I collect old plans for projects I never seem to get around to making. With winter here, maybe someone would want to build this fine sled. This comes from an old Delta Tool company publication and the procedure is about as simple as can be.
I lived on the flat Plains for quite some time and I’m rediscovering the joys of hill country.
There’s not much to it really. An couple large project scraps and two long boards for the runners will just about do it.
The recipe is simple:
- The frame is 1/4″ birch and the top boards are 3/8″ birch. Fasten together with countersunk, flat-head wood screws.
- The runners are made from ash. Make a simple form with an 8″ radius from scrap wood. Soak the ends Of the runners in hot or boiling water for about an hour, then clamp onto the form and allow to dry for 24 hours. Ash takes to bending very well in my experience.
- Finish body of sled with varnish or paint. Apply several coats of shellac to the runners and wax.
Maybe one less plastic tub sled will end up in the landfill.
Here’s the link to the website where I found the plans. There are some fun and simple projects to you busy in the coming fall. I recommend the “retro” section for some good stuff.
http://www.thewoodcrafter.net/main.php
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 