subject: How To Build A Halfpipe? [print this page] Before constructing your halfpipe you should figure out the full dimensions ahead of time, that is, the length and width of the construction. A larger ramp would be best for skaters who would like a bit of challenge and/or who are more experienced. Building a halfpipe is not excruciatingly difficult, but will take a bit of carpentry skill.
Required Materials
Plywood
Plywood
Required Tools
Jigsaw
Nail
Wood Glue
Wood Screws
Roller
Paint Tray
Carriage Bolts
Instructions
1.Start by constructing a life-sized template of the quarterpipe. You will need to use this as a guide while building your halfpipe. Essentially you will be utilizing this to ensure that all your end supports are identical in size. You may use plywood to make your template.
2.Join the pieces that you have created using duct tape or if you want to be a little bit more exact, use a bit of ply to create scab plates that you then can attach together with normal wood screws.
3.Cut your ply in half along the length, you will be getting more out of the wood by doing this.
4.Cut off a section of approximately 2 feet from one of your pieces of ply and join/scab it to the large piece that has been left uncut. In doing this you should now have a 2ft by 10ft rectangular base.
5.Then you will need to create a 5 foot square that you will then attach to your rectangular structure, it will seem like a very large boot when you are finished.
6.Mark out your radius using your nail as a pivot. The radius should extend from the top corner to the lower corner that falls just benaeth the nail.
7.Using a jigsaw cut out the radius for your template.
8.Now you can utilize your quarterpipe to make your end panels. Building your end panels by utilizing two layers of inch plywood. You will need to laminate both together to make certain that it remains stable while in use. This can easily be done by using wood glue to attach them together. Put some wood glue in a paint tray and get a roller and place a thin layer of one glue on the surface to be laminated. Place the top layer over this layer and ensure that the edges are flushed. Allow this to set for 24 hours. Once it has dried you can use your template to build the end panels. Cut these out utilizing a jigsaw.
9.Again you will use your template, this time to create intermediate supports. Create scab plates from ply attached together, make certain that the scab plates are no less than two inches away from the edges.
10.Cut a few 2 by 4s into approximately 3feet by 9 inches dimensions. Make certain they are cut equally.
11.These 2 by 4s can then be laid on your structure to create the flooring. Nail these in properly with a hammer and a couple wood nails.
12.The most important part of the process is making your support frame. This will enable the halfpipe to support your weight. You may opt to make additional support by securing your structure to a building. Once you have figured the type of framing you will utilize, anchor this to the almost finished structure utilizing carriage bolts.
13.Then create your riding surface using 3/8 inch cdx ply for greater flexibility. Place the layers in the same direction ensuring that the end joints are set up properly for extra strength. Screw these layers unto your flooring when you have set them up correctly.
Tips and Warnings
It is possible to get your ground more level by shimming beneath the framing. However, if you are doing this make certain it is done properly as this can result in a unstable overall structure.
Your halfpipe should not wobble, if this happens you may need to anchor it with some concrete. You can do this by putting your quarter pipes into the ground for extra stability.
