How to Make a Sectional Wood Beam

Sectional wood beams can have multiple uses but they are typically used by gymnasts. Balance beam gymnasts need a 16-foot balance beam that can be carried on an SUV. It must be sectional and easily connected without sacrificing strength. In addition, the sectional beam must be straight and true without any sacrifice resulting from its connection. A properly designed sectional beam should easily support a 500-pound weight with no discernible twist or motion.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 - 1 1/16-inch by 1 3/16-inch by 3-foot stainless steel roller track
  • 2 - 4-inch by 6-inch by 8-foot pine timbers
  • Straightedge
  • T-square
  • Steel vise
  • Power drill
  • 1/2-inch by 2-inch wood screws
  • 1 - 1-inch by 1-inch by 6-foot piece of tubular stainless steel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the roller track, 1 1/16-inch side up, on the 4-inch side of one end of one beam. Its end should be flush with the end of the beam. Center it on the beam and trace a pencil line around it.

    • 2

      Measure and mark three center spots on the back of the roller track at 9 inches, 18 inches and 27 inches. Place the roller track in a steel vise and drill a 1/2-inch hole in the track at each marked spot.

    • 3

      Lay the roller track back on the beam and trace a drill mark with a pencil at all three holes. Drill a 3/8-inch by 2-inch hole at all three spots on the beam. Mount the roller track back on the beam and drive 1/2-inch by 2-inch wood screws into the three holes.

    • 4

      Measure and mark three center spots on one side of the steel tube at 9 inches, 18 inches and 27 inches from one end. Place the tube in a vise and drill a 3/4-inch hole through all three spots. Replace the 3/4-inch bit with a 1/2-inch bit, insert the bit through the 3/4-inch hole and drill through the back side of the tube. Repeat this on the other two holes.

    • 5

      Lay the steel tube on the 4-inch side of the other beam. Measure and mark a spot at 36 inches on top of the tube. Place the tube square in the lengthwise center of the beam with the 36-inch mark at the end of the beam. Trace drill holes with a pencil.

    • 6

      Drill a 3/8-inch hole at all three drill-hole marks on the beam. Mount the steel tube back on the beam and drive 1/2-inch wood screws into all three holes. Insert the steel tube end of one beam into the roller track end of the second beam.