Wooden Sled- 1st post attempt

A set of shafts aren’t required but will help stop you from running into the back of your horse! Man that looks like fun! We used to stand up on our sleds behind a mudboat, but nothing that fancy! Great job of building a sled, great construction, it will provide years of service if you put it up on blocks and under a cover. Great job, more information on what you are driving?

Looks great keep up the good work. I love to build things to pull with my horses. Eli

I helped the boys build the above sled a few years ago.
The sled was based on plans from the Foxfire series of books.
The sled is built from curved 8” hemlock trees.
Finding two trees around the same size and curve took some walking.
The runners were made with a saw, ax, and drawshave.
1” inch holes were augured thru the hemlock planks; square blocks, and into the runners.
For added insurance we used small threaded rod so items would not come apart.
The pins held great if all your wood is green I’m not sure the threaded rod is needed.
The front cross piece was mortised into the front of the runners.
The box was just pine boards screwed together so we could take off if we did not need.
For logs or jostling rocks around in the box the 1” pins do not have enough mass to last.
Pins held the sled together fine but for stakes I would create something more rugged.
Was a fun family project and handy around the barn. The young lads were at an age they enjoyed the auguring too well
…as I found a few extra holes in the barn.

Next project is finishing some bobsleds from The Linn MFG Co. from Escanaba, Mich. Patent dated 1904.
I hope to post some pics this week end to seek some advice.

This is great site!