Skis

[endecotp]

Dear Experts,

I have some old floorboards that I want to turn into skis.

The difficult bits are (a) bending the front bit up, (b) fixing boots onto the skis, (c) resisting the urge to start right now despite beer.

A russian friend once made a replacement ski after losing one in avalanche in Siberia. He had only an axe and small trees. I have powertools and old floorboards. How hard can it be?

Also, ski poles? I have a broom and a mop.

Suggestions?

Yes, photos will be forthcoming.

 

[Burnerman]

As a teenager I make some skis for my ski bob creation....a bike with skis instead of wheels.
The skis were of 3/8 WBP ply, and first I created a solid timber mould of the desired profile. By much application of very hot water and steam from a kettle, I was able to form the ply into the curve I needed - with the help of many G cramps squeezing the ply within the mould profile.
I'm not sure how suitable old floorboards are for this job, but any timber will bend if you can get it hot and wet enough - and keep it like that until the curve is formed.
John

 

[foxhole]

MOVE away from the beer.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

MOVE away from the beer.

Yes. Just noticed the time of the original post......

 

[TicTac]

More than likely drunk, but it's doable. Glue a couple of extra bits of floorboard at the front, and the make a curve with a rasp etc.

But as you can't get decent bindings, you'll break your ankles when you fall over, so no advice given here is to be taken as acceptance of liability for an subsequent accidents you may sustain.

 

[endecotp]

I survived!

Bindings are the difficult bit. I started trying to make touring bindings with hinges, but I only had some small ones and I wasn't feeling crazy enough to sacrifice a door. So I ended up just screwing it all together in a fixed position. I might try again with hinges if the weather stays favourable.

The floorboards are also a bit sticky; I ought to varnish them but I don't have anything quick-drying to hand. I have tried some oil but I don't think that made much difference. Perhaps I should paint them.

Photos are a bit rubbish due to it being dark; I'll maybe get some better ones tomorrow.

 

[TicTac]

You want wax on the bottom of the "skis" to make them slide better, but maybe you should be sensible, and make a sledge instead.

 

[endecotp]

I just noticed that I have some resilient bar offcuts that would make perfect sledge runners.

 

[endecotp]

Better late than never. I was worried this lane would be dangerously steep, but no; I was pushing really hard to make any progress at all!