smith machine modified

[nx3plusb]

So i bought a smith machine awhile ago after reading alot about staying away from them deside to modify it. Straped a couple of pipes on the locks to set the bar on. What do you think?

[thedickus]

So i bought a smith machine awhile ago after reading alot about staying away from them deside to modify it. Straped a couple of pipes on the locks to set the bar on. What do you think?

?? I can't envision what you're talking about. Are you saying you made safety spotter arms that extend in front of the frame to rest a freeweight barbell on to make it more of a half rack?

[nx3plusb]

Yes took a picture just don't know how to post it. I can still slide the arms up and down for squats or bench or rows.

[thedickus]

Yes took a picture just don't know how to post it. I can still slide the arms up and down for squats or bench or rows.

Many smith machines have safety arms included so you can turn the machine into a half rack. Those however have a base that's designed for that and the ability with weight horns to add plates to weight down the back end of the smith machine. I'd be concered if you rack a heavy weight on your home made safety arms (gun racks) that the machine might tip forward on you.
Also keep in mind that the people who tell you to stay away from a smith machine aren't smart enough to figure out how to use a machine that goes straight up and down. I'd tell you to stay away from a crappy smith machine. Most likely unless you've scored a used commercial smith or a BodySolid or a ParaBody then you probably have a crappy smith.

[owasM]

Wouldnt it be better to sell the smith and buy a rack ?

[nx3plusb]

Just workin with what i have always fun to make something work to.

[thedickus]

Wouldnt it be better to sell the smith and buy a rack ?

I love smith machines. However there is nothing worse than a crappy smith. They bind, don't slide evenly, among other things. If you can score a good quality linear bearing smith get one. Otherwise sell it and pick up a rack. The BodySolid Series 7 is a good smith that's still being made that offers gun racks for the front of the rack so you can do barbell freeweight lifts as well as use the smith machine.

[Vermonter]

Yes took a picture just don't know how to post it. I can still slide the arms up and down for squats or bench or rows.

You can add it as an attachment. Someone with 50+ post count can embed it using the [ img ] tags.

I'm curious to see how you did it.

[nx3plusb]

Its on my profile picture. Its a golds gym power axis smith machine.

[SDSammy]

Since NX is unable to post pics properly I'll post it for him.



BLURRY LOW QUALITY PIC IS BLURRY AND LOW QUALITY!!

As for the contraption, you would have been better off using the Smith Machine the way it is supposed to be used. Heck squat stands are probably safer than that because however you attached the added pipes, is probably unsafe and an injury waiting to happen.

In the mean time, save up what you can so you can buy an actual rack. Having safeties is such a great peace of mind. Not only that but having them, you can (safely) lift heavy and your lifts will improve. At least mine have.