Do It Yourself – Build a Halfpipe
Before constructing your halfpipe you should determine the full dimensions at the onset stage, that is, the length and width of the structure. A larger ramp would be best for skaters who would like a bit of challenge and/or who are very experienced. Building a halfpipe is not extremely difficult, but will take a bit of carpentry know-how.
Required Materials
¼ Plywood
¾ 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. Basically you will be utilizing this to ensure that all your end supports are equal in size. You may utilize ¼ plywood to create your template.
2.Attach the pieces that you have created using duct tape or if you want to be a little bit more proficient, utilize a bit of ¾ ply to make scab plates that you then can join together with normal wood screws.
3.Cut your ply in half along the vertical path, you will be conserving the wood by doing this.
4.Cut off a section of about 2 feet from one of your pieces of ply and join/scab it to the full length piece that has been left uncut. In doing this you should now have created a 2ft by 10ft rectangular base.
5.Then you will need to build a 5 foot square that you will then attach to your rectangular structure, it will seem like a very large boot when you are done.
6.Mark out your radius using your nail as a guide. The radius should go from the top corner to the lower corner that falls just benaeth the nail.
7.Utilizing a jigsaw cut out the radius for your template.
8.Now you can use your quarterpipe to create your end panels. Building your end panels by using two layers of ¾ inch plywood. You will have to laminate both together to ensure that it remains stable while in use. This can easily be done by using wood glue to join them together. Place some wood glue within a paint tray and get a roller and put a thin layer of one glue on the area to be laminated. Place the top layer over this layer and make sure that the edges are even. Allow this to set overnight. When it has set you can use your template to build the end panels. Cut these out utilizing a jigsaw.
9.Once more you will utilize your template, this time to create intermediate supports. Make scab plates from ¾ ply attached together, make certain that the scab plates are at least two inches away from the edges.
10.Cut a few 2 by 4s into approximately 3feet by 9 inches in length. Ensure they are cut equally.
11.These 2 by 4s can then be laid on your structure to make the flooring. Nail these in properly with a hammer and a few wood nails.
12.The most important part of the process is making your support frame. This will allow the halfpipe to support your weight. You may choose to create additional support by anchoring your structure to a building. When you have chosen the type of framing you will utilize, anchor this to the almost complete structure utilizing carriage bolts.
13.Then construct your riding surface using 3/8 inch cdx ply for greater flexibility. Place the layers in the same direction making sure that the end joints are set up properly for extra strength. Screw these layers unto your flooring once you have set them up properly.
Tips and Warnings
You can actually get your ground more level by shimming beneath the framing. However, if you are going to do this make sure it is executed efficiently as this can result in a weakened overall structure.
Your halfpipe should not wobble, if this occurs you may need to anchor it with some concrete. You can do this by putting your quarter pipes into the ground for extra stability.