How to build toddler backyard bike track?

[sidbose1987]

Hi Experts,

  I want to build a balance bike track for my sons second birthday, I am trying to find where to begin, below video was useful in idea and vision but I would want some guidance on step by step, so any experience? I could try to get wooden board (what strength is ideal not sure) cut it and make a roller palette etc. Just my wild imagination. I need to start somewhere so I am here.

https://youtu.be/oX44wwW0-gw?si=z98h0qsow6pOh9ff

[MitchellMc]

Hi @sidbose1987,

That's called a birdsmouth joint. It just allows a better fitment than simply placing the timber on top of the support, as I've shown below.

Mitchell

[MitchellMc]

@Noyade,

I haven't seen that myself, but plenty of local councils are creating these tracks at parks; my kids love them. They even have little petrol stations on the routes where you can stop to fill up your bike tires with air.

Mitchell

[sidbose1987]

Thanks @MitchellMc I did some videos on it, so the birdsmouth cut needs to be made on the top frame logs? What about the 3 other bottom frame logs? Are they a single piece or smaller piece in between the top frame logs? Also the top ply board at the beginning of descent has an angle cut so it is at the level of floor, would Bunnings help or how do I achieve that?

I will also look at any videos or so to see how a frame is made, sorry I am being a complete noob.

Thanks

Sid

[JacobZ]

Hi @sidbose1987,

Yes, the birds mouth cuts need to be made on the joists that run along the top of the frame.

The three bearers at the base of the frame are a single piece with notches cut into them. 

Have a look at the dado joint in How to build advanced woodworking joints. This is essentially what you are doing.

The plywood doesn't need to be cut if your frame meets the concrete the thickness of the ply below the top edge. You'll see in Mitchell's render, the frame has a slight gap at the top where it meets the concrete.

If you are using for example 12mm Plywood, the frame would meet the concrete 12mm below the top edge.

Unfortunately, the complex cuts required for this project are not something Bunnings can assist with, but the Workshop team and our helpful members can offer guidance to help you along the way.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob