Making the Right Halfpipe

Finding the appropriate halfpipe to fit your preferenceside. It should be about 3"3 tall, with three pieces. Use
can be difficult, so the best thing to do is to make onethe fishing line to fashion out a curve with a radius of
yourself. If you do it yourself you can ensure that allapproximately 5"7 ½". This will serve as the
your needs will be met and you won't have to worryhalfpipe bowl.
that something is just not perfect.Use the radius to make the side bracing, noting the
Although you can construct one, consider getting yourareas of support. Join the vertical sides using the cross
friends involved; not only does it make things easier,members. They should be about 7 and half inches
but its also more fun. Especially after it is done and youapart. Do not forget to double them up at the point of
all can then use it and know that it was something youthe plywood beams so they will not break up when
all built together for fun and adventure.you utilize them.
Don't worry, this project is not going to be as difficultThe plywood will serve as the decking; connect it with
as you might at first think. Just make a plan and stickthe screws. To create the platform and the ramp, you
tto it and in no time you will have it up and ready forjust double the plywood decking. To make the ramp
use.easier to use, place a smooth surface above the
The materials you will need to make the halfpipe areplywood.
easily obtainable; 8 sheets of plywood (3/4"), stock (2The last thing you will build for the halfpipe is the
x 4), a 10" PVC pipe, several nails, ½ screws andgrinding rail (the starting platform and the decking join
laminate. To put the whole thing together, you will needup). To mitigate the damage to these areas, get the
a hammer, a fishing line, a measuring tape, some pencil10" PVC pipe. Use the screws to fasten it to the
and paper, and a saw. A drill with bit selections is alsoplywood.
necessary.There will be times when you will need to disassemble
The first thing that you will have to do is find an idealthe halfpipe. It is for this reason that you should use
spot. This will determine how large the halfpipe will be.screws than nails, because it will make it easier to pull
Next, you put down the framing system, whichthe whole thing apart and back together again. Also,
consists of two proportioned sides. Get the 2 x 4covering the halfpipe with any material that will protect
stock and make a bracing structure 4" wide and 8"it from heavy rain will be necessary.
long. The surface should have two sections (4 x 8)Of course, you should regularly inspect the halfpipe and
and floor support about 7" and 7/8" spaced apart.replace any parts that have been subject to wear and
Next place the bracing (horizontal and vertical) on thetear.