IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: Fat Boy on Feb 11, 2004, 12:33 AM
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Hey everyone, when I get my sled back from my brother, I'll get a good pic and post it. There is a thread on the PA General page on this subject and it gave me the idea to start this thread. Homemade sleds and the ingenuity in making them fascinates me. I love to read and hear about your ideas and how you all tote your gear around, and homemade sleds are some of the most fun things to make. People are so proud of their work, it's great. So, please post a pic of your sled if you can and share with us why you like it, how you made it, and a picture. I really enjoy seeing everyones work on the ice, so let's see it here!
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OK, I'll post the first pic. Not a good one so I'll have to get my sled back and take some detailed close up pics. This pic was last year, hence the extra pounds around my waistline and face, LOL.
(http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v19/fatboykevin/ice_fishing_004.jpg)
I took a kids sled, cut off the lip that goes around it (making the sled narrower so it could fit into a vehicle easier). Then, bolted a heavy duty Rubbermaid storage box to the middle of the sled (box is sold by Walmart for about $30). I made rod holders made out of PVC pipe and bolted 5 of them to the inside of the box lid. I also bolted 2 brackets that fold down out of the way when not in use to the top of the box lid to hold my auger in place. In addition to that, I permanently bolted a bungie cord in place to go over the box and secure the auger when going down hills etc. On the front of the box, I installed a rod holder made by Berkeley. I have room to put set things down behind the box at the back of the sled, and also room in the front of the sled. I installed handles on the top of the box for loading and carrying the sled. And lastly, I took a heavy duty rope and replaced the one that came with the sled (easier to grab and hold) and secured it with hose clamps.
I had a blast making it and was pretty proud of my accomplishment. It is roomy inside to hold all my rods, tackle, flasher and anything else that I care to bring along. OK folks, let's see or hear what you use!
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Here’s the deal with my sled. I built a box 25”x44” with 8” deep sides. This is just wide enough to fit two 5 gallon buckets. These get placed in the front of the sled with a 2x4 behind to act as a cross brace and to keep the buckets from sliding around. You could use 2x2’s to save weight, but I got lazy. In the middle part of the sled I’ve got a plastic hinged box about 22x16 and my buddy heater fits right along side it. I built a little compartment out of 2x4’s to hold the radio and keep it from sliding around. The back part of the sled is where the auger goes. I notched the box to hold it across and it’s worked out well. This whole contraption is mounted on old downhill skis. I put 6 inch long pieces of 2x4 set on edge as a spacer between the skis and box to keep it from dragging in heavy snow. I’ve had it in 12 inches of snow and it stays on top very well. I attached a couple climber type snap links on eye bolts at the back of the sled to attach my Shappel dx3000 to for when I pull both out on the ice. The combo pulls much easier than loading up the shanty and trying to tug that. On the outside of the box I attached 4 broom holders to act as rod holders. These are mounted vertically to the front of the sled, but I may move them to the sides to keep them from getting tangled in the tow rope. I painted it bright yellow so that hopefully it will be more visible to the snowmobiles that like to buzz ice fishermen. All in all it took about 3 hours and the cost was $0 since I had the spare material laying around. I think a 4x8 sheet of plywood, an 8 foot 2x4, some screws and a tube of liquid nails is all that you’d need. I guess weight is about 30lbs. It’s much lighter than my shanty, in any event. The best part is that now I can go fishing, and if I’m not marking fish on the Vexilar, I snap my pole back in to the holder and move. No more struggling with the auger, putting the ice dipper back in the bucket , putting the rod in the bucket, putting the fish in the bucket, knocking the snow off my mittens, and then trying to trudge trough the slush with my auger in 1 hand, bucket in the other hand, and Vexilar in the other. I even leave the bucket seat right in the sled now so I’m highly mobile!
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Hey Kevin-Great Idea, I never thought of the large tote box idea. I have a big old cooler that doesn't work anymore and I might borrow your idea. See Ya! :)
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I guess not many people are proud of their work done on their sleds like I thought :(
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(http://www.sharemation.com/caretaker/_ice_fishing_shelter%202.jpg) Salvaged plywood and screws. 2 piano hinges, a pair of old skis, and some 2x6 blocks to give it some clearance. I made a kick sled out of tubular aluminum and kid's downhill skis and a plastic chair, but haven't finished that roll of film yet.
