MAKE YOUR OWN SNOWSHOES

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To make a cradle for the "V" formation at the heel end of the frame, start with an 8" or 9" rectangle and slice it into three pieces . . . which will look like two right triangles and one isosceles triangle except that you'll curve the cut sides slightly. At tach the three sections to the jig as shown in the photo and drawing, leaving a 3/4" path between them to allow the tail of the bow to pass through.

Two extra blocks are needed to keep the snowshoe frame in place on the jig: The first, 1 " X 10-1/2", is glued and nailed on top of the crosspiece at the widest point. It should overhang the bottom board, so the snowshoe frame can be wedged in under its ends. A smaller block, 1" X 4", is attached lengthwise (along the centerline) over the outermost slat at the toe end of the jig. Use two No. 10 X 3" wood screws to secure this piece . . . with one end projecting to hold down the toe of a steamed frame.

Your jig is now ready to be used to bend wooden strips into shape. If you measured and assembled the device with care, it should look like a work of art . . .and last to make countless pairs of snowshoes!

CUT AND SPLIT THE WOOD

When the jig form is ready and waiting, it's time to cut the wood that will become the frame of your snowshoes. To find out how long a piece you need, measure the perimeter of the outline made by the blocks on the jig, and you'll have the necessary length of the "bow". For the Trail Blazer model, you'll want 82" (including a little extra added at the tail end). Then, to be sure you have enough wood, plan to cut a bit more than that . . . I'd suggest starting with an 8-foot section of tree. (It might be easier, of course, to buy a board and rip out the lengths you need for your bow . . . but-as long as you have access to it—you'll find hand—split lumber to be far superior and more satisfying to work with.)

Just about any straight—grained hardwood can be used in this project, but most snowshoe manufacturers agree that second—growth white ash—or, in the opinion of a few others, white birch-is the best choice. Look for a straight, tall tree that's free of imperfections and has no branches lower than 10 to 12 feet above the ground. The trunk must be 6" to 8" in diameter, its bark should have a small diamond pattern, and—ideally—it should show 10 to 12 rings of annual growth per inch (this will indicate that the wood is dense and sturdy). Cut down your chosen specimen and saw off the 8-foot section you need. Tap a wedge into the center of what was the top end of the trunk, then work others all along the length of the split. When the log falls into halves, split each of those sections. You'll need two quarters for every pair of shoes you plan to make.

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