snowshoe making

[alpinehigh]

With all this cold weather lately, ice fishing is out, thought I might as well start a project inside.
Was thinking about making some snowshoes. Anyone ever make a pair?
I worked with steamed wood before to make a fishing net and would use those techniques to make the frame of the snowshoe.
Sure i could find some sinew to use for the webbing at craft stores.
I found some bindings at a hiking store.
I guess ive got to find some dimensions and what kind to make (ojibwa, alqonquin).
Just wondering if anyone has any input for help.
Thanks

[tdeyette]

alpinehigh,

Sounds like a fun project. I have wanted to build a set myself as well. I have a book called Building Snowshoes by Gil Gilpatrick. I checked on Amazon and see that book is out of print, however Gil has a newer updated book listed on snowshoe building. He also has a website that you can check out http://gilgilpatrick.com/

As I remember, he gives very good descriptions and illustrations of the webbing process as well as scaled drawings of several different styles of snowshoe.

PS: I have built a cedar strip canoe using his book "building a strip canoe" and found his instructions well written.

Have fun with your project!

Tom

[Fish Monger]

Wow, pretty ambitious. Good luck and let us know how you made out.

[missfishylicious]

can't be any harder than caneing the seat of a chair