So… hi again! Sorry for the complete and utter lack of news posts in here. I won’t make excuses – I’ll just apologize. Hopefully it won’t happen again!

Anyway, I figured that seeing as it’s June 8th, it wouldn’t make sense for me to just do a weekly post, and it’d be much better to do an entire summary of the season passed. I think this is going to be a really long post, as I’m looking at all the thread topics that I have to cover in the forums, and there’s at least 3 – 4 pages of them… yeehaw!!!

Let’s do this!!! Leeeeerrrrroooooyyyyyyyy Jeeeennnnnnkkkkkiiiiiinnnnsssss!!!!!!!!!

Pictures:

I’m just going to put up pictures that were posted in the picture thread after the last news article.

Squirrel. posted some pictures of their setup:

ANTHEM16 showed us their 20 footer and their 10 footer:

Mandic1234 has a nice flat-down PVC setup:

.ronner. has the A-Frame going… or is it flat down???

Buttered_Toast proud on their steel rail:

Free31SkierX also showing off their steel rail:

hansel. with their gorgeous multi-rail flat-down setup… hansel – so damn hot right now!

NoDip shows us what appears to be their parking lot setup:

Niko3oh3 puts the ‘grom’ in the word ‘backyard setup’

NoDip also has a backyard setup too???

King_1223 rips the rollercoaster steel:

Slopestyle4331 has their summer-setup action in full swing:

switchski123 shows off his framework handiwork:

as does tophusmaximus:

lebo. drops in like it’s hot:

Problems and/or Solutions:

These are any interesting problems and/or solutions that have been discussed recently. Hopefully some of you can get something out of these.

#1. Drilling through steel? (E_R_I_C)

Problem:

E_R_I_C wanted to know how one would go about connecting steel to the base, ideally through drilling and screwing/bolting.

Solution:

Lineskiah11 pointed out that many regular drill bits can penetrate steel, depending on how thick the steel is. However, he mentioned that through experience, it is more than likely that one will end up breaking a couple of bits in the process.

Conclusion:

Although most brass bits that people use to bore through wood and plastic will work to drill through steel too, it would be a better idea to invest in some stronger, more specialized drill bits if one wants to save their tools. As a bonus, if one purchases a set of bits to use when drilling through steel, such as a set of titanium bits, chances are they’ll be able to use them on most other materials as well – so if you’re buying a new set of bits to begin with, just spend the extra couple of $ to get yourself a good quality set of strong bits. It’ll save you hassle in the end.

#2. Where to buy topsheet materials? (t_rob)

Problem:

t_rob wanted to know the ever so common question of where one should go to purchase high-quality building materials to use as a topsheet on a box.

Solution:

t3dizzle gave two links for use in North America. In Canada, he recommended www.polyzone.com, whereas he suggested www.usplastics.com for those in the U.S. He also mentioned that one can check the phonebook, as there are often specialty plastic stores listed in such volumes. jeff3617 also pointed out that many sign shops have leftovers that they are willing to dispose of – as most signs are made of lexan or HDPE anyway.

Conclusion:

I’m not sure if there’s actually a conclusion to this problem… but if there was, it’d probably just be the exact same as the solution…

#3. HDPE Shipment sizes (BkCountrySkrMO2)

Problem:

BkCountrySkrMO2 was building an 18’ box, and wanted to know whether to get one 18’ sheet of HDPE, or three 6’ sheets of HDPE.

Solution:

Most replies said to buy in pieces, as it would be much easier to ship and to deal with when assembling.

Conclusion:

It turns out that HDPE doesn’t even come in 18’ pieces…

#4. From picnic table to wall-ride (jibmaster_josh)

Problem:

jibmaster_josh wanted to know if a piece of HDPE mounted onto the top of a picnic table would serve as an adequate wall-ride.

Solution:

There were many conflicting replies to this topic. Many people said that it would be a waste of time and money, however many people thought that it would be cool, fun, and even better if he could do the same, but with two picnic tables positioned end-to-end.

Conclusion:

Personally, I love seeing creative jibs and ideas come to life. I think that a picnic table wall ride/stall/butter-box is really cool, and I don’t really feel like it’d be a waste of money, especially because the picnic table wouldn’t have to be paid for – just the topsheet material to cover the top. If you want to try something like this, I’d do it if I were you!

#5. Plywood under topsheet? (Squirrel.)

Problem:

Squirrel. wanted to know if it was worth it to put plywood under the topsheet of one’s box.

Solution:

By using plywood you're simply playing it safe. Over time, if the topsheet is supported simply by cross-braces, it will bend and flex and possibly break. The plywood just keeps everything nice and level.

Conclusion:

For the price of plywood (cheap), it makes perfect sense to put a sheet of it underneath your topsheet. This will save you much time, effort and frustration in the long run by preventing your topsheet from fucking.

