How to Build PVC Pipe Snowshoes

Whether you are seeking an outdoor adventure or snowshoes are the only way for you to get around in the winter, making snowshoes out of PVC pipe is an inexpensive alternative to buying a new pair. Whether you want a wide base to maximize stability or a narrower shoe that makes it easier to navigate, you can customize your snowshoes to fit your needs and your feet.

Things You'll Need

  • One helper
  • Two pieces of Schedule 80 PVC pipe, 3/4 inches by 10 feet
  • 1/4-inch steel bar, 20 inches long
  • 5/16-inch steel bar, 36 inches long
  • 50-foot No. 4 nylon cord
  • 1/3 yard neoprene-covered nylon (usually used to make tents)
  • Two 2 1/4-inch machine screws and nuts
  • 3 qt. of clean sand
  • Large stainless-steel pot
  • Two pairs of leather gloves
  • Metal funnel
  • Thermometer
  • Drill
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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Frame

    • 1

      Draw a schematic of your snowshoe frame. Either trace a snowshoe that you already have and like, or refer to http://www.geocities.com/otc_scouts/shoes.html for a plan.

    • 2

      Heat up the sand in the stainless-steel pot over the stove or in the oven until it reaches 350 degrees.

    • 3

      Put on your leather gloves and have your helper do the same. Using the funnel, pour about 1 qt. of sand through the pipe to preheat it. Have your helper put her hand on the bottom of the pipe to close it off. Fill the pipe with sand and wait two minutes while it heats.

    • 4

      Let the sand pour through the pipe. Working quickly, bend the pipe to fit your schematic. Hold the bent pipe in place until it cools.

    • 5

      Put a 3/16-inch bit in your drill. Drill a hole all the way through both ends of the pipe 2 inches from the back end.

    • 6

      Drill two 1/4-inch holes on the inside of the pipe frame 5.25 inches from the front. Drill only through the inside of the pipe; don't extend the holes all the way through.

    • 7

      Drill two 5/16-inch holes 13 inches from the front, two more holes 20 inches from the front and a final set of holes 28 inches from the front, drilling only through the inside of the pipe.

    • 8

      Cut the 1/4-inch steel bar to measure the distance between the first set of holes plus half an inch. Insert the bar into the two holes.

    • 9

      Cut the 5/16-inch steel bar so it measures the distances between the second, third and fourth holes plus half an inch. Insert the bars into their respective holes.

    • 10

      Insert one 2 1/4-inch machine screw into the holes located at the rear of the frame so the screw extends through both pipes. Secure with a nut.

    Build the Base

    • 11

      Trace the inside of the frame on the neoprene-covered nylon. Neoprene-covered nylon is typically sold by the yard, and you will need about 1/3 of a yard (one foot) of nylon, or about 5 square feet.

    • 12

      Cut the nylon so it is 1/8 of an inch shorter than the snowshoe frame on each side.

    • 13

      Put a 1/8-inch bit into your drill. Drill holes every 1 1/2 inches around the base, 1/8 of an inch from the edge.

    • 14

      Put a 3/8-inch bit into your drill. Drill two holes, 10 1/2 inches from the front of the base. Each hole should be 2 inches from the edge.

    Assemble the Snowshoe

    • 15

      Using half-hitch knots, attach the base to the frame with the nylon cord. Start at the back and work your way around the frame until you reach where you began.

    • 16

      Secure the two ends of the nylon rope with a fisherman's knot.

    • 17

      Insert a 2-foot length of rope through the two holes in the center of the base. Tie this rope around your boot using a lampwick binding to secure the snowshoe.

    • 18

      Repeat all steps to produce the second snowshoe.