Print PDF
Favorite
Email
My son started riding a 16" bike at 4 years old without training wheels. (He was first on a push bike without training wheels or pedals at about 3 1/2.) One day he decided to build a jump in the back yard. So he found a piece of 2 x 12 ramp (with random lumber laying around) and piled up some logs. He discovered it was a bit tricky to ride in the grass and hit his narrow ramp. So I said, 'hey, let's go in the street (dead end) and try this.' First one brick was used to provide vertical lift, and then a second brick. He loved it.
With two bricks, the ramp becomes a bit wobbly. Plus, a 2 x 12 is a bit narrow, and a few times he rode off the ramp's side. So I decided to build a jump with the following qualities:
1) Wider ramp
2) Adjustable height, so it will last for a few years as he grows
3) Portable, so I could drag it to the dead end or local schoolyard playground.
4) Safer (while still providing ample opportunity for skinned elbows and broken bones)
With two bricks, the ramp becomes a bit wobbly. Plus, a 2 x 12 is a bit narrow, and a few times he rode off the ramp's side. So I decided to build a jump with the following qualities:
1) Wider ramp
2) Adjustable height, so it will last for a few years as he grows
3) Portable, so I could drag it to the dead end or local schoolyard playground.
4) Safer (while still providing ample opportunity for skinned elbows and broken bones)
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1Tools and Lumber and Hardware
Basic carpentry tools and simple lumber are required. I also had to re-teach myself basic trigonometry to determine the frame size to support adjustable heights.
You can view the trig calculations in this google spreadsheet, and save it as Excel or copy to your own Google accounts.
The jump design is modeled after adjustable outdoor lounge chairs where the height is controlled by moving the legs along notched rails.
Tools:
Drill + bits + drivers
manual screwdriver
T-square
Tape measure
Pencil
Saw. (I borrowed a compound mitre saw which was useful for making square 2x4 cuts, and angled 1x4 cuts. Could accomplish the same with a circular saw or even a hand saw, but with more effort.)
Router. I used this to notch the grooves. My initial design did not work, and the router is a better option.
Materials for the frame and adjustable ramp supports.
2x4 (2 x 8ft lengths). Cut into 2 x 50" lengths, and 2 x 16" lengths
1x4 (1 x 8ft length). Cut into 2 x 15" lengths, and 2 x 32" lengths
4 x hinges (smaller door hinges. The ones I bought included screws)
Screws (2 1/2", #10)
1 1/2" dowel (3 ft to be safe)
Pipe holding brackets (to attach dowel to ramp supports)
Handful of 3/4" screws to attach pipe brackets
Wood for the ramp.
I used 3/4" plywood cut to size at lumber yard. (Initially I used a piece of old shelving, but it was too narrow.)
You can view the trig calculations in this google spreadsheet, and save it as Excel or copy to your own Google accounts.
The jump design is modeled after adjustable outdoor lounge chairs where the height is controlled by moving the legs along notched rails.
Tools:
Drill + bits + drivers
manual screwdriver
T-square
Tape measure
Pencil
Saw. (I borrowed a compound mitre saw which was useful for making square 2x4 cuts, and angled 1x4 cuts. Could accomplish the same with a circular saw or even a hand saw, but with more effort.)
Router. I used this to notch the grooves. My initial design did not work, and the router is a better option.
Materials for the frame and adjustable ramp supports.
2x4 (2 x 8ft lengths). Cut into 2 x 50" lengths, and 2 x 16" lengths
1x4 (1 x 8ft length). Cut into 2 x 15" lengths, and 2 x 32" lengths
4 x hinges (smaller door hinges. The ones I bought included screws)
Screws (2 1/2", #10)
1 1/2" dowel (3 ft to be safe)
Pipe holding brackets (to attach dowel to ramp supports)
Handful of 3/4" screws to attach pipe brackets
Wood for the ramp.
I used 3/4" plywood cut to size at lumber yard. (Initially I used a piece of old shelving, but it was too narrow.)
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
My son does wear elbow pads, gloves, thick jeans and a helmet. And, yes, some parents have questioned my wisdom. But their kids all want to try it. :) Seems like I've done something right.
Can't wait for the instructable on a portable and adjustable vert ramp in the future ;)
At least this way you can supervise and control it's use.
(I am not trying to 1up you.)