant experience. The sand at the base of the dunes can also be very hard, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings when sledding.
To increase speed when sand sledding, it is recommended to choose a dune with a gently sloping face and a level run-off at the end to stop safely. It is also important to make sure your sledding path is clear of vegetation, hard clumps of sand, and other obstructions. Using the same path multiple times will make it more packed down, resulting in faster speeds.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, waxing can make your plastic snow saucer go faster. Warm up the wax for easier application and then buff the saucer by rubbing it in the sand.
Car wax can be used as a strategy for speed. You can also spray on W-D-40, but this can degrade the rubber over time.
Inflatable snow saucers are lightweight, easy to carry, and super fast. Plastic snow saucers are also a good option as they work well in powder and packed snow.
