Build A Ramp.com BlogSpot :: Ramp Plans, Skateboarding News, Videos and More!

Rest In Peace Harry

2008-05-08T08:44:00.011-04:00

I got the bad news yesterday that a friend and fellow skater Harry "Dirty" Callahan has passed. He was always inspiring to skate with and was a good friend, he will be missed by many.

Rest In Peace Friend

9th Annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards

2008-04-21T14:32:00.002-04:00

9th Annual Transworld Skateboarding Awards featuring Christian Hosoi, Tony Hawk, Chad Muska, Jason Lee, Sk8mafia, Peter Smolik, Sal Barbier and more crazy lunatics at the Avalon. So much fun!!!! Lets' do it again.

San Jose Super Session

2008-04-15T11:56:00.002-04:00

Add Concrete Disciples TV to your page

Check out the new concrete park in San Jose CA, Courtesy of Concrete Disciples . . . SICK!!!!!

Custom Skateboard Wraps

2008-04-08T21:47:00.002-04:00

The first steps in designing your skateboardwraps.com. Beginning with opening the template in Adobe Illustrator and adding a quick design layout.

Darren Navarrette does a hard flip to fakie!

2008-04-08T21:26:00.001-04:00

Darren Navarrette does a hard flip to faki on the Volcom Clothing ramp!

Camp Skateboarding Explained

2008-03-01T21:59:00.001-05:00

Skate My WorldSkaters Unite and Change Our World!

2008-02-19T08:45:00.006-05:00

SPONSORED BY: theSkateboardMAG, Pharmacy Boardshop, DVS, Lakai, BonesSwiss, Alien Workshop, Crimson Boards, OGIO, Powell Skateboards, Active Mailorder, Blackhole Boards, Mechgrip, & Imperial Motion.

Why couldn’t skaters be the next BAND~Aid (SKATE~Aid), consistently coming together to make a difference in our World? SkateMyWorld.org believes they can & hope they will!

Skaters can participate in monthly Charity Raffles, for as little as $1, raising donations for skate My Worlds Global Organization of the month. And, in this Spirit of Giving, donating skaters could Win a Cash GRAND PRIZE (up to $10,000) and Great Skate Prize Packages from their Sponsors.

SkateMyWorld.org is raising donations, now, for African AIDS Orphans, benefiting 3 African based Organizations featured in CNN’s Documentary, “Where Have All the Children Gone”. their First drawing will be held on May 1st, 2008. It only costs a buck!

COME ON SKATERS, LET’S DO THIS THING!

Build a Skateboard Ramp - wikiHow

2008-02-14T11:18:00.002-05:00

How to Build a Skateboard Ramp

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

It is time to take that skateboard out and do some jumping! Now all you need is a ramp for that jump. You can build your own ramp, that is sure to get you on your way to creating a quality jump!

Steps

Decide what you want to build. There are a lot of web sites that have plans for free, and then there are ones you buy. Find the free ones are just as good or better than buying them, and for wood ramps you almost always need power tools.
Find a place to store it. If you have a place to keep permanently, great! If not, make a smaller jump that you can put in your garage or move it out of the way and tarp it.
Design it: How big do you want the jump? How much wood do you have, assuming you have the right type wood. Pressure treated (PT) lumber and plywood is best to use for ramps that are to be stored outdoors. However, if you are able to store your ramp indoors or need it to be light-weight for portability, use untreated lumber as it decreases weight and saves money. If not you will need to improvise with what you have. You need to decide whether you want a mini-ramp (a small version of a half-pipe, usually with no VERT, 8' and below, a kicker (launch ramp) or a quarterpipe style of ramp. Be creative, but practical. if you have any questions on design, contact your local skateshop or skatepark...they deal with ramps all day long.
- Figure the base size. (how big is it going to be at the bottom?), then add a few inches at the base so you can have extra inches on depth at the top. Calculate the dimensions. How long, wide and tall will it be. If it's a jump then it will probably be kind of small.
Sketch on the plywood a basic curve of your ramp and add an extra flat spot at the top, a little shorter and a little longer for distance and taller for height.
Cut three panels from plywood, once you sketched your curve. If your jump is too long or if you're worried about strength you can add more in the middle. Doing this tends to add a lot of extra work. Don't start nailing yet. Figure out where you want your 2x4s for support of the curve, no more than about a foot between each.
Cut notches into your plywood at the center so you can put each 2x4 in where you will nail it to the panel on each side. You want a flat face along the curve to nail a final piece of plywood to. You want the skinny side of the 2x4 on the face of the curve, so you can have a nice, flat curve.
Nail a few 2x4s to the back and inside of the plywood panels to keep them safe and solid. Add the 2x4s to the inside (you will need the 2x4s on the inside so they will be slightly shorter) so you can nail through the plywood into the 2x4.
Decide where you want the 2x4's (for the curve-the ones for support need to be nailed to the plywood without notches) in the middle panel and cut the notches. Trace the notches onto the insides on the other two panels (this will be about where the ends of the 2x4's will be nailed).
Nail the 2x4's to the end panels so that they line up with the middle notches, make sure they are level as well.
Confirm it is sturdy. If not go back and either add more supports or more plywood.
Complete the face piece, aka (the curve). Thick plywood doesn't like to bend,so for the face piece (the curve) you want it to be thinner. Start by nailing the bottom. If there's a bit of a bump at the base, you can add more wood. You even the connection to the ground out. Nail it to the 2x4 underneath all the way across in several places, this will help keep the curve nice, and from the start nailing a few nails into each crossmember make sure the nails are going into the 2x4's!
Add a strip of plywood to the top, and you're done!

