Toboggan

By Ben Uyeda

SKILL
intermediate

Traditionally toboggans are made from a single piece of curved wood. I was interested in creating a modern twist on this simple sled by applying an aggressive angled geometry. This faceted sled made from 3/4" plywood and 2x4s is an affordable project that can bring hours of holiday fun.

Tools

  • 18V ONE+ 5" Random Orbit Sander
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 1/2" Drill/Driver
  • 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4" Circular saw

Accessories

  • 7 PC. 5" RANDOM ORBIT SANDER SAND PAPER
  • 90PC DRILLING AND DRIVING KIT

Materials

  • 2 1/2" Screws
  • 2" Screws
  • 2"x4" Wood Board
  • 4x8 Plywood
  • High Gloss Polyurethane Spray

Steps

STEP 1

Cut the 2x4s. Clamp the 2x4s firmly to a work table and then use the circular saw to cut along the lines. A laser guide really helps.

Tools

Circular Saw

Materials

2x4

STEP 2

Sand the 2x4s. Sand the 2x4 pieces now. It is harder to sand them once you assemble the toboggan.

Tools

Sander

Materials

2x4

STEP 3

Cut the plywood. I recommend having the sheets cut into two 2’x8’ pieces at home depot. If you do decide to do it yourself use a straight edge guide clamped down to the plywood to make sure this long rip cut is straight

Tools

Circular Saw

Materials

4x8 Plywood

STEP 4

Adjust the angle of the circular saw blade. To make the angled panels of the sled I adjusted the angle of the circular saw blade to the angles shown in the diagram.

Tools

Circular Saw

Materials

4x8

STEP 5

Make the beveled cuts. Clamp down a straight edge so that your cuts across the plywood are straight.

Materials

4x8 Plywood

STEP 6

Mark the lines on the 2x4s. Measure and mark the 2x4s as shown in the diagram.

Materials

2x4

STEP 7

Use wood glue and 2” screws to fasten the plywood panels to the 2x4s. Clamp the plywood in place. Use 2 ½” screws to connect the 2x4 pieces to each other.

Tools

Drill

Materials

Wood Glue

STEP 8

Sand the toboggan. I used an orbital sander and 220 grit sand paper to sand the toboggan.

Tools

Sander

STEP 9

I painted the 2x4s a nice bright red and then finished the entire sled with 2 coats of polyurethane.

Materials

Paint