Introduction: DIY Hangboard
It is fairly simple to make this hangboard, even with basic tools. And, it is a great piece of equipment for every climber. In my opinion, this "edge" style of hangboard should be the easiest to make. Here, I show the process I have decided to use and I believe it results in a professional-looking homemade hangboard. :) It is largely inspired by the Dave Macleod's Edge hangboard. (https://www.davemacleod.com/shop/edge)
Supplies
- Piece of wood 600x115x38 mm
- Dimensions are obviously not critical and you can easily change the plan to your liking.
- Table saw
- Palm router
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Plan
First of all, we need a plan. You can obviously change the dimensions to fit the lumber you have on hand. Just make sure that your edges are strong enough. I would recomend at least 20 mm. Also, the pockets need to be big enough to comfortably accomodate your fingers, 20 mm should be enough for most people. Here you can find a drawing of the hangboard I am making.
Step 2: Getting Lumber
If you have access to a planer and jointer you can bring the lumber to the exact dimensions. If you don't own these tools, just get a piece of wood that is close enough. A simple piece of 2X4 should be suitable.
You can also ask at your local lumber yard. They might have the right size scraps laying around and if you ask really nicely they might even bring it to size for you.
Step 3: Route the Pockets
This hangboard has 3 edges, which means that you will have to route out 2 pockets for your fingers. I am using a palm router with a 20 mm router bit. If you have a smaller bit, you will have to do it in several side passes. Depthwise, I made the larger 25 mm pocket in two passes and the 16 mm pocket in a single pass. The yellow pine board I am working with is fairly soft, but if you have something like oak, you might need to take more passes.
The easiest way to do this is to use a guide, which you will just follow with the edge of the router. You can do it like me and use a jig that follows the edge of the part.
Step 4: Round Over the Edges
To make the hangboard nice to use, you will have to round over sharp corners. A round over bit is the best tool for this. I did a 6 mm round over and it seems to be good.
If you don't have a round over bit, you can always round the corners with sandpaper. It just takes more time and it probably won't be as uniform, but it will work eider way.
Step 5: Drill Holes for Bolts
In my opinion, it is the most convenient to place this hangboard above a doorway. I am securing it with 4 screws. Make sure to drill the holes a little bit oversize so that you can easily align them. Also, use a countersink to make the screw heads flush in the pockets.
Step 6: Sand Everything
The last step is to sand everything to make it smooth to the touch. It is important to sand the edges in a way that the round over nicely blends with the edge and it is pleasant to hang on. I am using the 180 grid sandpaper.
Step 7: We Are Done
The hangboard is done! I am sure that it did not take you more than an hour or two. The hangboard needs to stay without a finish so that it is not slippery. Just hang in somewhere convenient, chalk your hands and start training.
If you are new to hangboarding or wanna learn more about it, there are a few videos you might wanna check out.
How To Train Climbing Power Endurance on a Fingerboard