Tips

For better results and a sturdier ramp, take the time to use screws instead of nails. Screws tend to not stick out after time. Who wants to snag on a rusty nail after catching air?
For a good wood jump you need decent wood. Don't get any that have huge holes where you'll ride. If it's rotten in spots, that kind of wood makes bad jumps and is asking for trouble.
If you want a finished look, add some more sheets of plywood to the back.This could be the launch ramp of a table top or just a plain ramp to get up on a picnic table. Have fun!
Adding a layer of thin masonite can make your ride on the ramp smoother, as well as adding a certain degree of cushioning in the probable event that you fall.
If you're having trouble with it tipping over, add some 2x4s or plywood to the back at a 45 degree angle to keep it from tipping, sort of reverse wheely bars.
To make a catch ramp you can do that with less of a curve, or make a long triangle with some supports across the center, and down the sides and middle!
For a table top you basically just make a sturdy box, or a "table" shape and add plywood to the top. Add some support across the top and some to the legs for a bike. But just to be careful, add a launch ramp and,or a catch and it's finished.

Warnings

As with any extreme sport, be sure you have a safe location and a sturdy ramp. Taking the time to make the ramp correctly will result in a better performance and safety.
Always wear a helmet when jumping.
Using a dirt jump, as suggested in step one, is going to get your bearings really dirty. Stick to wood ramps.
NEVER Ride on dirt or sand! It is very bad for your bearings. Grass is ok for practicing ollies.
There are special boards with off-road wheels, and bearing protection,if you want to be able to ride in dirt or sand.

Things You'll Need

Open space for jumping, preferably a flat, paved area.
Plans for your ramp.
A few 2x4's
A couple sheets of decent plywood
Hammer
Nails
Level or straight edge
Pencil/marker for design
Some good friends to help out and have a good time doing it!
money

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Build a Skateboard Ramp. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Build a Halfpipe or Ramp - wikiHow

2008-02-14T11:14:00.002-05:00

How to Build a Halfpipe or Ramp

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Learn how to build a halfpipe in this article, based on a 10 foot high platform with a 5 foot radius and 5 feet of vertical.

