DIY Wooden Stilts: Part 1



So, I decided I could use a better way to injure myself these days - at least a more fun way.

I thought, "Why not build some stilts?" I'm not graceful in the least bit, so this could be a VERY bad idea...for me anyway. The rest of you might have some fun with them.

I thought about just buying a pair of drywall stilts for $70 at Lowes...but that wouldn't be much fun.

Now, these are a work in progress. I have yet to add the braces and straps, but the base is completed.

First things first:
Trace your feet on each edge of a board. I used 1" thick pine. Cut out your shapes, leaving the outside edge straight.
Then cut a large enough "V" piece to brace up the footholds:


Next:
Cut your braces. Mine are cut for 24" stilts. The bottom pieces (These are the ones you'll be standing on) are 24" long. 
The top pieces are cut at 26" to allow enough overhang to secure it to the bottom.
I measure from the bottom of my foot to just underneath my knee - which was 18". I marked 18" on my top piece which will leave the last 8" as an overhang on the bottom brace.


Next: Screw (or bolt - bolts will be sturdier, but I don't weigh much) the braces together. Lay the bottom piece over the top piece - overlapping the 8" (or whatever you measured) of overhang.

*If you screw them together rather than bolt them:
With the bottom brace on top - drill holes at 2", 4" and 6" and screw them in.


Flip it over and drill holes at 3", 5" and 7" and screw them in.

*If you are using bolts - measure out enough room to evenly space two long enough bolts to go through both braces, drill the holes, and bolt them together.

Next:
Put the under-foothold brace on. I wood glued this piece before screwing it on for extra hold.
I centered the bottom of this piece with the bottom brace and screwed it in, careful not to hit the brace's screws.
If you have trouble making it flat on top with the bottom brace, lay the foothold in its place and move the under-foothold brace until it's flush with the bottom of the foothold.


Next:
You need to find your point of balance on the footholds. This part sucks. I fell over a few times.

Lay a wooden dowel, broom handle, or something cylindrical on the floor. Place the footholds on the dowel, step on them, straighten up, and find your balancing point. 

It may take some trial and error.
If you have a friend to help you, call them. It would be a lot easier than doing it yourself.
Once you've found your balance, mark on each side of each foothold where the dowel sticks out.
...Then put some ice on whatever body part you fell on.


Last but not least:
The footholds.
Place the foothold on top of the braces - lining up your balancing point with the middle of the brace - and drill a hole where it rests on the bottom brace.
Slather on some wood glue and screw the foothold on.
After it is on, CAREFULLY drill a hole on the front and back of the foothold where it meets up with the under-foothold piece and screw them together for extra support.



That's it thus far!
I will re-post after I get the braces on to complete the stilts!

If you can't wait long enough for me to finish them - google "DIY Wooden Stilts" to find inspiration for your braces.

You can make them out of molded PVC (to go around your shin) and heavy-duty Velcro straps for the ankle and foot - stapling the straps to your stilts.






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