How to build your own half-pipe

From ArticleWorld

These are the basic instructions for building a half-pipe, or at least a version of that. You will need a lot of plywood for this, so ask around, and see if you can get it cheaply somewhere.

Method

1. Decide what height you want for the half-pipe, and whether you want your platform to be part of the structure, or a separate build.
2. Consider how much vertical you will want. About 5 foot should be plenty. Then consider the radius. Just to make the sums easy, let us make that five foot too. That is a height of 10 feet, so your platform will need to be 10 ft off the ground.
3. You will need to make a template (a model of the finished build). Since you will need to make your half-pipe in two sections, design it to be a quarter pipe. Make this from plywood, preferably ¾.
4. You need to make a full-size model of the quarter pipe, so that you can measure your supports accurately.
5. You can tape the template together with duct-tape, but you may find it easier to screw the whole thing together.
6. Using your template, make end panels for each end of the quarter pipe. Laminate two layers of ¾ together by painting an even layer of wood glue over the bottom layer. Lay the top layer on top of the glue, and screw the two together. Let the glue set overnight, and use your template to work out the length of the end panels. Cut them to size.
7. Also use your template to cut out some supports for your half-pipe. These can be made from ¾ ply, with some 2 by 4 material held on with scab plates. Keep these plates at least 2 inches from the end.
8. Cut some 2X4s so that they are 3ft 9. Be sure that they are all an identical length.
9. Screw the edge of these to the end panels. They should be staggered a few inches part. Nail the other edge to the intermediate panel. Use as many intermediate panels as necessary, and then start on the other end panel. The final 2x4 may need to be filed down to fit into the ground.

You will have to build a frame for the half-pipe that can take your weight and the additional impact of a landing. This frame should be anchored to the ground, or against the building, so that it doesn’t tip. If you cannot secure it to a building, try support beams with ‘feet’.

Once secure, you have to build the riding surface. You need to double up on the plywood, building a full run along the length, then doubling up with the grain running the same way. Try and ensure a big stagger for the end lengths, for added strength. Screw to the 2x4s.

Hints

• The 2x4s have to be short, as they need to absorb the impact. If you can brace longer lengths, go for it.

• Consult with a proper builder to ensure your half-pipe is properly fixed and supported. You can use concrete ‘feet’ to be sure the thing won’t tip.

• Check that your building is good BEFORE you jump. A heavy landing is not the time to discover that you needed more screws.