Ski binding template centering jig

Disclaimer: Getting mounting wrong can be dangerous. You should probably have bindings mounted by a professional. This is intended to be a companion to paper templates and measurements should be carefully verified. Test mount on a 2x4. 

This is a centering jig for mounting bindings to skis. It uses a rack and pinion ratcheting mechanism to clamp each end of a 3d printed template to the ski for drilling or marking. I've included an example template for Look SPX 12 with a 325 BSL.

I really liked this jig that is much more flexible but I wanted something that was easier to print on small print bed and didn't require as much hardware.

This was designed to be able to be printed on small printbeds so the template itself is split into 3 pieces with a dovetail to connect them together. You could create templates for other bindings by insuring it uses the same screw mounting hole pattern to the centering jig on each end. If you have the same bindings as my example template you could probably adjust the length of the center piece of the template to get the correct BSL.

Hardware required:
M2x10 Self tapping screws
Rubber bands
Silicone tubing for feet (optional, probably would work without this)


Assmebly Steps:

1. Print 2 of each model except for the arms, you will need 4 of those
   1. Supports shouldn't be required, I did end up using them on chamfered part of the hole for the pawl but I think it would work without.
2. Place the gear onto the base for each end of the template
3. Place the arms into the slots and ensure they are meshed with the gear in equal “zero” positions
4. Attach the lid with self tapping screws
5. Attach ratchet to gear with self tapping screws
6. Attach pawl to correct post on the lid so that it meshes with the ratchet
7. Use a rubber band between the pawl and smaller post to ensure it stays in contact with the ratchet
8. Attach the toe end and heel end of the binding template to one centering jig assembly each, ensure the bottoms of the jig and the template are in alignment
9. Attach the two end template pieces together with the center template piece, this could be glued but once it's laying on the ski and the clamps are tightened I find it stays in place well.

Usage:

Practice this on a 2x4 a few times and compare with paper templates and your bindings. Triple check things align. This worked for me but things could go wrong depending on assembly, printing tolerances etc…

1. Expand jaws of centering jigs as far as they will go
2. Lay on ski and align the notches in the center piece of the template with the mounting position line on your ski
3. Carefully ratchet each end of the jig until it is holding in the right position
4. Double check things align with paper template and that everything is centered
5. Use the holes in the template to mark and/or drill your skis, use a depth stop if drilling. Ensure the depth stop takes into account the thickness of the template, it should be 10.3mm so if drilling to 9.5 you'd set the stop to 19.8mm.