Faster Than Plastic

This project was as much about the process as it was the finished product. Before the first piece of lumber was even purchased, a custom steam chamber and forming jig were necessary for creating the gentle curve at the front of the toboggan. Rough-sawn lumber was slowly honed down to carefully measured planks, steamed, and then cautiously wrapped around an ad hoc form. Listening to the materials stretch and strain as they approached their final, intended shape proved to be the most interesting aspect of the build. Learning when to add pressure and when to be more patient took time to understand.

Like the process that led to the final piece, the resulting toboggan isn’t flawless. It glides over snow and ice as intended and looks good doing it. Even if the store-bought setups might give it a run for its money on the hill, this one won’t see a landfill anytime soon.