Did some tire grooving and siping

[AJMBLAZER]

Only got the front two done now as other things have gotten in the way but I'm pleased with the results.

I grooved each block in two and then siped each of the blocks. Takes about an hour to do the grooving for each tire and about 35-45 minutes to do the siping. Had to get my technique down so the first tire took probably twice as long. Also helps to have a fan aimed at you so you aren't breathing in ALL the fumes.

Thanks to mrk5 for all the advice.

 

[BGKYK5]

I assume you used a hot grooving knife? More info on the tool? Looks good!

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Yep. Just a regular heated grooving knife. Used to have a pic...guess not anymore.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/sipe/
http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/grooved_tires/

I saw that article a few years back and bought the same Ideal siper/groover. Works pretty well but the dense rubber of the XL's was definitely more of a challenge than the softer rubber of most car tires I've done. I've siped four or five sets of tires now and loved the results. Easily gotten back my $75 I paid 4 years ago.

I bought mine from Afco there at the end of the article but I've seen them cheaper elsewhere since then.

 

[BGKYK5]

 

[troutbum_mt]

That's pretty cool! Good job on the tires. Other than a fan, what other things (tricks, tips, etc) did you learn? I've been thinking about trying it but have no idea where to start lol

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Only thing that jumps to mind is to either wear overalls or work clothes you don't mind getting crap on. The rubber gets sticky and will leave marks fairly easy. Also have heavy leather gloves for your hands. You really don't need dexterity so nice thick gloves will prevent burned fingers.

Oh, sipes also work best when going perpendicular to the tread direction. I've seen where guys put all kinds of work into siping tires...but did it all in the direction of the tread.