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How to make a Launch Ramp
I remember almost killing myself on one of these when I was about 16. Now don't let my stupidity keep you from learning how to make a launch ramp. Launch ramps are too fun to pass up.
For those who don't know, launch ramps are quarter pipes without a deck or coping and you use them to "launch" you. They're also good for a make shift wall ride behind your local supermarket.
Regardless, this launch ramp is 6' long × 2'-6 wide × 2'-6 tall.
As with all structures here on DIYskate, you can build this launch ramp any size you want. However, for the material list to be accurate you will need to follow the plans as listed below.
How to make a Launch Ramp - Preparation
The plywood, lumber and screws can be found at most home improvement stores. However, the steel threshold can be a little more tricky to obtain.
First try "Steel Yards", "Steel Fabricators" or "Structural Steel" in the phone book. If these aren't available, try a home improvement store, such as Menards, Home Depot or Lowes. Finally, if you're still having difficulty, try "Scrap Yards", "Junk Yards" or "Salvage Yards" in the phone book or online.
If you plan on leaving this structure outside, you will want to use pressure treated wood, water sealant or paint and a tarp. Wood (masonite in particular) does not deal with the elements very well without help.
Lumber cut list
Start by cutting ten 2×4's to 2'-4 1/2. You should get three out of each 8' long 2×4. Set them aside.
3/4" Plywood cut list
Using a 2×4 with a screw and pencil as your compass, clearly draw the radius on the 3/4" plywood.
After the radius has been drawn, carefully cut along the line using a jigsaw.
Once cut, use this side as your template to draw and cut the other side. Both sides are identical.
Build it
Start by attaching the bottom, top and front 2×4's to the sides with a couple of screws on each end.
It helps if you can get a friend to give you a hand here.
Framing the sides
Now attach the remaining seven 2×4's spacing them 8" apart, on center except where noted below.
You will also want to double up the 2×4's as shown. This is where the 3/8" plywood seam will meet and the double 2×4's allow a larger surface area for attaching the two sheets.
3/8" Plywood cut list
Cut the 3/8" according to the cut list below. By following this cut list illustration and by making the launch ramp at 2'-6 in width allows you to get away with only one 3/8" sheet of plywood.
Attach the plywood - Bottom layer
Take the 1'-4 1/4 × 2'-6 sheet of 3/8" and attach it to the framed launch, starting at the top. You want to screw from the top down placing a screw every 8" or so making sure you screw into the 2×4's.
Next, take the 4'-0 × 2'-6 sheet of 3/8" and push it flush against the previous 3/8" sheet to finish the bottom layer. Again screw from the top down, placing the screws about 8" apart.
Attaching the plywood - Middle layer & Masonite
Next take the other 4'-0 × 2'-6 sheet of 3/8" plywood, and screw it in place starting at the top.
Then place the last 1'-5 3/8 × 2'-6 sheet of 3/8" using the same screw pattern as before.
Now lay a 2'-6 × 4'-6 3/4 sheet of masonite on top of the 3/8" ply surface. Unlike the 3/8", you'll need to countersink the masonite with a 3/8" drill bit or a countersink bit.
Then, just like the screws in the previous plys, you want to start at the top and work your way down.
Finish and Skate it
Last, drill a 3/16" hole about 2 inches in from each end and one in the middle of the 1' × 2'-6 × 3/16" sheet of steel.
After the holes are drilled, countersink each by using the 3/8" drill bit or countersink bit to ensure the screw heads are flush with the steel. You will need shorter screws here too, about 1 1/2" will do. Make certain you hit the 2×4's underneath as well.
That's it! That's how to make a launch ramp that's fun to skate and will last. Put on your Jimmy-Z shorts and your neon pink Quicksilver shirt and get radical! Good luck!
If you catch a mistake or feel something needs further explanation, please let me know.
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