#6. Flexibility (sirskizalot)

Problem:

sirskizalot wanted to know whether or not HDPE and/or lexan is flexible enough to bend on a rainbow or rollercoaster box

Solution:

JWEEZY said that through experience, both are very flexible and will work fine when bending over curves. However, he mentioned that one must be careful when countersinking, as they have a tendency to crack if one rushes.

Conclusion:

If you’re going to make a rainbow/rollercoaster box, it’s likely worth it to purchase HDPE over lexan, as it’s better quality, and will end up working better. It will bend, but be careful.

#7. Build or buy? (BkCountrySkrMO2)

Problem:

BkCountrySkrMO2 wanted to know whether it made sense for the $$ to build his own rail/box, or buy one from a professional.

Solution:

There are multiple companies that make rails and/or boxes for terrain parks as their primary service. However, these companies charge a fair bit of $ for their product, as it is made by industry specialists. The second option is to contact a local fabricating shop, and to have them do the job for you. This will be slightly cheaper than buying from a snow-specific business, but it may not be as perfect, as it isn’t made by specialists. Both work though, and both come out with pretty damn good products.

Conclusion:

Chances are, if you make your own rail/box, you will save money if you do it properly. However, if you’d like the satisfaction that your jib was made by a certified professional, and you know it will last long, as well as look good, maybe you’re willing to spend the extra $$ for the seal of quality. It’s up to you.

#8. Best sliding surface (ontwosticks)

Problem:

ontwosticks was curious as to which material for a drop-in ramp would slide the best for its value.

Solution:

There are many different materials available for purchase, all of which work to different degrees. MadSteezin showed the most ideal surface, known as SkiTrax tiles. A link to the website can be found here: http://www.reliableracing.com/detail.cfm?edp=10177038&category=7801&reload=no. Others mentioned plastic lattice (construction site fencing), Astroturf, plastic surfaces (lexan, HDPE), or steel pipes running across the ramp at 0.5ft intervals, almost like rollers at the Beer Store, but they don’t roll…

Conclusion:

The different surfaces all work better than others, and all have advantages and/or disadvantages. The steel pipes can work two jobs, as they also allow you to walk up the ramp almost as if it’s a ladder, but the SkiTrax slide extremely quickly. The plastic surface also slides quickly, but doesn’t allow for any direction change once the skier is on the ramp. It also comes down to price.

#9. X-Factors (ieatgingers)

Problem:

ieatgingers wanted to know if he would be able to use an x-factor skateboard ramp as a summer-setup ramp

Solution:

The ramp has the proper dimensions, and is strong enough to hold and work as a ski ramp. However, the material (plastic) of which it is made is fairly slippery.

Conclusion:

The ramp should work fine with regards to height. If one were to spin off of the ramp, they might lose their balance because of the slippery plastic. As such, one might want to cover the ramp in something like Astroturf, or a material with a little more lateral grip – to allow for better spinning. Also, the ramp is somewhat narrow, so using two beside each other might be a better idea.

#10. Waterproofing… necessary? (NoDip)

Problem:

NoDip wanted to know if it made sense to waterproof his drop-in ramp before covering it with Astroturf.

Solution:

When waterproofing isn’t done, the ramp can warp, and/or rot over time. Although one won’t notice it over the first season, it will happen eventually – especially underneath something like Astroturf, which will keep the moisture in.

Conclusion:

It is totally worth it to waterproof your wooden features. The cost of waterproofing a wooden structure the size of our (skiers) features is minimal. The time it would take is well worth it, as your feature will last much longer. The last thing one wants is a warped feature, or a feature that collapses from underneath you, because the supports have rotted.

#11. Sticky summer metatl? (SteezyJibber)

Problem:

SteezyJibber was considering building a metal rail to put in his backyard this summer, but was debating whether or not to use metal, in case it ends up being too sticky in the hot weather.

Solution:

As the weather gets hotter, all materials expand, and become softer. That being said, many metal rails have been used in summer setups, and everything has worked fan-fabulous. Also, most skateboard rails are made of metal, as are rollerblade rails, bike rails, scooter rails, unicycle rails, wagon rails, shopping cart rails, and transport truck rails. As well, if the rail does become slightly sticky, wax, water, and Pam have all been suggested as possible lubricants.

Conclusion:

Although the rail might be a little softer, and may not slide as quickly as it would in the cold temperatures of winter, a metal rail should work just fine when used in a summer setup.

#12. Mica topsheet (ar6161)

Problem:

ar6161 wanted to know whether or not it made sense to switch from PVC to a countertop material called Mica.

Solution:

The mica is very thin, and is likely prone to chipping. Also, apparently it wears down quickly, so be ready to re-apply it often.

Conclusion:

Through experimenting, ar6161 says that it is way too slow, and not to bother with it, as it will just be a waste of time and effort.

#13. Is 2 feet too narrow? (Niko3oh3)

Problem:

Niko3oh3 wanted to know if a drop-in ramp that was 2ft wide would be wide enough to drop in both regular and switch.

