How to Build Your Own Weight Lifting Equipment
Graduated barbells and dumbbells can be made from a few household materials and a trip to the hardware store. The method is inexpensive and effective. Discarded food cans become the casings for the dumbbells and the barbells. Collect casings of different sizes for a variation of weights. Plastic casing is discouraged due to it's tendency to crack and affect the integrity of the concrete. Homemade weights are an inexpensive way to have an entire home gym for building rock hard muscle.
Things You'll Need
- Assorted sizes of metal cans
- 1-inch-round steel tubing
- Hacksaw
- Tape measure
- Quick mix concrete
- Mixing vat
- Stirring rod
- Water supply
- Writing marker
- 2-by-8 wooden beam
- 8 wood screws, 3-inch
- 1-inch bore drill
- Electric drill
- Phillip's head bit
- Weight scale
- Hand saw
Instructions
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Build a weight set
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1
Cut the steel tubing into suitable lengths for the dumbbells and the barbells using the hacksaw. The bars that connect the casing together is crafted from 1-inch steel tubing.
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2
Measure two bars of equal length for one set of dumbbells. The bar length will vary with each set depending on the depth of the cans. Once the bar length has been established, apply the same measurement to the additional dumbbell. Take the bar measurements for each set in the same manner.
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3
Place a can on the bottom of a drying rack (see construction instructions below) and insert a bar in each can. The support grooves of the rack will hold the bar in a vertical and level position.
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4
Combine a proportionate amount of concrete with water into the mixing vat. Blend thoroughly and evenly using the stirring rod. Place the empty the casings into the drying rack and insert the bars. Pour the mixed concrete into each shell.
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5
Mix a new batch of concrete and repeat the same method for pouring and drying the opposite side once the concrete in the first casings have thoroughly solidified.
Build a drying rack
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6
Cut a 2-by-8 wooden beam into four equal lengths of 2 feet using a measuring tape to mark the length and a hand saw to make the cuts. One of the 2-foot lengths is designated to be the top part of the rack.
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7
Drill two holes at the center of the plank and 6 inches from each end using the 1-inch-bore drill. This spacing will allow enough room to cure two casings at one time.
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8
Cut an opening from the edge of the 2-by-8 to the predrilled holes by sawing two straight lines on each side of the hole using the handsaw. This opens the stabilizer plank, allowing each bar to slide in and out easily.
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9
Set two wood screws into each corner by using the electric drill and a Phillip's head bit. The drying rack consists of attaching all four pieces of 2-by-8s together to form a perfect square.
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10
Stand the drying rack up with the bar support holes on top.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The casing size dictates the weight for each set. Four cans of equal volume will be needed to make a complete set of dumbbells. Barbells require two cans of identical volume.
The metal casing protects the concrete from chipping and cracking after it is dry.
The predetermined number of barbells and dumbbells being made predicts how much steel tubing will be needed for the entire set.
Make sure that the concrete is evenly dispersed throughout and there are not any cavities of air. This will cause cracking during use. Removing air pockets is achieved by prodding the concrete with the stirring rod and releasing the pockets. Allow the concrete sufficient time to harden. Hardening usually takes several days, depending on volume and weather.
After drying, use the scale to weigh each barbell or dumbbell by standing each weight on its end and placing it on the scale. Do not apply any upward pressure with the hands that will effect accuracy of the weight. Once the weight is determined, use the marker to record the weight on each end of the casing.
Always make an inspection of the weights before each use. Each bar should be securely fastened to each casing. Check for large cracks and chipping in the concrete that may jeopardize the structural integrity of the equipment. If any unsafe symptom occurs discard the weight and immediately replace it with new weights.
