Building your launch ramp can be a fun and rewarding project. Of course, you will have a new toy to play with, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you built it yourself. This article will show you how to build a launch ramp out of plywood and 2x4s. We’ll also give you some tips on making it more durable and user-friendly. So if you’re ready to take on the challenge, let’s get started!
What Is a Skateboard Launch Ramp?
A skateboard launch ramp is a type of ramp used to launch a skateboard. It is typically made out of plywood and 2x4s, and it can be either homemade or store-bought. A launch ramp can be either flat or curved, and it can be either permanent or portable.
Required Materials
- Plywood: You’ll need a sheet of plywood that is at least 4’x8′.
- 2x4s: You’ll need around ten 2x4s that are 8′ long.
- Saw: You’ll need a saw to cut the plywood and the 2x4s.
- Drill: You’ll need a drill to drive the screws.
- Screws: You’ll need around 50 screws that are 1 1/2″ long.
- Sandpaper: You’ll need some sandpaper to smooth out the wood.
- Boards: You’ll need a sheet of boards that are the same size as the plywood.
- Hardware Cloth: You’ll need some hardware cloth to make your launch ramp bump proof.
- Staples: You’ll need some staples to secure the hardware cloth.
How to Build a Launch Ramp Step-by-Step
Step 1: Collect Tools
The first thing you need to do is gather all the tools required for your project. Depending on how much time and money you want to spend, there are different ways of doing this. The easiest way would be buying pre-made wood pieces or hiring someone with construction experience to help you out. The other option is building it on your own. To do so, you will need the following tools:
- tape measure
- circular saw, or miter saw
- drill with screw bit and 3/8″ drill bit
- hammer
Step 2: Plan Design
This is the most important part of how to build a launch ramp. It would help if you planned it looks and you want to get up there. There are many ways to get up on your launch ramp, but here I will tell you how I did it. First, mark how high off the ground you want it to be. Then, figure out how big that piece of wood should be. Place it on the ground and measure how much space you need for takeoff and landing.
Once you know the width, you need to make your ramp double its length; you will need an extra 2ft for supports on both sides. Mark, it should be high. If you are good with woodwork, I suggest making the entire thing out of one piece of wood, but if you aren’t as good, getting a few pieces and screwing them together would work just as fine.
Step 3: Cut Your Materials
Now that you have your design figured out, it’s time to start cutting the materials. Using your circular saw, or miter saw, cut the pieces of wood according to the measurements you took in Step 1. If you are using a pre-made piece of wood, make sure to cut it to size before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Cut the Side Pieces
You can cut the side pieces however way you want, but I found that cutting them on a 45 deg angle works best. Measure your launch ramp’s width by placing it next to one of the shorter side pieces. Mark where to cut it using your tape measure. Then, place the piece with both ends touching the ground and make another mark of the high off the ground it should be. Finally, measure the high up you want to put the top support and the wide that piece of wood should be. Use a pencil to mark everything out, so you have something to go off of when cutting.
Step 5: Attach the Last Three 2×4 Cross-members
Your frame is done! Now you have to attach the last three 2×4 cross-members. Place them however way works best for how you’ll get up there. I recommend putting a crossbeam in the middle and two more on either side of that one. Then, cut a 2×4 how long it should be according to your launch ramp’s width. Place the two supports flush with how far apart your current cross-members are. Attach using four screws in each one so it’s nice and secure but not too tight that you can’t move them to adjust any mistakes.
Step 6: Cover the Kicker Ramp
This is how I did it; if you want to do something different, then go for it. Using the 1x4s cover however much space you need between supports. You can measure how much kick-out you need and how many angles to give yourself by lying on your back like you’re going up the ramp and having someone else take measurements of up and out you need. Attach each piece however way works best for you.
Step 7: Attach the Steel Bottom
Screw the steel piece of way you want it on the bottom of your launch ramp. Make sure it’s nice and secure so that it doesn’t come off when you land on it, but not too tight that the screws bend around the steel and into your wood.
Step 8: Clean-Up & Skate!
After you are done with building a launch ramp, it’s time for the fun part! Sweep up all the sawdust and debris; if your ramp is in your garage or outside whenever you are done skating, clean it up so that way next time it’s nice and clean for whenever you want to skate it again. You have how to build a launch ramp; how cool is that! You can make however many you want or how long you need to get up there. Now go skate it however way you want!
So I hope this has helped anyone who has wanted to build a launch ramp and needs any advice on how to do it better if you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section however way you want. Until then, have fun!
How Do You Build a Launch Ramp?
There are a few things you will need to build a launch ramp:
- PVC pipe
- Cement
- Plywood
- Sand
- Cut the PVC pipe into the desired length and width. This will be the frame of your launch ramp.
- Mix the cement and pour it into the frame of the launch ramp. Make sure to fill it in completely and evenly.
- Allow the cement to dry completely. This could take several hours, or even a day or two.
- Once the cement is dry, cover it with plywood. You can use construction adhesive to attach the plywood to the frame of the launch ramp.
- Finally, fill in the sand around the plywood and launch ramp frame. Make sure you press the sand down firmly to get a good base.
- Drill a hole in the center of the plywood large enough for your car, boat, or another object to fit through easily.
Which Type of Launch Ramp Should I Use?
Depending on what you’re trying to launch and how much space you have, there are a few different types of launch ramps you can use.
- PVC Pipe Launch Ramp: This is a great option if you’re looking for a quick, easy and affordable launch ramp. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport. However, it’s not as sturdy as other types of launch ramps, so it may not be suitable for heavier objects.
- Concrete Launch Ramp: A concrete launch ramp is the most durable option and can be used for launching heavier objects. However, it’s also the most expensive and difficult to construct.
- Plywood Launch Ramp: A plywood launch ramp is a good option if you’re looking for a sturdier launch ramp than the PVC pipe option but don’t have much room to work with. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport.
- Wooden Launch Ramp: A wooden launch ramp is similar to the plywood launch ramp in that it has a smaller frame than concrete or PVC launch ramps. It’s sturdy enough for most projects.
- Roll-off Launch Ramp: A roll-off launch ramp is best for larger projects and objects. It’s also the safest option since it can be stopped at any point before launching, unlike concrete ramps, which only stop once the object has left the ramp.
If you want to know more about how to build a launch ramp, keep reading.
Frequently Asked Question
What Is a Launch Ramp?
A launch ramp is a structure that helps projectiles enter into the air with more speed and power. This is typically used for things like boats or cars but can also be used for other objects that need to be propelled into the air.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Launch Ramp?
There are a few pros and cons to using a launch ramp:
Pros
- Easy and affordable to build
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Can be used for a variety of objects
Cons
- Not as sturdy as other types of ramps
- May not be suitable for heavier objects
Which Is Better: Crowdfunding or Pre-sales to Raise Funds for Your Startup?
There are two main ways to raise funds for a startup: crowdfunding or pre-sales. Crowdfunding is when you ask the general public for donations, while pre-sales is when you sell products or services before they have been created. Both have their own pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision.
Conclusion
A launch ramp is a powerful tool for accelerating your product to success. With the right planning and execution, you can make sure that all of your hard work pays off in dividends. It’s never too late to start building! Thanks for reading our post about how to build a launch ramp.
You may also read: How to Keep Momentum on a Skateboard
