Woodworking Projects for Kids - Four Passenger Coasting Bobsled

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List of Materials

• 1 top, 6.5 ft long, 16 in. wide and 1 1/4 in thick
• 4 runners, 22 in. long. 4 inch wide and 1 inch thick
• 4 crosspieces, 16 inch long, 3 inch wide and 1 inch thick
• 3 pieces, 16 inch long, 5 inch wide and 2 inch thick
• 1 piece, 16 inch long, 5 inch wide and 1 inch thick
• 1 shore, 16 inch long, 3 inch wide and 1 inch thick
• 4 seat backs, 12 inch long, 16 inch wide and 1 inch thick
• 1 dowel, 3 ft. long and 1 inch in diameter
• 4 rods, 8/3 inch in diameter, and 30 inch long
• 4 eyebolts, 1/2 inch by 6 inch long
• 3 hinges, 5 inch strap
• 8 hinges, 3 inch strap

Shape the runners all alike by cutting one out and using it as a pattern to make the others. After cutting them to the proper shape, a groove is formed on the under edge to admit the curve of a 5/8 inches round iron rod about 1/4 inch deep. The iron rods are then shaped to fit over the runner in the groove and extend up the back part of the runner and over the top at the front end.

The extensions of this woodworking projects for kids, should be flattened so that two holes can be drilled in them for two wood screws at each end. If the builder does not have the necessary equipment for flattening these ends, a local blacksmith can do it. After the irons are fitted, they are fastened in place.

The top edges of the runners for this woodworking projects for kids tutorial are notched for the crosspieces so that the top surfaces of these pieces will come flush with the upper edges of the runners. The location of these pieces is not essential, but should be near the ends of the runners, and the notches of each pair of runners should coincide. When the notches are cut, fit in the pieces snugly, and fasten them with long, slim wood screws. Small metal braces are then fastened to the runners and crosspiece on the inside, to stiffen the joint.

As the rear sled must oscillate some, means must be provided for this tilting motion while at the same time preventing sidewise turning. The construction used for this purpose is a hinged joint. The heavy 2 by 5-inch crosspiece is cut sloping on the width so that it remains 2 inch thick at one edge and tapers down to a feather edge at the opposite side.

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This makes a wedge shaped piece, to which surface the three large hinges are attached for this woodworking projects for kids. The piece is then solidly fastened to the upper edges of the runners that are to be used for the rear sled and so located that the center of the piece will be 8 inch from the front end of the runners.

The supporting crosspiece on the front sled is fastened on top of the runners, at a place where its center will be 11 inch. from the front end of the runners.

The top board is prepared by making both ends rounding and planing the surfaces smooth. On the under side, the two crosspieces are placed, which should have two 1/2 inch holes bored through the width of each, near the ends, near the ends, to receive the eyebolts.

They are placed, one with its center 12 inch from the end to be used for the rear, and the other with its center 8 inchs from the front end, and securely fastened with screws. The shore of this woodworking projects for kids tutorial is placed in the center of the board, and wires are run over it connecting the eyebolts. The eyebolts are then drawn up tightly to make the wire taut over the shore. Doing this, for this woodworking projects for kids, will prevent the long board from sagging.

On the upper side of the board and beginning at the rear end, the backs are fastened at intervals of 18 inch. They are first prepared by rounding the corners on the ends used for the tops, and the opposite ends are cut slightly on an angle to give the back a slant.

They are then fastened with the small hinges to the top board. On the edges of the top board, 1 inch holes are bored about 1 inch deep, and pins driven for foot rests. These are located 18 inches apart, beginning about 5 inches from the front end. The dowel is used for the pins, which are made 4 inches long.

The steering device for this woodworking projects for kids, consists of a broom handle, cut to 18 inches in length, with one end fastened in a hole bored centrally in the 5 inch crosspiece of the front sled. A hole is bored in the top board through the center of the crosspiece fastened to the under side for the steering post. The broom stick is run through this hole after first placing two metal washers on it.

After running the stick through, a hardwood collar is fastened to it just above the top board, so that the top cannot be raised away from the sled. At the upper end of the broom stick a steering wheel is attached, made from a nailkeg hoop. A piece of wood is fastened across its diameter, and the hoop is covered with a piece of garden hose and wrapped in twine. In the center of the crosspiece, a hole is bored to snugly fit on the bottom handle, which is then fastened with screws for this woodworking projects for kids.

The rear sled is fastened to the top board with screws through the extending wings of the hinges and into the crosspiece. Holes are bored in the front ends of all runners, and a chain or rope is attached in them, the loop end of the rear one being attached to the under side of the top board, and the one in the front used for drawing the sled.

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