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