Snow sled for my boys
Inspired by the massive snowfall this year, I decided to build this sled for my twin 2 1/2 year old boys. I searched online for plans but was unable to find anything I liked so I designed this project to fit my needs. The sled is 20″ wide by 53″ long and is made of ash, maple and oak scraps I had left over from other projects. There are only two mortise and tenon joints where the side rails meet the nose piece. The rest of the sled is held together with stainless steel machine screws. I soaked the curved ash pieces in the bathtub for about an hour then clamped them around a MDF form and let them sit for a few days. The finish is two coats of wipe on poly and wax. I added 1/4″ thick UHMW polyethylene sheets to the bottom of the runners for speed and abrasion resistance. The sled is almost effortless to pull on packed snow with 60+ pounds of children aboard. I am considering producing a set of plans for this project if there is any interest. My unheated shop is in the background.
Comments
That's quite a pleasing design. I'm too far south or I'd build one for my grandchildren.
The sled looks great. I'd love to have your plans if you draw them up!!
Fantastic!
How thick is the bent ash backer? But, more importantly, how fast is it on the big sledding hill?
I have been looking for a great looking sled to build for my new grandson, he is in Wyoming, I am down in Houston, (I don't know what makes a great sled, never needed one till now.) Can/would you share any details, this looks like a great design, will make it now so it is ready for next winter. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the comments,
The ash back piece and runners are all 1/4" thick. I re-sawed all three pieces from one piece of 5/4 ash. The sled is very fast on packed snow! When the boys get older, the backrest can be removed so they can lay down head first. I think by then I will have to make another one or two!
love this design i will purchase plans from you if you offer them ... beautiful job
A plan for this would be great! How thick and wide is the bent piece on the back?
Hello, I am new here but i love this sled, would very much like to get the plans for it if you drew them up and are willing to share.
Great Job!
I'm building your sleigh design for my grandchildren this Christmas. I'm using the dimensions provided plus some I proportioned from the pictures. I'm also going to add an additional 10" to the rear of the runners to prevent the sled from tipping backwards. You did a great job!
Best regards,
Jim
Like your sled design, I'm willing to purchase your plan, a rough sketch would work with some dimension. [email protected]
It's a beautiful design. Thanks for sharing.
(Hello... I've just joined hoping to get a note to you).
I have drawn up plans for your lovely sled.... purchased some nice ash, red oak, and maple... and have completed all the re-sawing. I have two questions... hoping you are listening and can get back to me without much delay (these will be Christmas presents). First question: What is the width of the runners? Originally I thought 4" but now I'm thinking they're 3-1/2". Next, what is the height of the oak crops members. Original I thought there were 8" x 20". Now I am thinking 6-1/2" x 20". And lastly, you do not have a place to tie a rope either for steering or towing. Do you think I should just wrap a line around the 2 (1") maple pieces that travel the length of the sled, or should I add some eye-hooks to each corner? Your design is sweet... I'm sure my twin('s children) will love them! Thanks very much, Salvy
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in