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Buzzbomb, I like your rig. Gave up on shantys a long time ago because I don't like the bother they entail. Would still like to have something to cut the wind though. You must have to anchor the back side to keep it from blowing down? What are the dimensions? Anything you've learned from yours that you would change if you built another?
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I'm not sure of exact dimensions but it's about 5' tall. It worked out as well as it could, I don't think I'd change anything. I was considering jury-rigging some sort of canvas front for it but never bothered. I haven't had it blow away yet, I just pile my gear up on the inside and it holds pretty good against the wind. The only downside is that it's not a shanty! If I can have my back to the wind and face the sun it's fine, but somedays the wind either blows from the wrong direction or the sun just isn't shining. It's easy to pull, and I can pile all my gear on top and bungee it down. I copied the basic design from one a neighbor had made of steel siding that he pulled with his ski-doo. When I saw that plywood for free I got inspired!
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I think this is a great post. I have been using a sled that looks like Fat Boys yellow one in the pic. But i have found it is to unstable to carry a power auger,two buckets and all the misc. stuff. I have been trying to build somthing a little more sturdy thay will hold all that stuff with little success. Thanks for putting this post up. I am sure it will give me a lot of great ideas.
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Here is one I built this year. I love it!..It's a little heavy to load in the truck, but I can still do it by myself. I can also carry ALL my gear without stuff falling out, and it pulls like a breeze.
(http://www.fishingvermont.net/images/otherpics/sled/sled_side.JPG)
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I found a web site that tells you how to build a sled. It is not pratical for me but, But i just thowght you guys would like to see it. http://www.practicalsportsman.org/members/pdfs/M1996V4N1/M1996V4N1P19.pdf
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Hey Raleigh,
That is a good link; I've been looking for plans for something that will fit in the trunk of my car. Thanks! ;)
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Esox, that is one cool sled 8)
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Nice pictures guys,
Great idea material for my sled project.
Esox, how long are the skis on your sled and could you venture
a guess as to the sleds's weight without equipment?
Thanks
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Fat Boy,
Does fastening the plastic storage box to the sled compensate
for the stiffness lost as a result of trimming off the sled's rim?
You have got to have the trickest custom jig heads around man.
It makes me laugh every time I see the picture! ;)
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Esox, was your gear recovered? I recall reading a post some time back about your gear being stolen. Man I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Take a lung, a kidney, but please don't take away my ability to go fishing!!!
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The skis are 178's and the sled weighs ~#63 empty. It is actually a two level sled. There is a deck with a door level with the top of the jet sled. I have no problems loading it into the truck fully loaded (auger, 30 heritage tip-ups, heater, etc.......take the bait bucket out first ;) ). I lift the front and put the skis on the tailgate, then I go to the back of the sled and lift the back and slide it in. It you went with a shorter ski, it would make this more difficult.
This thing pulls great...and I carry a LOT of gear, since I take a lot of folks out fishing that are new and don't have gear of their own.
Here is a top down, so you can see the deck inside and the hatch door.....
(http://fishingvermont.net/images/otherpics/sled/sled_rear_top.JPG)
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Trevor...Nope. Nerver recovered. I've been looking, but I have not seen any of it. I got my money from my ins company and replaced my gear. It was not fun setting up again....Have you ever spooled 30 Heritage Laker tip-ups with 150 yards of line each? ::) ;) I used a cordless drill and I still think I had over 45 minutes into each, by the time I was all set up with leaders, reflective tape, etc.
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Good to hear you were able to replace it at least. Would suck for it to happen during a time when things were tight financially.
What really hurts is that gear is nothing to those scumbags who stole it. Very likely they weren't anglers. It's not like tools or something that would be easy for thieves to quickly unload for a buck. I would imagine they pretty much would have to give that stuff away. Yet to us as sportsman our gear is practically our livelihood, it's invaluable in that it gives us the freedom to get out and do what we love. We all fish for different reasons but for many of us it's the mental release from daily pressures, and for some punk to take that away. Man, give me five minutes in an alley with those guys....
Cheers,
Trevor
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Fat Boy,
Does fastening the plastic storage box to the sled compensate
for the stiffness lost as a result of trimming off the sled's rim?
You have got to have the trickest custom jig heads around man.
It makes me laugh every time I see the picture! ;)
Colorado, thanks for the compliment. The sled does give it stiffness but at the same time it's flexible when you need it (like pushing into a vehicle, the front folds up, or the back). It works great on nice days when I don't need the Fish Trap.
