Introduction: How to Make a Sled Out of Old Snow Skis
We finally got a decent snow, but I am too cheap to go out and buy a sled. I had some old skis lying around, so....
Step 1: Find Some Skis
Oh, look! Some old snow skis sitting in my shop!
Step 2: Inventory Scrap Lumber
I had some 1-by 4's, some 2x4's, and some other scrap...
Step 3: Gather Tools
I used a Jigsaw to shape the "boot" (you'll see what i mean in the next step. Plus a cordless drill, skillsaw, and a bunch of drywall screws.
Step 4: Make the "boot"
I started to take the bindings off, and attach the boards some other way, but then I had a bright idea to make a "boot" that would snap into the bindings like a ski boot. measure and cut the heel and toe to the approximate shape of the inside of the bindings. Cut out of 1x4 (may need to shave the board a hair thinner to fit under the binding lips. Then snap it in.
Step 5: Build Frame Up and Attach Top
I got carried away and didn't take pictures during this part, sorry :( Basically, I just added a 2x4 on top of the "boot". Then, I screwed another 12" 2x4 and 1x4 together to match the level. These blocks went in front of the binding. The top is made of 1x6 or 1x8's screwed to the "boots" and front blocks, and then fastened together with 1x2's. I then drilled a couple holes in the front for the rope.
That's all there is to it! Here are a couple videos of me trying it out ;)
http://vimeo.com/8678269
http://vimeo.com/8678711
--acorn
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11 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
Neat idea. You can check out http://tobogganhills.com/ for a map of local hills, and also add your own to the map for others to locate and enjoy. Happy sledding! :)
11 years ago on Introduction
i used down hill ski's at 20 inches apart with loose frame stanchions ,handle bar etc (as a dog sled) and turning was as to skiing .It was a quick sled that was excellent at corners.You can appreciate P Tex low friction when a rabbit crosses the trail and you can feel the lunge from 18mph to 28mph,well if your dogs can achieve that.It was a blast!Have fun!!!
12 years ago on Introduction
I made a similar sled using a pair of old skis. I have taken it out to some municiple sled runs and it gets a lot of attention. It is fast and goes a long distance on the flat part of the hill (I once traveled 100 feet across grass at the bottom of a run on a day when most of the snow had melted).
A few words of warning: after my experiences with my homemade ski/sled, I would stay away from public sledding runs. The speed is wicked fast, steering takes practice and the chance of adding to the 33,000 sledding accidents per year (in the US) is high. Find some backcountry trails, check for hidden rocks and ruts, put on a helmet and then let 'er rip.
Here is a brief video clip of me (sans helmet, regrettably) introducing my sled on skis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAQ1R4Ed1pU
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
wonderluge,
Thanks for your comment! I checked out your video, and it looks great. I think i'll consider adding a cross-piece in the front of my platform as well. Does that help to steer it? Also yours is wider, so I'm sure more stable. Thanks again!
acorn
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
acorn1: Thanks for checking out my video.
As for the cross-piece, it allows me to hold on. However, it doesn't help with steering. In fact, it locks the skis in parallel which assures a straight, fast ride. To turn, I put my right foot in the snow behind the sled for a right turn and use my left foot for a left turn. This, of course, means that I need to ride it lying on my stomach to steer properly.
The width does make the Wonder Luge stable, but stability also comes from it's overall weight: 27 pounds.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Sorry. I tried to add this hyperlink in my post, but it came out as plain text.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAQ1R4Ed1pU
13 years ago on Introduction
Excellent, there was one by Hadleigh Castle, in Essex, G.B. - Very hard to steer1?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Yes, you can't really steer at all while sitting on it (although maybe with some little poles?.....), but you can steer somewhat while lying on your belly. You basically just drag your left foot to go left and right foot to go right.
Thanks for your comment! I'll check out the other one
--acorn
13 years ago on Introduction
as cold as its been this year in florida we still don't have snow... Im NOT complaining ! This looks like loads of fun especially for the older "kids"
13 years ago on Introduction
Nice way to keep the skis usable for their original purpose! It looks pretty fast. I love the chit chat in the videos too!
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the comment! My first instructable.. Yes, it's fast, and probably a little dangerous :)
--acorn