Instructions for a Wooden Sled
- 1). Choose a wooden pallet. These can be obtained from local hardware stores. Look for one that is made from boards that are ¾ inch thick with slats that are ½ inch thick.
- 2). Remove two ¾ inch boards from the pallet that are at least 44 inches long, using a hammer to pry the boards loose. Remove nails or tacks from the boards. Cut them to equal lengths with a table saw.These will be your runners. Mark them with a pencil at points that are 12, 28 and 40 inches from the end.
- 3). Cut the runners at one end at a 45-degree angle. Smooth rough edges with a sander. Lay the runners on edge with the angled sides on the bottom.
- 4). Remove three ¾ inch boards from the pallet. Use a table saw to cut them to 1 ¾ inches wide and 1 ½ feet long. These boards will be used as cleats to hold the sides of your sled together.
- 5). Place the cleats between the runners lining them up with your marks. Position them so that the top edges are flush with the tops of the runners. Secure the cleats between the runners with 1 ½ inch galvanized screws, using two screws on each end of the cleats.
- 6). Select four 1/2 inch slats from the pallet. Cut them to 40 inches long. Position the slats on the cleats parallel to the runners, allowing the outside slats to extend slightly beyond the edge of the runners. This will allow you to grip the edge of the sled with your fingers when using it. Depending on the width of the slats you may need to add additional slats to the sled for more comfortable seating. Attach the slats to the cleats with galvanized flat-head screws. Countersink the screws to provide a smoother surface on the sled.
- 7). Smooth any rough edges with a sander. Apply a marine-grade stain finish with a paintbrush. Allow the stain to dry thoroughly.
- 8). Drill ½ inch holes in the two outermost top slats. Thread the ends of the rope through the top of the slats. Tie a knot in each end of the rope to provide a handle for pulling the sled.