Solution:

Many people ride 2ft wide setups, both drop-in and jump, however some prefer the extra width, especially when spinning and/or riding switch.

Conclusion:

When building a setup, taking both the drop-in and the jump into consideration, the wider the setup, the better. However, it doesn’t need to be any wider than 2ft if you don’t want to / don’t have the space / don’t have the $$$.

#14. Soap alternatives (ti22leskishiz)

Problem:

Hardly a problem… ti22leskishiz just wanted to know everybody else’s techniques for summer seshing, particularly what they used instead of soap (if they used something else).

Solution:

Many people found that shampoo with water works much better than normal soap, as does biodegradable detergent.

Conclusion:

Head to your local dollar store and buy yourself 1 metric tonne of Head & Shoulders!!!

Questions & FAQ’s:

Any recently asked questions or FAQ's that have been posted. If you have any answers or suggestions to one or more of the questions, please reply to the thread in which the question exists (follow the link).

#1. Rail-building questions (i_like_boys)

“I am going to build a rail in Alaska and I had a few questions:
1- Will PVC shatter at low temperatures even if it is thick?
2- If i were to build a single hand rail would i be better off with a steel pipe welded to posts or single PVC screwed to a long 2x4 with supports?
3- is shotgun preffered to single? ive slid both but i rarely ever see a single handrail on here
4- how well does steel slide?”

Thread Link: www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/346449/

This question was answered pretty well by JWEEZY, but if you have any other input, please do.

#2. Type of metal? (keystoner1)

“so im trying to build a flat bar rail or single barell. What thickness of steel should i use for a flat bar?”

Thread Link: http://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/348188/

#3. How much space? (jp_draves)

“well unfortunatly I cant build a jib in my backyard as i have a pool and the ground is 100% stone so my only option is my tiny front yard. SO i was just wondering, on average, how much room or how long of a strip of ground do you need for a summer jib. This includes drop in, ramp, rail, and a little bit of a landing?”

Thread Link: http://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/357569/

#4. Coupla Questions (aronSKIP)

“Aight so i have this 15 foot long metal pole. And i was wondering if i could set up somehow as a down rail for summer(if possible) or atleast for winter. 
So i thought of doing a summer setup but just replacing the PVC pipe by the metal pole, but the problem is i don't think the metal pole is the same diameter as a pvc pipe, and i only have one and not two like most pvc pipe boxes are setup.
The other problem is I have no clue how to support the metal pole by wood if i only have one: I'm afraid if i just put a 2x4 under it, the wood would stick out and my edges would get caught.
Any ideas?”

Thread Link: http://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/364529/

#5. Sticky HDPE (BkCountrySkrMO2)

“so i just built a new hdpe box, and it doesnt slide as well as i think it should
it could have been that the snow we were using was really really dirty but still it was sticky
my question is can you wax plastic to make it faster? if so how?”

Thread Link: http://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/360213/

#6. Collapsible drop-ins (SteezyJibber)

“thinking about makin a small urban drop in that would fit in a sedan
any ideas on how to make the down ramp fold parallel to the drop in?
and how tall x how wide? i was thinkin about 4 feet tall, 3 feet wide”

Thread Link: http://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/366993/

#7. Wheelie Ramp (parktool)

“would it work to put those rubber wheels on the legs of your drop table.  because ours is 4 1/2 feet and are trying to roll it around in the yard and roll it down the street to our buddies house.  would this work?”

Thread Link: http://www.newschoolers.com/web/forums/readthread/thread_id/366739/

General News:

Any cool things going on in the cult that are cool and worth knowing about.

1. Car Jib:

Albino and his friends made their own car jib this season, quite similar to the Smith Limo. A really cool and (although not totally original) creative idea! Here’s a picture:

2. CONTEST!!!
Ok, so here's the deal. When spelled backwords, with some letters added, some removed, and others rearranged, the word 'summer 2008' actually spells 'jib contest'!!! This is what's up. You, the build-a-jibber, must create the most creative and most unique jib possible. I don't actually care if it exists in a terrain park, it's just gotta be crazy creative and unique to a BACKYARD terrain park. Ya dig??? A thread will be set up in the near future in the forums, and it will be stickied. There will be an uber cool prize available for the winner, most likely something along the lines of a box of screws, or a hammer (top of the line, of course!). Look forward to it. This summer is gonna be EPIC-LICIOUS!!!
 

Photo of the season:
This is where the coolest photo goes. I decide. Those are the rules. haha just kidding! But seriously this is my opinion here, so feel free to disagree... you can't come to my birthday party if you do though.

The in-house shop jib!!!



So that's that! I actually set up my setup also this season, and took pictures, and it was dope, but I didn't want to brag... seeing as I'm already the coolest NSer out there I didn't want all y'all to get all jealous on me. But yeah... keep on building, doin what you do best! Let the building season begin!

Have a good one!!!

Peace!

GP_Skier