| Materials Needed:3/8" X 4' X 8' sheets of plywood | | | | string-and-compass method*.5) Once you've |
| 8' 2x4's | | | | drawn and cut your templates, next comes the |
| electric, handheld or bench saws | | | | bracing.6) Once you've done the framework, you'll |
| handsaw | | | | most likely need to prep the top piece(s) of the |
| hammer & nails | | | | plywood (which must bend to fit the transition |
| electric sander/sandpaper | | | | without breaking). Do this by propping up the |
| drafting compass | | | | sheet(s)--already cut to size--at a sloping angle |
| string & chalk | | | | and soak with a hose at low pressure for an hour |
| garden hose | | | | or so.As the wood becomes soaked, apply an |
| sawhorses | | | | increasing amount of weight to the center of the |
| nail punch | | | | board(s)--using bricks or something similar--until |
| ink pen | | | | the wood attains the desired curve.Now nail the |
| wood screws | | | | wood onto the framework's 2x4's If your ramp is |
| 3/8" PVC pipe | | | | to have coping, make sure to leave enough space |
| pushpin1) Decide on the type of ramp(s) you | | | | for it to fit snugly. Always go WITH the grain of |
| want to build, sketch out the design and | | | | the wood while bending and apply the ply!For a |
| dimensions on paper.2) Acquire the materials | | | | smoother transition, sand the bottom edge of the |
| required, and as much wood as you can get your | | | | top sheet at an angle flush with the ground. |
| hands on3) Find a work space to use (garage, | | | | Check for jagged splinters. Sand or paint if |
| backyard, etc.) and lay out your supplies. If you're | | | | desired. Paint will make your ramp faster! Duct |
| planning to build a fairly large structure | | | | tape, airplane or electrical tape or aluminum strips |
| (permanent) try to build it on site.4) For ramps | | | | may be added to smooth the transition's bottom |
| with curved transitions, you will need to use the | | | | edge. |