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Here's my traveling sled. I use it when the fish trap is not needed and I want to cover a bunch of ice. It's made of 10 ply birch plywood. The runners are covered with 1/8" aulminum flat stock. The bottom is 3/16" polyethylene. It's about 10 yrs old and has held up well. I originally had a windbreak that set up with 1/2" emt poles but I don't use it.
There are no plans...I just built it!
RG
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled5.jpg)
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled1.jpg)
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled2.jpg)
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled4.jpg)
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RG, That looks like a very nice homemade practical sled for the nice weather days on the ice.
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Fisherman. cabinetmaker, gunsmith, politician...... ;)
RG
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RG, good work on yours too.
I can't wait until everyone posts theirs on here. These things are so cool to look at. The pride and care it takes to build them, custom to each persons individual needs, is second to none in the sport of fishing. Building a shanty might come a close second, then maybe a custom boat... But the sled, that is art! ;)
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Fat boy,
I've been collecting pics of various ice fishing inventions (thanks to a new digital camera) to be included in a book I'm working on.
I've always enjoyed making my own gear, as much as is practical. The variety of home brewed equipment in this sport proves it's a tinkers hobby. It's a real simple pleasure!
RG
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Fisherman. cabinetmaker, gunsmith, politician...... ;)
RG
Politician????? Most wouldn't admit to that. Maybe diplomat would have been a better description. :)
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I simply built a box with a hinged lid and a child's plastic roll up sled stapled to the bottom to help it slide. I also used some extra tent poles I had laying around and fashioned a windbreak that I can put up as needed. I now have a Viking fishing hut but still use the old stand by to bounce around jigging for panfish when the fishing is slow. It also works great for setting up my tip-ups when the wind is biting. I'll try to get a pic posted soon.
Bobbers down and flags up!
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I've been collecting pics of various ice fishing inventions (thanks to a new digital camera) to be included in a book I'm working on.
I'd like to buy a copy when it's out! Let us all know!!!
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rgfixit,
I'll buy a copy of your book when it's ready too. ;)
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Don't get too anxious guys. It'll be a while.
RG
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Pvc- light and strong enough, the ski's went to hell on the shanty, I built it this high in case of deep snow. It works well so far this year!(http://polish sled001 .jpg)
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Great Ideas :'(
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Good idea for a subject Fat Boy.
Some great designs and craftmanship on display, thanks for posting them.
(http://users.erols.com/bwiest/021604sled1.jpg)
I built mine from the largest tub (less the wheels) that Home Depot sells, thru bolted it to doubled .090" sheet aluminum attached to crosscountry skis via alum. struts.
Now I just have to figure out how to attach one of those three part wind screens to her, and install a brake for going down hills.
Bob
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Bob, that is one cool contraption you got there! Very sleek. If they had a downhill race for ice fishing sleds on a ski slope, yours might be the winner!
Oh, and one day last yar at Sheppard Meyer Reservoir I (with my add'l 65 pounds) decided to ride mine down the hill...bad idea...it was fun going down but my auger bracket met my family jewels at the bottom of the hill... :-X :-[
Kinda funny looking back at it.
I promised another look at my sled showing the rod holders inside, here it is:
(http://img6.photobucket.com/albums/v19/fatboykevin/fatboysled.jpg)
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Floater,
If you have steep or numerous descents to get to where you fish, add another rope attachment point (or 2) to the rear of the sled. That will allow you to "belay" or let the sled down in front of you. With the carabiner you already use for your pull rope, switching will be quick.
I have also found that 2 points of attachment like Fat Boy is using lets you "jerk steer" the sled in snow. Attaching the pull rope to the ski tips also gives me more floatation in deep snow.
Last but not least. The metal work on your sled is exquisite. The clean lines are really sweet. You have managed function and form, nice job! :'(
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Fat Boy,
Nice idea how you rigged your rod racks, and sorry to hear about your other "racking"
Colorado Ice,
Thanks for the kind words and the rear caribiner idea, kind of like belaying a hurt climber down a slope.
First big hill, I hollered at my son 'cause he kept crashing it into trees, so I took it over figuring that I could out run it down the slope. Big mistake, ended up just accelerating into a bigger tree, boy did he get a laugh out of that.
Bob
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Esox what did you use to attach the skis to the sled. I saw the pic but. What did you use to attach the skis to the brace on the bottom? i am in the process of building a sled and i like your set up.
