Fun with the welder

**Skidmarx** · 10-10-2009, 06:59 PM

Awhile back I bought a parabody thigh machine for $15 and stripped all the junk off it to make a dumbbell bench.

It worked good except for I always seem to be tripping over the front support(backing up with db's) and the whole bench was kinda big for what it is.

Got me a little wire welder and spent a couple hours today playing surgery on the bench. There are no bolts on the bench now except for the pads, nice & sturdy. I didn't have any white paint so I used some gray hammer paint I use for my weights.

I think it came out pretty well for a novice welder like me. After a few more little jobs like this I may tackle making some real gym machinery.

**gkrane** · 10-10-2009, 07:11 PM

Looks pretty nice.

**LiftBig315** · 10-10-2009, 07:12 PM

nice, until the welds fail and the bench snaps backwards

**RHINO240** · 10-10-2009, 07:13 PM

Great job!

**boxertim** · 10-10-2009, 07:22 PM

save the extra metal for your next job.

tim

**captmorganm6** · 10-10-2009, 07:26 PM

Very nice Skid. Whenever I get around to building my garage.I plan on doing the same thing.

**Keetman** · 10-10-2009, 07:52 PM

In with everybody else. Looks great skid.

**corn68** · 10-10-2009, 08:06 PM

Good job.

**animalfan** · 10-10-2009, 08:13 PM

very nice. definately keep the extra metal around.

i have a few quick things to weld up before winter- my dad's taking his welder with him to florida this year, so if i don't get them done before i'll have to wait till he comes home.

**the_dark_master** · 10-11-2009, 03:39 AM

Sweeet!

**supy** · 10-11-2009, 03:54 AM

Nice ive got some work for ya...lol

**BRUTUSPLAC** · 10-11-2009, 06:41 AM

$15 ? plus paint ? AWESOME ?
and some elbow work /grease

TOO SWEET ! SIR

**mensagitatmolem** · 10-11-2009, 07:00 AM

Looks good.

A question for you; are you aware the easiest way to break/cut welds? I have a 10' dumbbell rack that needs to get out of the basement. Unfortunately some remodel work has been done since it made it down there, and now it is unable to leave in the same shape it came down there. Will need to have at least 1 or 2 of the legs(3 legs in total) be off. The steel it is made of is thick, so not able to hacksaw it down, and do not want to take a grinder to it, as the basement is now finished with carpet. Thanks.

**morderstwo** · 10-11-2009, 07:04 AM

Originally Posted by mensagitatmolem

A question for you; are you aware the easiest way to break/cut welds? I have a 10' dumbbell rack that needs to get out of the basement. Unfortunately some remodel work has been done since it made it down there, and now it is unable to leave in the same shape it came down there. Will need to have at least 1 or 2 of the legs(3 legs in total) be off. The steel it is made of is thick, so not able to hacksaw it down, and do not want to take a grinder to it, as the basement is now finished with carpet. Thanks.

pity because grinding is the best way. surely u can cover with old rugs or something.
otherwise just drill enough holes in the region to make it weak enough to bend the legs & snap them off.

**Keeptryin** · 10-11-2009, 01:29 PM

Jealous.Im in dire need of a lowback chair like that,more comfortable doing seated presses.Good work,id buy that.

**btoddkelley** · 10-11-2009, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Skidmarx

Awhile back I bought a parabody thigh machine for $15 and stripped all the junk off it to make a dumbbell bench.

It worked good except for I always seem to be tripping over the front support(backing up with db's) and the whole bench was kinda big for what it is.

Got me a little wire welder and spent a couple hours today playing surgery on the bench. There are no bolts on the bench now except for the pads, nice & sturdy. I didn't have any white paint so I used some gray hammer paint I use for my weights.

I think it came out pretty well for a novice welder like me. After a few more little jobs like this I may tackle making some real gym machinery.

Do you still have the parts that you removed from this machine? I have one of these that my wife uses and since parabody is out of business, spare parts are good to have!

