Soon as i saw the picture I thought of a plywood pedistal. I wouldn't be too concerned with mitering the joints, just lap 'em over and maybe throw in a piece of 1x1 or 2x2 to nail/screw/glue to. It may weigh a little more than 20lbs - maybe 30? - depends on the plywood, mostly. At my local BORG i can get a sheet of birch or maple ply for about 40 bucks. That'd probably make you two of these guys if your cuts are very well planned.

The stacking idea is genius!

Jason Beam
Sacramento, CA

In loving memory of Robert Bolton. We'll all miss you, Sir.

I like the stacking idea, putting these away when I'm done is important.

Wider at the bottom so it doesn't tip over is anoter good tip. I just thought the base was wider than the top so your toes wouldn't kick the top edge when jumping up.

So here's my plan, based upon what all you said.

I'm going to make 2 trapezoid shape frames with 2x4's. These will face each other and form the left and right side of the box.

Then I'll  take some plywood and cut it out to be the same size and shape as the frames. These two plywood faces will be the front and back sides of the box

Next I'll take the plywood and screw it into the edges of the 2x4 frames to form a trapezoid box without a top

Finally I'll finish it off with a plywood top

Thanks again for the advice, keep it coming if you have other suggestions. When i get these done I'll post some pictures.

What tools do you have? You could easily pull off the half laps (even at the angles needed) with your table saw and a miter gauge. Just keep everything straight in your head and nibble away bit by bit. Lots of dry fits and test cuts in scrap!

Jason Beam
Sacramento, CA

In loving memory of Robert Bolton. We'll all miss you, Sir.

The edge of the 2x4 will be against the ground and leaning in at a slight angle so the bottom edge (the narrow part of the 2x4) would need to be beveled to make it sit flat on the ground. The same is true for the top.

I have all the tools I need for this. I just need it to be in the 40's or higher before I go out and do some woodworking. It was 0 for much of the day today in Chicago.

Jason Beam
Sacramento, CA

In loving memory of Robert Bolton. We'll all miss you, Sir.

I may be too late, but some advice I'd give ya to save your shins, cuz if ya don't make it all the way up, your shins are gonna take a beating:

Make sure your top is flush to the sides-you don't want ANY sort of lip to catch your toe on and go head over heels.

Also, when jumping, make sure the handle holes are only on 2 sides of the box, and make sure they are oriented to the sides when jumping so your feet don't catch on those either.

Make sure they can nest to save storage space.

Have some sort of gripping mat on top so you land soft and you land surefooted, especially if there's any moisture on your shoes. Remember, the thickness of the pad will add to the height of your jump.

Unless you really want to test your balance and soft landing skills on the top of the box, make sure your joints are solid and/or reinforced. It's kinda daunting standing up on a wobbly box wondering if your're gonna collapse like a cartoon.

I got a million more tips that don't have to do with woodworking, since I've forgotton more about football than I'll probably ever learn about ww!

Enjoy!

Michael