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These are great sled pics I am planning on building a new one this summer got some great ideas from this site. Thanks all ;D
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Raleigh,
Your pics didn't post. It's the dreaded Sharemation snafu.
I suggest you move your pics to;
www.photobucket.com
or
www.mysticcolorlab.com
They're both free and MUCH more user friendly.
RG
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Thanks rgfixit, Sometimes my pics show up and some times they do not. It seams that a lot of people have trouble with sharemation. Thanks again for the web site's. Rgfixit how do you get the photos to show up with photobucket ? I am having a little trouble getting them to show up.
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I'll IM you some info
RG
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raleigh,
I attached the sled to the cross braces with drywall screws
(w/washers). his summer I'm removing it and adding a 1/4 plywood plate between the sled and the cross braces for added support. The unit works well as is, but when somone puts a lot of weight on the back of the sled....like stitting ::) it deflects the plastic a little. I have some pics I tok while building i, so I'll post them in the next day or two.
Bob
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Well heres my traveling sled when i dont have the fishtrap, its a normal sled w/ a box like seat w/ a door on the other side that i have shelve like things that hold some stuff and the pvc piping on the back for my rods and the circular cut out for my bucket, not the best pic in the world but ya get the idea.
(http://img15.photobucket.com/albums/v46/kingfishr16/0bf54cf8.jpg)
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You boys have got some really neat sleds on here. I have a sled I've had for years that I made from a child's boat type sled. I mounted a piece of 1/2 in. ply on top (even traced the contour of the sled before I cut it). Used eye bolts to fasten it down (for bungee cords) and traced out and cut holes for three buckets. It also has room to strap on my Coleman stove. I have strapped my Jiffy 30 across the top of the buckets lengthwise..but it's kinda topheavy that way. I still use it but looking at yer stuff has given me a whole bunch of new ideas. Hopefully by next ice season...I will have built THE MOTHER OF ALL ICE SLEDS.....WK ;D ;D ;D
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(http://www.sharemation.com/raleighm20/finished.JPG)
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raleigh,
Lookin' good man. Nice job on your sled.
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Raleigh,
Great job, Looks well planned and executed...Got this picture thing figured out as well.
Now go get some fishy smell in that sled!
RG
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the wind breaker around this works very well.
(http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/sunbird/images/Auger.gif)
(http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/sunbird/images/box1.gif)
(http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/sunbird/images/box2.gif)
(http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/sunbird/images/box3.gif)
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nicely accessorised nocash especiallt the patriots ;) i like the team ice shanty too
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Nice sled nocash. But there is one thing that i would like to point out that i saw wrong with it. That sticker in the front shouldent it say Denver Broncos ? ;) just kidding. Nice looking sled.
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hey raleigh,nothing wrong with the broncos i give them a big salaute.the patriots just had a better season this year. I like your rod holder's on the side of your box i just might use your idea, if you don't mind. Rich
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hey king nice truck hehe chevy's rule and i like the idea with the pvc pole holders i always ram my 6 rods into a bucket then fight to get them un tangled id show a picture of my sled but its nothing special just a midsized jetsled ;D
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I just cut four peices of one inch pvc pipe 9 inches long. I made them 9 inches long so they would hold bigger rod's as well as little ones.
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Hey Yall this is made out of 1/16" inch aluminum weighs only around 20-25 lbs is 5' long and 3' wide.. I pretty much just made a bigger jet sled.. I have to prime and paint it so my hand will not stick to it when wet but this is how far I am on it..
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/chad_banks1/sled1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/chad_banks1/sled.jpg)
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I don't have a Pic,..maybe some day I'll learn how to do that. OK I use a large toboggen, a thing I got at a flea market. Urethaned bottom sprayed with a light GOOD silicone spray. (many are inferior) I realise its old school but I take out a lot of stuff. the difference is that I make a "hinge" using the rubber of a truck tire tube (metal would make for some drag) and use plywood as wide but not quite as long as the togbogen. In this way on LIGHT days you can use the length of the tobog and on heave days to can unfold it and now you have a very long "train,.. some eyes and ropes (somewhat like what is on the tobog) some plastic milk type crates and maybe a few 5-7 gal pails and a few bungees to hold them on makes for quick storeage to load it up/unload it back at the vehicle . I even mage a quick tarp to bungee over it with grometts to fit.As I said have a lot of stuff that I take out for fun. Can get heavy so I use a LONG rope that I put around my waist and can pull it better and generally I don't go more than a 1/4 mile anyway and its not bad.
