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This is a simple project that evolved from a promise to my son, Max. Earlier this spring, I found him dragging some plywood and bricks out of the garage. I asked him what he was doing, and he said 'building a bike ramp', I told him not to do that, and we would build one the right way.

So we sat down and looked at some commercially available ramps, and got some ideas for size. Then we sketched some construction ideas and came up with a plan.

We went to the local home supply store and picked up a sheet of 3/8" plywood, a 2X4X10 and a box of 2" screws. As we don't have a truck, and the ramp was going to be 2 feet wide, we had them cut the plywood sheet lengthwise. This gave us two sheets of 2'x8' plywood. This is more than enough to make two ramps with scraps left over. Also, I ripped the 2x4 in half (for the support cross beams) on my table saw. You can do the same, or you can use 2X4. Our supplies were about $17 (a real bargain, eh?).

The project shouldn't take more than 4 to 5 hours to complete. I used my table saw, jig saw, and drill. You can use a circular saw as well, just remember to use a guide and cut really straight.

Please wear a helmet when using the ramp. Also, be aware of your ability or the abilities of your child. This ramp was designed for a ten yr old for recreational use. If you are bigger or want to hit it harder I recommend using thicker plywood for your vertical supports.

So what do you need?

3/8" plywood sheet
2x4x10
Table or Circular Saw
Jig Saw
Drill and bits for pilot holes and driving screws..

So, here is the result. Enjoy.

Does it work? Sure check out the video.



 
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Step 1: Cross Beam Supports

The first thing we need to do is to cut three identical cross beam supports.

These will support the ramp deck, and lock the vertical supports together.

I started with a 2X4X10 that I ripped in half (lengthwise) on my table saw. This gave me a cross beam that was roughly 1 1/2 x 1 1/2. You can do the same, or use the full 2X4.

Cut them to a length of 24".

In addition, you will need one more support beam that is 23" long. This will go on the back bottom edge.

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sk8ter20art says: Jul 13, 2007. 6:15 PM
drilling screws vertically into plywood is not very strong and can cause the plywood to split and pull out.
c.burtwistle in reply to sk8ter20artApr 2, 2010. 5:52 PM
what do you suggest to do instead of screwing down in to the plywood? Do you have a ramp instructable?
thickeven in reply to c.burtwistleMar 25, 2012. 10:36 AM
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to sk8ter20artJul 14, 2007. 12:21 AM
Yes, that is correct. However, lets not forget this ramp was designed for the recreational use of a 10yr old. Not a skate park with 100+ teens per day. :-)
iRocket in reply to lee_schnitzJul 28, 2007. 11:53 AM
When he gets bigger, he will need it stronger. P.S. Sk8ter20art is making U look bad.
tswes423 says: Dec 20, 2011. 8:40 PM
Could i pay you to build one for me? I am terrible at that kinda stuff and i dont wanna waste wood. Im young as well so my parents wont help me and dont think its a good idea to build it myself.
sk8ter20art says: Jul 13, 2007. 6:19 PM
scoring the back of the plywood is not necessary especially for such a small ramp. If you need to make the wood more plyable to bend soak it in water for about 30 mins before bending it (lay it in the grass and set a sprinkler over it). If the curve is too steep you risk cracking the plywood. ( I Built all the ramps at our skatepark many stayed solid for over 4 years with 100 kids on them daily) everything from a 2 foot launch ramp all the way up to a 11foot tall wall ride with 6 feet of vert.
rxpx3 in reply to sk8ter20artAug 9, 2011. 8:30 PM
Hey man, hope for some reason you check this and see this but I'm lookin to build a solid slip 'n' slide ramp into my pond after about a 100+foot entrance from said slide. Do you think I should use this same approach and pack some dirt on top to soften the transition from ground to ramp?
Cheers
sk8ter20art in reply to rxpx3Aug 9, 2011. 11:05 PM
yeah you can use a similar method as far as ramp design. The main thing i would be most concerned about is the ramp placement and size. you dont want to land in the water where its still very shallow. ramps can be tricky when it comes to the curve. depending on the curve you can go far forward but not high, or go high and not far forward. So finding a good balance is hard.

If your pond has a quick drop off then you can place your ramp at the waters edge and it should be fine, if the drop off is very gradual, then you may need to extend it out into the water or at the end of a small dock.

Hope this helps, i am attatching a diagram i made for a launch box design of mine. I have used this design on several large ramps. It should give you a better idea for support on a larger ramp than this instructable,
launch_box.jpg
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to sk8ter20artJul 14, 2007. 12:22 AM
Yes, I was aware of that. Perhaps we will try that next time. Thanks! :-)
2 stroke says: Jul 9, 2011. 7:11 PM
would this work for a mountain bike
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to 2 stroke Jul 10, 2011. 7:38 PM
Sure would.. My kids have used it with their mountain bikes.

