Help with making a sled (pics inside)

[KillahBee]

I found this slab of metal in the parking lot I train in and it seems just about perfect for the base of a sled. It looks like it was originally the base for a large/tall metal sign. Below is a pic of it, with my foot on it so you can see it's size. It is very thin also.

My question is - what are the next steps I need to take in order to make this a useful implement. I am thinking that I need to have a pipe welded to the middle to hold plates, and 2 holes drilled in it so that I can use a chain to drag it. What would the best place be for the holes? And as far as welding goes, do you guys find that local welding shops will do this for an individual, or are they strictly for commercial use?

I appreciate all the help bros.

 

[kingc_79]

if you want to use that go for it...but i would think you would need some type of an upward curve/lip on the front. and around here local welding shops will weld and cut a few holes for you for a decent price. but i dont think a piece of steel big enough for that would be expensive at all. if u buy the plate holder get schedule 40 bc theres no need for 80 on a sled i dont think

 

[KillahBee]

if you want to use that go for it...but i would think you would need some type of an upward curve/lip on the front. and around here local welding shops will weld and cut a few holes for you for a decent price. but i dont think a piece of steel big enough for that would be expensive at all. if u buy the plate holder get schedule 40 bc theres no need for 80 on a sled i dont think

thanks for the input. just curious - what is the main function of the upward lip in the front that I see on many sleds?

 

[kingc_79]

keep from gettin stuck on objects such as rocks or sticks....but i do drag mine on a gravel road

 

[Scotsman]

Any small welding shop should be able to help you out. If you were here I know of a small metal shop where the fee would be quite acceptable to most . Mainly because I would be doing the work for it over at a friends place. I just need time to get my sled together and weld it up. Best of luck to you.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[KillahBee]

Any small welding shop should be able to help you out. If you were here I know of a small metal shop where the fee would be quite acceptable to most . Mainly because I would be doing the work for it over at a friends place. I just need time to get my sled together and weld it up. Best of luck to you.

Cheers,
Scotsman

thanks scots. I can't wait to unleash this thing. I have a feeling that this is going to be my strength. and if all goes well, it will bring me to tears.

 

[Lord_Suston]

if worst comes to worst, get a tire (light roughly 2-300lbs) and drag that for a while, then if you need more weight put a sheet of plywood on the top to cover the hole and put weight on the plywood, all you have to do is nail some 2x4's on the edges to make a lip the weights won't slide off of, or put the keg on it.

P.S. I can't see the pic cause not plat