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transplantfromMN, is ur sled welded or riveted, and how much did it cost to make?
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transplantfromMN, is ur sled welded or riveted, and how much did it cost to make?
Completly welded.. I am still in the process of making changes but cost to me so far was nothing.. It only took me one 4'x12' sheet of aluminum and still have lots of leftovers but I got the aluminum free from work..
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nice sled, I plan on making one like that, as soon as I find a mig welder to buy.
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redeyes just remember if you want to go with aluminum make sure if you are useing a mig welder you buy the aluminum spool gun.. I would not suggest useing steel because of the weight unless you dont mind lugging around an extra 60 or so lbs. mine is totally tig welded because that is what I like to use on all my projects and we dont have a alum spool gun at work.
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I own a lincoln 220 stick welder, great welder. now I'm looking for a mig, never welded with mig but everyone I've talked to says its real easy. want a mig that I can weld aluminum, do you have any suggestions, trying to spend less than $500 on one.
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:-[ I'm embarrassed to say I use a regular old jetsled XL for all my stuff. Sometimes tow it behind my 4 wheeler with a hitch. Have a buddy that had a hitch welded up for him with steel rods, much more durable than the flimsy Shappell hitch system. Sometimes just use a good old packbasket, snowshoes and carry my bait bucket and hand auger. Depends where and how far I'm going. If you want a picture of a Jetsled, you guys are sick, sick, sick. ;D Hoppes
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Red eyes I know you said you want to stay under 500 but it is going to be hard to do. welding depot has a clarke 220 volt 150 amp spool gun mig welder (clarke is a knock off of the miller) for 629.75 this machine would do pretty much what you want. I Love mig welding its messy but quick and easy.. take a look and if you have any questions please feel free to pm me
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well, $629 not bad, I/ve never used a clarke welder, but it seems to be just as good as the others, 10yr, warranty. Ill try to save up some money for that, If you come across any other good deals PM please. thanks
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i have been pulling my suitcase style shanty and it sucks with snow on the ice any ideas what to do would like to get it about a foot or so off the ground and something to cut though like a breeze....getting really tired of pulling this thing out and then wanting to take a nap after dont even want to drill holes by the time i get it set up
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I Made this top Basket part to go on my homemade sled. I used oak strips. I stained it last night and will give a couple of coats of polyurethane. It is 48"x30" wide. My Shappell DX3000 will fit right on top with the side rails of the bed engaging the convolutions in the floor of the shed so it will not slip off. I can pack everything on top of my shanty and pull it out with a shoulder harness. I can also use it alone with out the shanty and it will carry all kinds of stuff and handle it well.
(http://i50.tinypic.com/67m9ft.jpg)
(http://i45.tinypic.com/23t5yxd.jpg)
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Classic Woodie! :thumbsup:
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Here's my traveling sled. I use it when the fish trap is not needed and I want to cover a bunch of ice. It's made of 10 ply birch plywood. The runners are covered with 1/8" aulminum flat stock. The bottom is 3/16" polyethylene. It's about 10 yrs old and has held up well. I originally had a windbreak that set up with 1/2" emt poles but I don't use it.
There are no plans...I just built it!
RG
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled5.jpg)
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled1.jpg)
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled2.jpg)
(http://img5.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/sled4.jpg)
here's the sled old trout
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Built a smitty sled and put a 2'x4'x18" wood box on top .Built a three sided wind break. I can pull it but it is heavy. I also have drilled slots in the sides to reduce the weight. I used 3/8 th plywood for the lid and bottom; 2x2 framing, and some thin cedar tongue and groove on the side. I'll rebuild it in the Fall using 1x3 for framing and Luan for the sides/bottom/top. Should be able to reduce the weifht by 30 lbs or more.
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photobucket pics of sled
http://s396.photobucket.com/user/jejajones/slideshow/
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Hey, you resurrected my old sled. ;D
It was a good quick trip sled for sure.
Rg
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Here's the replacement
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/imagejpg2_zps633de197.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/brfixit/media/imagejpg2_zps633de197.jpg.html)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/imagejpg3_zpsf55329dc.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/brfixit/media/imagejpg3_zpsf55329dc.jpg.html)
Rg