Hardwood Sled Will Provide Kids With Hours Of Winter-Time Fun

A hardwood sled makes a terrific project for both amateur and experienced do-it-yourselfers, whether they live where it snows or just like to travel to snowy areas.

Not only is a sled great for exhilarating downhill rides, but it’s also handy for pulling grocery bags, firewood or tired youngsters through the snow. It can also be used to decorate a country cabin.

This particular sled is made of birch and walnut, but a variety of other hardwoods work just as well.

The sled features a removable seat (as pictured), but it can be made without it because the seat section is cut and assembled separately from the deck and runners.

Full-size patterns make this project especially simple to finish.

First, trace the pieces onto wood, then cut them out. Assemble the pieces using brass screws, washers and epoxy glue. Then complete the sled by sanding, applying sealer and varnish, attaching a pull rope and waxing the runners. The finished sled measures 40 inches long by 14-plus inches wide.

The snowflake designs on the seat and runners can also be traced from the plan and then wood-burned, but you may want to customize the sled with your own designs or decals.

The sled plan, No. 795, is $7.95 and includes complete step-by-step directions with 14 photos, full-size traceable patterns and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

A plan for a scooter and a skateboard, No. 796, is $6.95 and is perfect for when the snow has melted. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $3.95. Prices include postage and handling (for first-class mail, add $1 per item up to $3 maximum).

MEMO: To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. To order by credit card, call toll-free (800) 828-2453. Please specify plan numbers.