Hello Everyone,
I am writing a series of articles, as well as a book, on dog sledding. My work includes the history, sportshmanship, and cultural background of dog-sled racing. One aspect I’d like to cover is the actual building of the sleds. Classic dog sleds are made of wood, using very interesting techniques, and the results can be stunningly beautiful! They are practical as well, able to race through the harrowing conditions of dog-sled races.
Does anyone out there build dog sleds? Do you know someone who does? If so, I’d be interested in hearing from you for this project.
Edited 11/23/2006 1:57 pm ET by MatthewSchenker
Replies
Matt -
These links should get you started. Do a google search for laminate bending or steam bending sled design to see traditional techniques.
I've designed Norwegian Kick Sleds - which are essentially dog sleds that have a different geometry and are propelled by the driver (not dogs).
http://www.dogscooter.com/dogscooter/links.html
http://www.sleddogcentral.com/news_main.htm
http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/winter/gear/sleds/
http://www.netwoods.com/d-equipment.html (middle of page)
Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
Dan,
Thanks for the links. I've already checked out dogsledcentral a few times. It's a huge site with a tremendous amount of information. From what I understand, the mushers use that site a lot for necessary information.Thanks again, and feel free to post anything else you have on this.
Hi Matt ,
I've built a Klondike sled similar to the BSA plan posted in Jackie's reply , I altered the plan and made a few changes . Typically these do not get pulled by dog's , mostly Scouts .
I have seen some real dog sleds with teams of dog's , as demos and they were beautiful works of art with some curved bent laminations for some of the parts . Very light weight designs but with superior strength .
dusty
Dusty,
I agree that some of the classic-style sleds are amazing works. What I love about it is that they are both beautiful and rugged. They have to withstand the force of 14 or 16 sled dogs pulling them through snow and ice. Once in a while they need to glide through water, and all the while they are carrying the weight of the musher plus supplies in temperatures that dip to -40 F.I've already seen some great examples of these sleds, and spoken with the mushers who use them. But I just know there are others out there.By the way, just like we have those in favor of hand tools and those in favor of power tools, in the sledding world there are those who favor wooden sleds and those who favor the new lightweight metal sleds.
Edited 11/25/2006 6:23 am ET by MatthewSchenker
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