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.
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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Signing UpStep 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.
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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Cheers
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,
Have fun, and be safe!
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!
Didn't see a link or a picture.. feel free to post one!
Enjoy your second childhood!
Check out my other instructables, most are inspired by my kids, and executed with their assistance.
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. :-)
did you use sketch up, solid works, or autocadd for the drawings?
thanks :)
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 :)