Introduction: Butt Board (sledding With Skis)
The goal of this Instructable is to create a platform for sledding with old skis. The crux of this Instructable is to create a platform for attaching STUFF to skis without modifying the skis or bindings. In essence take a 2X4 and create a ski boot shape out of it to mount into the binding as a boot normally would.
Step 1: Trace
Trace the footprint of your ski boot on a 2X4.
Step 2: Cut
Cut what you traced. I used a hand held jig saw but use what you've got. The saw blade made a slightly crooked cut so pay attention to the desired shape vs. the actual cut shape. Remember that the important edge is the one created after the next 2 steps.
Step 3: Depth Measure
I held the pencil stationary and rotated the 2X4 to create a line signifying the depth for the router to plunge.
Step 4: Rout
Set the depth of the router to the 2 pencil lines. The distance inbound it not important as long as it is as far as the boot.
Step 5: Check Fit
Try to snap the 2X4 shoe into the ski binding by stomping on it. Be sure to protect the ski edges by placing them on a forgiving surface like plywood. If too much material has been cut try to putty with any fairly rigid means. My first attempt required some puttying so I scooped up the saw dust and mixed it with epoxy and made a mold with a strip of duct tape to hold the putty's form.
Step 6: Attach Accessories
Step 7: Play
It's always good to brainwash little children to becoming engineers. This is my 2.5 year old on the single ski version. His max run was 10 feet!
Step 8: Reconfigure
Now that you have created a 2X4 shoe you can mount all sorts of things to it. Here is a single ski version that you have to balance like a bike. I have also tied a single ski on to my boot and put my other foot on the front. I hope you enjoy and post your creations. Thanks.
Rob Stupplebeen
Rob Stupplebeen