Steps

Decide how tall you want your halfpipe to be and how wide a platform that you want at the top to launch from. Your platform can actually be a whole separate structure that you attach your halfpipe to.
Make a template. What you are actually marking out is a quarterpipe, which you will make two of and put them together to form a halfpipe. You have to determine the height at which you want to go full vertical. Let's say for example if your platform is 10 feet above the ground, you may want the bottom 5 feet to be radiused and the top 5 feet to be vertical. (**Caution, if you build a 10' ramp with 5' of vert, it will be like skating the shallow end of a pool...fun, but not practical...on a 10' tall ramp, I would suggest a 9' radius and 1' of vert**) You should have a minimum of 4'for the decks.
- You would need to make a full size template of the quarterpipe so that you can use it to mark all of your end supports the same size. 1/4" plywood works very well for this.
- You can hold the pieces together with duct tape, but it's better to cut scab plates out of 3/4" ply where the seams join together and use 3/4" wood screws to hold the pieces together.
- Rip one sheet of ply in half the long way, well actually rip it to 23 and 3/4" so you can get two rips from one sheet.
- Cut two feet off of one of the rips and scab it to the full length piece. That should give you a 2ft by 10ft rectangle.
- Now scab together a 5 foot square and hook it to the rectangle so that it looks like a giant boot.
- Drive a nail in the top corner of the 5 by 5 square that is not connected to the rectangle.
- Using that nail as a pivot, mark the radius from the top corner (where the 5x5 meets the rectangle) to the bottom corner directly below the nail.
- Cut this radius out using a jig saw.(**Caution--use the plywood method for drawing the radius only if you have material to waste. Tip: put a nail or screw at the bottom of your radius, extend your tape measure to the desired length of your radius, use you tape measure as a pencil guide when drawing your radius**)
Use your template to make two end panels per quarterpipe. To make the end panels, use two layers of 3/4 inch plywood which you will laminate together. To laminate the layers, pour wood glue into a paint tray and use a roller to roll a thin even layer of glue over the entire surface of the bottom layer of ply. Lay the top layer down over the glue, turning the grain 90 degrees. Line up the edges. Screw the two layers together with 1 1/4" coarse thread wood screws. When the glue is set (overnight) use your template to mark out the end panels. Cut them out with a circular saw and or a jig saw.
Use your template to make intermediate supports. These can be single layer 3/4" ply, scabbed together using 2 by material. Keep scab plates about two inches in from the edges.
Cut several 2x4s into 3ft 9in lengths. Use a stop block setup to make sure that they are all cut to identical lengths.
Line the flat edge of the 2x4s up with the edge of the end panels (where the riding surface will be) and screw or nail them to end panels a few inches apart. Nail the other end to the intermediate panel using the same spacing. Stagger the 2x4s between intermediate panels (so that you can nail/screw them). Use as many intermediate panels as necessary to get the overall length you want, and then use the other end panel at the opposite end. You will have to taper the bottom 2x4 to a profile that will fit to the ground.
You will have to frame under the platform to support not only your weight, but also hard landings. Now you need to get this framing anchored to the ground so that it won't tip over. Depending on your situation, you can anchor the back side of the platform to a building, or support beams poured with footings. Consult a professional on how to do this. Sandwich the intermediates with framing and run a carriage bolt through.
Once the framing is secure, you have to install the riding surface. 3/8 inch cdx plywood should be flexible enough. You will have to run two layers, in the same direction. Break the seams by running a full course across the length, then run a 2 foot rip with the grain running the same way on top. Be sure to stagger the end joints as well for added strength. Screw it to the 2x4s.

Tips

You can shim under the framing if the ground is uneven, just make sure it's solid.
The short lengths of the 2x4s is to curb deflection. You can use longer lengths if you can figure out a way to brace them.
Make sure halfpipe is sturdy try using concrete or burying about 6 inches at the bottom of the quarter pipes

Warnings

Consult a pro about anchoring and framing properly to support the loads.
This is just a suggestion on how to build a halfpipe, no guarantee on if it will work.

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Build a Halfpipe or Ramp. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Cool Hunting Skateboard Artwork Design Contest

2008-02-05T16:17:00.000-05:00

It's time for a skateboard design contest with the people over at Popdeck. The Threadless of skateboard design, Popdeck is a website that allows users submit and vote on designs with the winner getting a cash prize and their entry made into a limited-edition board.

Happy New Year From Build A Ramp

2007-12-31T10:28:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all!

As the new year arrives BuildARamp.com would like to ask anyone who owns a mini halfpipe, vert halfpipe, launch ramp, bowl, funbox, pyramid, slider box or any other ramp to email us with your name and photos!

We will be adding them to our growing photo gallery so ramp builders have a visual reference to work from.

