- 1). Use a pencil to draw a gradual curve on one end of each of the ¾-by-8-by-36-inch pine boards. On the other end of each board, draw a rounded edge so the end forms a semi-circle. Cut along the pencil lines with a band saw. These two boards will form the sled runners.
- 2). Measure in 1 inch from the point of the end of the runner with the gradual curve. Mark that spot with a pencil. This will be the front end of the runner. Use a drill and ½-inch drill bit to drill a hole at the pencil mark on each of the runner's front ends.
- 3). Use a router with a round-over bit to round off all of the edges on the runners. Round off the edges of the remaining boards with the router. Sand the edges and surfaces of all of the boards with 120-grit sandpaper.
- 4). Place the ¾-by-12-by-24-inch pine board flat on the work surface. This is the seat of the sled. Lay out the two ¾-by-7-by-18-inch pine boards on either side of the 24-inch sides of the seat. These boards will form the sides of the seat. Apply a bead of glue to the edges where they meet the sled seat. Place the ¾-by-12-by-10-inch pine board on the back edges of the sides. This will form the back of the seat. Run a bead of wood glue along the edges. Use a hammer and finish nails to fasten the seat sides and back to the seat of the sled. Use a hammer and finish nails to fasten the seat back to the seat sides. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp rag. This forms the seat assembly of the sled.
- 5). Place the seat runners parallel to each other about 12 inches apart. Lay the seat assembly about 12 inches in from the back edges of sled runners. Apply a bead of wood glue to where the seat will sit along the runners. Hammer finish nails through the seat assembly into the runners. Evenly space the nails every six to eight inches. Wipe off any excess glue.
- 6). Insert the ½-by12 ¾-inch dowel through the holes at the front end of the runners. Apply a bead of wood glue to the inside of the holes. Wipe off any excess glue with a damp rag. Hammer one finish nail through the top of the runner into the dowel to secure the dowel.
- 7). Apply an exterior grade wood finish of your choice to the sled. Follow the wood finish instructions. Once fully dry, tie the 48-inch section of rope to each end of the dowel on the front of the sled. This will be useful when pulling a small child around in the sled.
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