I have recently noticed a great deal of interest in information on building wooden wheelchair ramps. While I recently wrote an article that covered the building of concrete ramps here at my own residence. I thought I would cover building a wooden wheelchair ramp. I have in the past built several wooden ramps.
Wooden ramps come in a wide range of sizes and materials. So we will cover the general rules you must follow in order to build a sturdy and most importantly safe wooden wheelchair ramp. I say most of all safe because I have seen and even used some wooden ramps that to my mind were more dangerous than not having a ramp. There are seven thing you must know in order to build a safe and sturdy wooden ramp.
3 Circular Saw
1. Do I really need a wooden ramp here or would something else be better?
2. Remember the rules of ramp building. Your angle is 1:2 or 1" rise = 12" run, every 30" rise a landing of 60" long. Avoid long runs break them up if you can.
3. Materials must pressure treated or rated for outdoor use. Use stainless steel or galvanized carriage bolts and screws. You'll round footing forms and post brackets as well.
4. The tools you will need are very basic. You will need a hand saw or circular saw. A drill with a 1/2" bit to drill holes for the carriage bolts. A ratchet to tighten the nuts. A tape measure, a carpenters square, level, and cordless drill driver are other tools you will need. You will also need a post hole digger and a shovel.
5. Any structure is only as good as it's foundation. So we take special care with the footings of our wheelchair ramp. They should be place every six feet forming a 6' x 4' rectangle with a post bracket embedded in the top.
6. Don't make it too steep. Always check your angle and use the ratio. If it is too steep the user won't make it up.
7. Put it together right! Use screws for the decking and nuts and bolts at all the joints. Think of the ramp as a bridge for a wheelchair and build it as such. Don't just nail it together.
As we can see building a wooden wheelchair ramp is not a simple undertaking. It is however within the skill level of the average do-it-yourself builder. And while I wrote an article covering the building of a concrete ramp it was a rather simple threshold ramp you would encounter in typical slab construction home. I would not however recommend a concrete ramp project of the scale I have just described for the do-it-yourself builder unless you have prior experience with concrete projects of this scale.
Special Price!!! Bare-Tool Makita BSS501Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-3/8-Inch Circular Trim Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)
Nov 08, 2011 16:21:12
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Bare-Tool Makita BSS501Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-3/8-Inch Circular Trim Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Feature
- Makita-built motor delivers 3,600 RPM for faster cutting and ripping through wood
- Compact, ergonomic design at only 5.7 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue
- Includes features such as a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work area, and a built-in dust blower to keep the line of cut free of debris
- Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
- 3-year warranty on tool
Bare-Tool Makita BSS501Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-3/8-Inch Circular Trim Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Overview
2" maximum cutting capacity enables cutting a 2 x 4 in one pass. Built-in L.E.D. lights for more illuminated work. Built-in dust blower enhances line of sight and keeps work piece clean. Makita' s 25 Minute Optimum Rapid Charger (DC18RA) charges faster to allow less down time and more productivity. Ergonomically designed handle with soft grip provides better fit and even more control. Blade wrench stows away in the saw for fast and convenient blade changing. LXT Lithium-Ion provides longer run time, 5x lower self-discharge (for use any time) and 16 firm holding contact terminals (for constant high power). 25-minute Rapid Optimum Charger uses the built-in chip in the battery and built-in CPU chip in the charger to control current, voltage, and temperature to optimize battery life. 5-3/8" x 16T Carbide-Tipped Circular Saw Blade.Bare-Tool Makita BSS501Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-3/8-Inch Circular Trim Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Specifications
The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-3/8-Inch Trim Circular Saw combines cordless cutting power with less weight in a compact size. The BSS501Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a two-inch maximum cutting capacity -- the best in its class -- making it ideal for woodworkers and finish carpenters. | ||||
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The BSS501Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,600 RPM for faster cutting. The saw has a 50 degree maximum bevel cutting capacity and is engineered with a stainless steel base plate for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability.
Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BSS501Z weighs just 5.7 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 14-3/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. The BSS501Z is also equipped a built-in L.E.D. light that illuminates the work area for more efficient work, as well as a built-in dust blower to keep the line of cut free of debris. The blade wrench stows away for fast blade changing.
Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BSS501Z is a light, powerful cordless trim saw ideal for professional woodworkers and finishing carpenters. It's also great for builders and other pro trades making cuts overhead, in tight spaces, or through light material that does not require a standard size circular saw. The BSS501Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
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Makita BSS501Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-3/8-Inch Circular Trim Saw (tool only).
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