Kids Sled

[maxpower10]

Making my 1.5 year old boy a sled for Christmas this year, but I'm sure it will have to fit my 7 and 4 year old girls as well.  So a sled for three kids to be used and abused outside in northern Wisconsin.  What type of wood should I use and what type of finish as well? I thought about cedar with no finish, but I know that will have long term issues too.  Maybe I should make the skis out of a tougher more water resistant wood than the rest? Has anyone here made a sled yet?  Thanks!

 

[davee]

I would think that cedar is too fragile a wood to make a sled.  I mostly use white oak for my outdoor projects.  It is very strong as well as able to withstand weather.  It would be interesting to see your design.

 

[Frank Pellow]

I have made a couple of kid's toboggans.  The traditional material for toboggans is ash and that is what I used.  I can send you details about how to make them if you wish.  Note that the process involves steam bending.

Here is a photo:

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