DIY Snowshoes

This weekend (02/05/2010) we received approximately 2 feet of snow.  For some parts of  the country this isn't alot of snow, but for the Washington DC, metro area this is enough to stop everything.  I needed a way to make sure if something happened (I have three kids and a wife) and I needed to get to the main road I could (since my absent HOA hasn't plowed the street at least once yet) or just an excuse to make something with my son.  I needed some snowshoes, every step I took, I sank into the snow.  I'm sure there are many ways of doing this, however this is what I came up with using the materials in hand.  While researching diy snowshoes, alot of the options out there involved street signs, or twigs.  I needed to be able to make a set of shoes without going to the home center, and using only materials I already had on hand.

For this instructable you will need:

1. 2 x pieces of 3/4 plywood - cut to a 12" x 24" (I only had 3/4" plywood, you could use something thinner).
2. Drill & 3/8" bit
3. Saw: reciprocal, jig, circular, or Dremel
4. String basic nylon, so long as it is strong (2 x 4' pieces)
5. Simple knot ability 

Step 1: Make Your Template and Cut

First, I needed a template, I went with a modified rectangle.  I had a sheet of foam board from one of my sons last projects, but one could easily use a sheet of newspaper or wing it.  I choose a template size of 12" x 24" that seemed large enough for me.  I weight approx 230lbs so I figured this would distribute my weight better than my size 14 boot.  The notches are all 3" from their respective edges.

I traced the template onto the plywood and cut.  I used a reciprocal saw, but a jig, circular saw  or even a Dremel would have been sufficient.

Step 2: Drill Holes for Rope

 This step was an approximation.  I actually drilled 8 holes this turned out to be 4 to many.  The position of the holes will be a preference.

I positioned the first pair of holes just below the start of my first lace on both sides of the shoe.

I positioned the second set of holes approx 1/2 inch in front of my arch.

Step 3: Bindings

This is the interesting part for me since I'm always trying to learn how to make anything more than a simple knot, even if sometimes that's all you need. 

I placed my shoe in the first loop, and set two simple knots to lock that fit in place.

For the next set of knots I used a simple knot on one end, and another knot that will catch on the first knot, giving a snug fit.

Step 4: Finish Shoes

 I hope you enjoy getting out in the snow.   I'll try and post a video.