DRU
Active Member
For my upcoming production in May, I need to build a ramp. The ramp itself will be 3ft wide and 8ft long, and will come down from a platform 2ft off the deck to a platform 1ft off the deck, all stationary. I was researching building a stressed skin platform to solve this when I came across this page (http://www.theatreface.com/profiles/blogs/sandwich-core-panels) Since I have a little extra time and a little extra budget for this show, I thought it would be a good learning opportunity for me to build this ramp sandwich platform style. I was going to follow the above blog's plan of 1/2" ply on both sides with 2" foam between. But some questions emerged that I hope someone here with experience with constructing these could answer:
1. What type of glue should I use? The blog does not specify what type of glue to use. A quick browse around the internet didn't turn up too much except one site that said to use a polyurethane glue. I know that Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane adhesive. The other options I keep in my shop are Titebond II wood glue and 3M Fastbond 30NF green contact adhesive.
2. Is there a specific type of foam I should use? I have access to 2" extruded polystyrene (http://www.menards.com/main/p-2359308-c-5779.htm) and 2" expanded polystyrene (http://www.menards.com/main/buildin...d-polystyrene-insulation/p-1934680-c-5779.htm). The expanded costs 50% less, which would be nice, but I don't want to cut corners on cost if it means a poorly-made product.
In terms of weight on it, there will be 5 elementary-middle school aged kids going up and down multiple times during the show. I can also easily add 2x4 support to this wherever I need it, studwalls, legs, or both, and if I don't feel comfortable putting the kids on it, I can easily scrap it and make something else with more framing/support. But like I said before, I think it's a good opportunity to try something new.
1. What type of glue should I use? The blog does not specify what type of glue to use. A quick browse around the internet didn't turn up too much except one site that said to use a polyurethane glue. I know that Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane adhesive. The other options I keep in my shop are Titebond II wood glue and 3M Fastbond 30NF green contact adhesive.
2. Is there a specific type of foam I should use? I have access to 2" extruded polystyrene (http://www.menards.com/main/p-2359308-c-5779.htm) and 2" expanded polystyrene (http://www.menards.com/main/buildin...d-polystyrene-insulation/p-1934680-c-5779.htm). The expanded costs 50% less, which would be nice, but I don't want to cut corners on cost if it means a poorly-made product.
In terms of weight on it, there will be 5 elementary-middle school aged kids going up and down multiple times during the show. I can also easily add 2x4 support to this wherever I need it, studwalls, legs, or both, and if I don't feel comfortable putting the kids on it, I can easily scrap it and make something else with more framing/support. But like I said before, I think it's a good opportunity to try something new.
