How to Build a Half Pipe
One of the things that makes skateboarding so exciting, is the variety of complicated tricks that skilled skateboarders can perform. Many of these popular skateboarding tricks are performed in what is known as a half pipe. A half pipe is constructed to resemble a half of a pipe that is hollow. Building your own half pipe is not difficult. Here is how to do it.
Supplies:
- Eight sheets of 3/4 inch plywood
- 2'' by 4'' Lumber
- 10 feet of PVC piping
- Laminate material
- Nails
- Screws
- Drill
- Bits
- Hammer
- Circular saw
- Fishing line
Making a Half Pipe:
- Find the place in your yard where you want to install the half pipe. It is important to have a large area where it will fit.
- Get a layout plan for the half pipe. These can be found on the Internet for free.
- Start by constructing the frame. It should be built out of the 2x4's. The frame should be about 4 feet wide and approximately 8 feet long. Use the saw to cut the lumber to the correct size. Build two of these units in separate sections for the base. For strength, add floor joists about 8 inches apart. Lay the frame on its side. Use the fishing line to design the layout for the curve of the half pipe. The radius should be approximately 5 feet and 1/2 inches. To develop a radius curve which is uniform it is advisable to cut a template out of plywood with the jigsaw.
- Attach the vertical supports to the cross-members about 8 inches apart. On the seams, use double cross members to add strength and prevent separation.
- Build the decking for the platform. Use the screws to attach the plywood deck to the base. Use two pieces of plywood on the ramp and starting platform for strength. Add joists under the starting platform to give it strength for multiple users.
- For a smoother ride, glue the laminate to the ramp and deck with the wood glue. Let it dry for about 24 hours before use.
- Attach the 10 foot PVC pipe to the starting platform where it meets the decking with screws at 8 inch intervals. This will provide additional support for the unit.
- Make the half pipe portable. Construct it so it can be disassembled and re-assembled. This is important for winter storage.