Author Topic: Building my first Smitty Sled (Read 5058 times)

4x4Dad · « **on:** Jan 07, 2019, 08:23 AM »

Well , I know this will be opening a can of worms , but , I got the skis , 2x8 legs cut and hardware to put it together .Yes , I do really like the PVC designs you guys have , but figured my first one will be a Classic Smitty .
So , before I start screwing & glueing , is there any last minute pointers or modifications that may make it better or stronger ? I'll be painting everything before final assembly to waterproof the wood . The glue I'm using is Weldwood contact cement by DAP . Supposed to be good for wood & plastic . Any thoughts ? Thanks

Stickhick86 · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 08:24 AM »

Glad to see that you got some skis. hope it goes well for you and best of luck

MumbleSEED · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 08:36 AM »

I built one out of wood 2 seasons ago. With all the different mods and ideas you end up seeing AFTER you assemble you will more than likely make a new one or modify again. I have spend this season working to really help my original piece.

chez · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 10:44 AM »

Good Luck.
They are a great help.

chez · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 10:44 AM »

Good Luck.
They are a great help.

4x4Dad · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 11:47 AM »

Thanks guys . Yeah , once I have it together , I'm sure I'll second guess every part of it . Already thinking of a fish finder shelf and exterior hooks for the auger and chairs .

cajuntony · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 05:33 PM »

Ok 4x4 point me in da right direction im also lookin fer skis i've tried goodwill no luck...i have a scout shanty want ta do a smitty sled also thanks in advance

Chris338378 · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 05:44 PM »

One thing that I did to mine that I didn't see that anyone else do is I screwed two three inch deck screws in through the top of my risers in front and back of the notches for my cross pieces. The reason I did this is to help prevent the cross piece from breaking off these narrow parts of the riser if the skis try to twist out of alignment.

Fishermen · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 05:56 PM »

I got sick of building and trying different sleds I think I'm done now 2years now on this

4x4Dad · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 06:54 PM »

Quote from: cajuntony on Jan 07, 2019, 05:33 PM

Ok 4x4 point me in da right direction im also lookin fer skis i've tried goodwill no luck...i have a scout shanty want ta do a smitty sled also thanks in advance

Yep Tony , I did the same thing with no luck . I went on Craigslist under Sporting goods . Tons near Pittsburgh , but I waited for a pair closer . Picked them up for $30.00 of a guy down Rt. 8 south .

Ok , so I wanted to glue and screw the 2x8 legs on , but the 2x8s wouldn't sit still on the skis . So I predrilled the skis and glued the boards down and clamped them . I'll take the clamps off tomorrow , predrill the wood and countersink the ski bottoms and install 3 - 3 inch screws in each leg .

4x4Dad · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 06:57 PM »

Fishermen , that's the nicest sled frame I've seen yet ! Add skis to the Bottom and go .

TNT5859 · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 07, 2019, 07:32 PM »

Looks great.

cajuntony · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 03:08 AM »

Fishermen · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 03:27 AM »

Thanks I do have runners 1/2 by 1 1/2 built for tow of pull

jarhead · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 05:37 AM »

Now all u guys need is retractable wheels for your sleds hopefully you all will get to use them LOL

4x4Dad · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 05:44 AM »

Actually after looking at all the modifications to Smitty Sleds , I liked the small wheels on the rear of the skis . Should be good for protecting the skis across a parking lot when you can't get close to a take out area .

ActiveTrapChecker · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 06:15 AM »

Quote from: cajuntony on Jan 07, 2019, 05:33 PM

Ok 4x4 point me in da right direction im also lookin fer skis i've tried goodwill no luck...i have a scout shanty want ta do a smitty sled also thanks in advance

I put a wanted ad on Craigslist to get mine. Ended up having to pay $10 per pair but got the 2 pair I wanted

hard water jim · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 07:40 AM »

If you have a local ski shop check with them. Our local shop usually has old ones people trade in that are real cheap. I have seen then for as little a $5.00 without the bindings which you don't want anyway. In my case I decided I liked ice fishing better than skiing so mine became donor skies.

I fish a couple places where it is quite a distance/drag from the parking lot to the ice and is a pain without snow. My next project is to make a simple and lite weight easy on/off wheel conversion kit.

capt.crappie · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 06:08 PM »

I started building a Smitty in dec. Still never finished it. No biggie though. We dont have any ice !

Freytown · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 06:12 PM »

Hey folks, anyone need skis for a sled...just ask. I may have what you need. Cost = $0.00. Put them to good use. FT
PM me for details.

4x4Dad · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 06:32 PM »

I understand Capt . I've got a lot of projects sitting around half done .

Well , the glue set up well over night . So I decided to go ahead and put the screws in the bottom of the skis and install the pins in the 2x4 slots . I used 3/8 Hanger bolts for the pins . I used 2 - 3/8 nuts to drive the lag end into the predrilled leg holes. I used a metal framing plate as a template . After freeing up the clamps , I glued up the other ski with it's 2 legs .

CowDawg · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 08, 2019, 07:51 PM »

Looks like you have a good build going on 4x4..!!

Keep it light weight and simple.. Did you consider removable wheels for the dry land and parking lots? Just a thought for you, I put them on mine when i built my smitty.

As for anyone needing skis, check your local Salvation Army store... I got mine there for 10.00

4x4Dad · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 03:54 AM »

Thanks Cowdawg . Yes , I'm considering wheels . Just not sure how I want to mount them yet .

Freytown · « **Reply #23 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 04:51 AM »

Quote from: Freytown on Jan 08, 2019, 06:12 PM

Hey folks, anyone need skis for a sled...just ask. I may have what you need. Cost = $0.00. Put them to good use. FT
PM me for details.

TTT nobody?

4x4Dad · « **Reply #24 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 05:43 AM »

Quote from: Freytown on Jan 09, 2019, 04:51 AM

TTT nobody?

CajunTony , I think he's calling to you buddy .

cajuntony · « **Reply #25 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 09:07 AM »

copy 4x4...hey freytown i sent you a pm let me know if you got it thanks

Freytown · « **Reply #26 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 11:50 AM »

NO, I didn't rec PM??

4x4Dad · « **Reply #27 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 12:00 PM »

Freytown , a PM is a private message to exchange personal information . You can access yours at the top of the forum page near your Log In information .

Freytown · « **Reply #28 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 12:04 PM »

I know but nada in my inbox.

4x4Dad · « **Reply #29 on:** Jan 09, 2019, 12:08 PM »

Oh , sorry .

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Author Topic: Building my first Smitty Sled (Read 5058 times)

CowDawg