Todd

**Accutron** · 10-11-2009, 02:28 PM

You can use a chop saw with a special cutting disc, its makes a straighter cut than a grinder.

Originally Posted by mensagitatmolem

Looks good.

A question for you; are you aware the easiest way to break/cut welds? I have a 10' dumbbell rack that needs to get out of the basement. Unfortunately some remodel work has been done since it made it down there, and now it is unable to leave in the same shape it came down there. Will need to have at least 1 or 2 of the legs(3 legs in total) be off. The steel it is made of is thick, so not able to hacksaw it down, and do not want to take a grinder to it, as the basement is now finished with carpet. Thanks.

**btoddkelley** · 10-11-2009, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Keeptryin

Jealous.Im in dire need of a lowback chair like that,more comfortable doing seated presses.Good work,id buy that.

I have a parabody preacher curl that makes a great low back chair. The seat is low and the vertical pad can be lowered enough to where it perfectly supports the back during dumbell presses.

Todd

**Skidmarx** · 10-11-2009, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by btoddkelley

Do you still have the parts that you removed from this machine? I have one of these that my wife uses and since parabody is out of business, spare parts are good to have!

Todd

Yes I do. There's a couple of pin selector plates that might be good for building a pec dec/rear delt fly combo machine. I'm already working out plans to use one of the pulley brackets to make a lat pulldown setup for my rack.

**Wildtim** · 10-11-2009, 03:35 PM

Skid awesome job!!!!

How hard was it to learn to use, and what experience did you have coming in?

I've wanted to learn welding and farmer welds will be all I'd probably need for what I want to do but I really know very little about working metal.

Originally Posted by mensagitatmolem

Looks good.

A question for you; are you aware the easiest way to break/cut welds? I have a 10' dumbbell rack that needs to get out of the basement. Unfortunately some remodel work has been done since it made it down there, and now it is unable to leave in the same shape it came down there. Will need to have at least 1 or 2 of the legs(3 legs in total) be off. The steel it is made of is thick, so not able to hacksaw it down, and do not want to take a grinder to it, as the basement is now finished with carpet. Thanks.

You can cold chisel through the welds, or use a reciprocating saw to cut it to pieces, or use a metal cutting wheel on your circular saw, or just have a lot more patience with the hack saw (I've used all three saws above to cut 1/2 inch steel made into I-beams it just takes time). No matter what you do use drop cloths to protect the finished basement, metal filings end up everywhere, and suck as slivers.

**mensagitatmolem** · 10-11-2009, 04:00 PM

Thanks for the suggestions and tips. I own most of the things that were discussed, and will get to that project this week, after what is looking like a root canal and crown.

To stay on track with the original subject, wanted to bring back up the link that wildtim had mentioned last month. Sorry for not being able to post with direct link.

craftsmanspace.com/free-projects/free-fitness-equipment-plans

**Accutron** · 10-11-2009, 04:35 PM

Really nice work SM, its really good when you can do projects yourself.

**btoddkelley** · 10-11-2009, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Skidmarx

Yes I do. There's a couple of pin selector plates that might be good for building a pec dec/rear delt fly combo machine. I'm already working out plans to use one of the pulley brackets to make a lat pulldown setup for my rack.

Well I had to ask! If you build the pec deck I will look forward to the pictures!

Todd

**ExtremistPullup** · 10-11-2009, 05:42 PM

good job I did made my own bar and had it welded I've had 400 lbs on it don't worry about it breaking.

**ctgblue** · 10-12-2009, 05:43 AM

I tried welding, once, I'm not allowed near a torch anymore

**Keetman** · 10-12-2009, 08:05 AM

Originally Posted by ctgblue

I tried welding, once, I'm not allowed near a torch anymore

I don't think the firefighter is going to make it happen.

He needs more water.

Of course all fires go out eventually.....

You should stick to a hammer CTG.

**HardKore79** · 10-12-2009, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by Keetman

You should stick to a hammer CTG.

I, wouldn't trust him with one either...

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