Winter has come, which means that it is time to ride a sled! This is especially an important event for children, as this raises the question of choosing a sled. As we recall from our own childhood, the one with the best sledges was cool! This time, the author decided to surpass everyone and made sledges on shock absorbers for his child. In addition to the "Ponto" appearance, such bells and whistles have practical benefits. It is not so hard to jump from ski jumps on such sledges, to fall into pits flying from a mountain and so on. Well, as for friends, they’ll just be envious.
Materials and tools for homemade:
- four shock absorbers (bicycle ones can come up);
- aluminum square tube and other parts for the manufacture of the frame;
- two skis;
- two rods for ski stabilization and brackets;
- a tree for finishing the sled;
- self-tapping screws, screws and other trifles;
- paint;
- drill;
- grinder;
- a hand-held circular saw (or other tool for cutting wood);
- dremel;
- drawing accessories;
- wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.
The process of manufacturing a ski sled:
Step one. Sled pattern
Such ski sleds were once made long ago by the author’s father, but time has done its job and this homemade product has become unsuitable for anything. The main advantage of these sleds is that they are light and very fast. Also, the sleigh is equipped with an interesting control system. Each ski is able to rotate separately, while there is a difference in gliding, and the sleigh turns in one direction or another. The sled is controlled by two levers. If you bend both skis at once, the sled will significantly reduce the speed.
In the pictures you can study what kind of sled scheme the author came up with. The most difficult element in the manufacture here will be the frame, however, this is the most important element. The frame is made of aluminum, so it is lightweight.
Step Two Preparation of all necessary parts
In accordance with the scheme, we cut workpieces from aluminum square pipes, drill holes in the right places. Aluminum is a soft metal, so you can cut it easily with a hand saw.Some small details are conveniently modified with the help of a dremel.
Step Three Attaching skis to the frame
To fix the skis to the frame, the author made special brackets. They are also made of aluminum, all of which should turn out four pieces. The whole thing is then fastened with four bolts and nuts.
Step Four Frame assembly
When all the components are ready, we assemble the frame. You need to attach small components to the main thick central beam. We put the parts in place, drill holes and tighten everything with bolts and nuts. In this step, you must completely assemble the frame, including the installation of shock absorbers.
Step Five Sled steering wheel
The author makes the wheel of wood. Then you need a piece of the board, cut out a convenient shape from it. To mount the steering wheel from aluminum plates, you will need to make a bracket. Fasten the steering wheel using a bolt with a nut.
Step Six Deck Sled
To make it comfortable to sit or lie on the sleigh, the author trimmed them with wood. We cut off the necessary blanks and fasten them into place. For fastening, we drill holes in the frame and tree and then fasten them with screws and nuts.
Seventh step. Final assembly of the sled
At that step, the author fastens to the ski frame. They are attached to previously made brackets. Screws or self-tapping screws can be used as fasteners, it is advisable to lubricate them with screw before screwing. We drill holes in the skis and screw in the screws.
At the same step we connect the steering wheel and all the necessary traction. In principle, the assembly of the sled can be considered complete. It remains to experience what happened. Watch the video.