Have fun, and be safe!
2 stroke in reply to lee_schnitzJul 13, 2011. 10:41 PM
thanks
Calorie says: Nov 12, 2010. 11:20 PM
I can't even count high enough to document my ramp related injuries, which when I think of it are probably due to those very ramp related injuries.
skeep222 in reply to CalorieJul 7, 2011. 9:28 AM
is your inability to count due to a concussion from launching ooff of said ramp? lol
BiKeRiDeR122 says: Jun 21, 2011. 7:28 AM
How Do You Make The Wood Bend?
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to BiKeRiDeR122Jun 21, 2011. 8:09 AM
Check Step 3.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-A-Bicycle-Ramp/step3/Cut-the-deck/

I cut horizontal grooves across the bottom.

Also, as someone else mentioned, you could wet it and bend it too.

Good luck!
masoon says: Feb 25, 2011. 6:55 AM
Thanks for this instructable! Easy to follow directions, great diagrams, measurements. I made mine wider than yours and added a fourth rib because I'm out of practice and need a bigger target, check out the finished product. Thanks again
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to masoonFeb 25, 2011. 7:34 AM
Awesome!

Didn't see a link or a picture.. feel free to post one!
masoon in reply to lee_schnitzFeb 25, 2011. 9:23 AM
oops, I'll try again. seriously, you gave me part of my childhood back so thanks again!
ramp bmx 005.jpg
BtheBike in reply to masoonApr 13, 2011. 8:47 AM
sweet black mag skyways
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to masoonFeb 25, 2011. 12:50 PM
Very Cool!

Enjoy your second childhood!
JCK says: Nov 11, 2010. 5:54 PM
Cutting grooves on the back of wood is called kerfing.
bzn0941 says: Nov 11, 2010. 5:09 PM
Simple and yet, reliable! Thumb up!
372jpeg says: Nov 11, 2010. 2:52 PM
I think the idea of scoring it is great, all of the ramps I have built a usually flat. Great Instructable.
combatcarl says: Nov 11, 2010. 11:02 AM
Great job, Dad! It's good to see you using your carpentry skills to support your son. I built all of my ramps, to include a four foot half pipe, on my own or with a few friends. I learned through trial and error, whereas your son has your knowledge and experience to benefit from. It's good to see parents actively supporting their child's interests and posting the results here!
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to combatcarlNov 11, 2010. 12:04 PM
Thanks for the kind words!

Check out my other instructables, most are inspired by my kids, and executed with their assistance.
DELETED_trevyboy says: Nov 9, 2010. 3:14 PM
(removed by author or community request)
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to DELETED_trevyboyNov 9, 2010. 4:37 PM
You are absolutely correct.

However, those notches hold those supports in place and they will never come out. If they were simply nailed or screwed from the other side, the could and would weaken over time with use and weather.

Sometimes, a little more effort on the front end provides for a better product in the long run. :-)
cofee team says: Nov 7, 2010. 5:29 PM
it is verry good,but is not happy¡¡¡
nail face in reply to cofee teamNov 8, 2010. 7:08 PM
lol'd
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to cofee teamNov 7, 2010. 10:06 PM
Hrm... Next time I'll try to make my projects happier.... I guess... :-/
carlos planar net power says: Oct 23, 2010. 8:57 AM
just curious? :)
did you use sketch up, solid works, or autocadd for the drawings?
thanks :)
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to carlos planar net powerOct 23, 2010. 9:41 AM
Sketch up!
carlos planar net power says: Oct 23, 2010. 9:18 AM
could i possibly also extend the vertical supports?
so imagine the piece extended, visualize a line from the peak of the ramp to the base of the ramp about 8 to 10 inches out.
thanks :)
aaisthestig says: May 9, 2010. 6:47 AM
What is a 2x4x10?
jaymanx in reply to aaisthestigAug 7, 2010. 7:14 PM
a 2x4 that is 10ft long
lee_schnitz (author) in reply to aaisthestigMay 9, 2010. 3:26 PM
A piece of wood that is 2 inches x 4 inches x 10 feet.
aeray in reply to lee_schnitzNov 9, 2010. 8:48 AM
Actually, 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 10', but I'm being pedantic. Good work on the 'able.
mr. clean says: Jul 10, 2010. 12:18 PM
wow great quality ramp and the design pics look like the real thing. 5 out of 5!
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