360skate.com Thanksgiving Sale

2007-11-22T08:18:00.000-05:00

BuildARamp.com and 360Skate.com hope you have a great thanksgiving and enjoy your time with family and friends this weekend. This is 360skate's last breather before the fun but busy holiday shipping rush starts. They have a full crew ready to ship your purchases out quick and secure. So take advantage of this weekends sale from the comfort of your home And remember They have over 7000 skate items in stock with real time inventory. we are always here to provide you with small company service so just shoot them an email or give them a call but please be patient during the next couple months as the call volume increases. Sale ends Nov 25th, 2007

Huge Holiday Skateboard Product Giveaway from SkateSpotter.com

2007-11-14T13:12:00.000-05:00

The online skate spot directory SkateSpotter.com is having another big give away for the holiday season. SkateSpotter lets you search for skate spots, skateparks and skate shops. You can also view or upload videos and photos or comment on spots.

This special holiday package giveaway will include a Tactics deck, Indy trucks, and Bones wheels of the winners choice - along with a pair of Emerica shoes of their choice and an Independent hoodie. The total value of the package is around $225. The contest runs from November 15th to December 15th, and the winner will be notified on December 16th, just in time to receive this setup for the holidays.

This is all made possible thanks to their sponsor Tactics.com. "We're psyched to work with Skatespotter. The site is growing super fast and is becoming a valuable resource for skaters traveling or just checking out new spots locally, " says Adam Ware at Tactics "thanks to Emerica, Independent, and Bones for helping us flow the goods to sponsor this."

The giveaway starts Nov 15th so get started! To find the full details of the giveaway, check out the contest page.

The Binghamton New York Public Concrete Skatepark

2007-11-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

Yet another great production from Jake Quain! The Binghamton crew is always representing with some sick tricks even in a poorly designed concrete skatepark.

Rhandom Skate - Oriental Highlights by Jake Quain

2007-09-27T16:15:00.000-04:00

A little montage Jake put together of some clips from the full video, oriental.

The Binghamton locals are sicker than ever these days! Great work Jake!

Check out more of Jake Quain's work at YouTube!

SkateSpotter has a new contest!

2007-09-17T13:45:00.000-04:00

SkateSpotter.com has a new contest sponsored by online shop http://Tactics.com. SkateSpotter will be giving away 1 complete GIRL setup to a lucky user who adds their favorite local skate shop, skate park, or skate spot. Visit http://skatespotter.com/contest.html for more info. The contest started September 15th and ends October 15th.

X Games 2007 - Skateboarding's Mega Ramp Is a Draw, but Also a Danger

2007-08-03T22:22:00.000-04:00

Sports / Other Sports
Skateboarding's Mega Ramp Is a Draw, but Also a Danger
By MATT HIGGINS
Published: August 3, 2007
The inherent danger associated with riding the Mega Ramp was on display at the X Games Thursday when the skateboarder Jake Brown fell more than 45 feet during his final run.

Click Here to Read More

Red Bull Picnic Table Contest

2007-07-12T21:40:00.000-04:00

Red Bull Picnic Table Contest held in Vilnius, 2007

Peter Hewitt - Skateboarding a Concrtete Full Pipe & Bowl

2007-06-18T11:40:00.000-04:00

Peter Hewitt, Skateboarding a concrete full pipe and bowl!

Epicly Later'd - Chrstian Hosoi and The Gonz Part 1

2007-05-30T08:08:00.000-04:00

Two legends of skateboarding in one interview! Christian Hosoi and Mark Gonzalez helped shape what skateboarding is today, if you have never heard of them then take a seat and get to know your roots. Many Thanks to Patrick O'Dell for producing this interview!

Epicly Later'd - Alex Olsen Part 2

2007-05-25T12:24:00.001-04:00

Epicly Later'd - Alex Olsen Part 1

2007-05-25T12:20:00.000-04:00

June 21st is National Go Skateboarding Day

2007-05-24T12:44:00.000-04:00

June 21st is National Go Skateboarding day - so GO SKATEBOARDING!

Skateboarding for a Cooler World

2007-05-18T08:21:00.000-04:00

Skateboarding Pro Lee West investigates how regular people can help offset Carbon emissions that help cause Global Warming. And he looks at whether buying Carbon offsets is a good idea. This video is part of WAKING TO WARMING, a project of the Center for Investigative Reporting in San Francisco, looking at the money and politics behind the climate change debate.

Rob & Big Season 2 Free on iTunes

2007-05-17T08:26:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

I just noticed the first episode for season 2 of Rob & Big is up on iTunes for FREE! This show is great so check it out!

Click the button below to go directly to the iTunes Store for your free download.