To build this you need to have lots of room at your house.

Supplies:

3/8" X 4' X 8' sheets of plywood

8' 2-by-4s

electric, hand-held or bench saws

handsaw

hammer & nails

electric sander/sandpaper

drafting compass

string & chalk

garden hose

sawhorses

nail punch

ink pen

wood screws

3/8" PVC pipe

push-pin

General Guidelines:

1. Decide on the type of ramp(s) you want to build, sketch out the design and dimensions on paper.

2. Acquire the tools listed below and as much wood as you can get your grubby little hands on

3. Find a work space to use (garage, backyard, etc.) and lay out your supplies. If you're planning to build a fairly large

structure (permanent) try to build it on site.

4. For ramps with curved transitions, you will need to use the string-and-compass method shown below.

5. Once you've drawn and cut your templates, next comes the bracing. Shown below are two methods. Both are effective, but

the cut-out version, while more work, is a stronger design.

6. Once you've done the framework, you'll most likely need to prep the top piece(s) of the plywood (which must bend to fit

the transition without breaking). Do this by propping up the sheet(s)--already cut to size--at a sloping angle and soak with a

hose at low pressure for an hour or so. As the wood becomes soaked, apply an increasing amount of weight to the center of

the board(s)--using bricks or something similar--until the wood attains the desired curve. Now nail the wood onto the

framework's 2-by-4s. If your ramp is to have coping, make sure to leave enough space for it to fit snugly. Always go WITH

the grain of the wood while bending and apply the ply!

7. For a smoother transition, sand the bottom edge of the top sheet at an angle flush with the ground. Check for jagged

splinters. Sand or paint if desired. Paint will make your ramp faster!

8. Duct tape, airplane or electrical tape or aluminum strips may be added to smooth the transition's bottom edge.

9. Congratulate yourselves on a job well done (?) and start shredding!

String and Compass Method click here for an illustration of the compass & string method

1. Figure how much transition curve you want (in feet & inches) and how much vert, if any.

2. Tie one end of the string around the push-pin and stick it in the sheet as shown.

3. Holding the string taught, measure out exactly the amount of transition (see step one) and mark this on the string with an

ink pen.

4. Tie the drafting compass to the other end of the string and tighten it so the slipknot is right on top of the mark you made.

5. Holding the string taut, swing the compass from the sheet's edge in a quarter-circle, marking the template with the chalk.

You may need to move the contraption around to get the desired curve and best use of space!

6. Place sheet on sawhorses and cut out templates carefully.

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