How to Make a Plastic Toboggan Dangerously Fast

With more people on the ski mountain than ever and rising lift ticket prices, this winter might be a good opportunity to try out cheaper alternatives for exhilaration. With a few tools you can turn a basic, plastic toboggan into a high velocity luge sled that will leave you wondering why you ever thought skiing was fun in the first place.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Pair of downhill skis
• Plastic toboggan
• 4 metal or wood screws (9/16 inch with modified truss heads)
• 4 metal washers (1/4 inch by 1-1/4 inch)
• Electric drill
• Extra-strength, waterproof glue or adhesive

1. If the skis have bindings, take them off. You only want the skis themselves. Also, know that making this sled will ruin the skis for future use, so use an old pair.

2. Set the skis on a flat surface, parallel to one another, and about 10 inches apart.

3. Place the toboggan on top of the skis in the position you would like it attached. It may be necessary to widen or shorten the distance between the skis depending on the width of the sled.

4. Apply weight to the sled so that it will not shift, and drill 16 holes through the sled and skis slightly smaller than the screw you will be using; eight holes into each ski. The front two holes should side by side, about 1 foot from the front of the toboggan, and the back holes should be an equal distance from the tail of the sled. Then, around the middle drill the final four holes. You only want to drill about half-way into the ski because drilling all the way through will ruin it.

5. Remove the sled and pour a little strong adhesive into each hole in the skis. It's important to use waterproof adhesive, even wood glue will do.

6. Immediately replace the toboggan by matching up the holes, and place the washers over the holes.

7. Tighten screws into each hole while checking from time to time to make sure the screw isn't going through the bottom of the ski. If it cannot be tightened all the way down without poking through the bottom of the ski, you may need to use a smaller screw, or clip the tip of the screw you're using.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the glue at least three hours to fully dry before using the sled.

• Wear gloves when riding the sled, you will be using your hands to steer, and the snow at high speeds can cause cuts and abrasions in bare hands.

• If you can't find 9/16 inch screws, 3/4 inch screws will do, just beware that they may poke out the bottom of the ski if you aren't careful.

• This toboggan is extremely fast, be certain that the area in which you sled has a long run out that will allow you plenty of time to stop. Also make sure that no objects or people are in your path before starting.

• Always wear eye-protection when using power tools. Goggles aren't a bad idea while sledding either.

• Never use an electric drill without previous experience with the tool. Find someone who can help you.