DIY Wooden Bumper Rack

[Domicron]

okay, so this wooden bumper plate rack seems to be about the most simple, basic thing to build in a gym, and i'm going to give it a shot. i own a cordless drill, and i might have some screws in the basement somewhere from when there was work going on.

my only experience with this kind of stuff is from watching the New Yankee Workshop 15-20 years ago.

a couple quick questions:

1) what kind of screws do i need? does it matter?

2) should the plates rest on the ground, with the frame holding it in place? or should the plates rest on the wood itself? again, does this matter?

3) this seems pretty simple: cut, screw use, maybe sand it down a bit? anything else i need to keep an eye out for?

thanks dudes.

[Ancient1]

The directions from this project will probably answer all of your questions.

http://www.catalystathletics.com/art...ty-Plate-Rack/

I found a used Maxicam plate rack for 50 bucks that holds all my bumpers pretty well. It is designed for metal plates, but works pretty well for the bumpers.

Like this one, and you can find them here and there:

http://www.usedgymequipment.com/equi...ic-plate-tree/

Pendlay Econ

4 x 45
2 x 25
2 x 15
2 x 10

[Domicron]

The directions from this project will probably answer all of your questions.

http://www.catalystathletics.com/art...ty-Plate-Rack/

I found a used Mxxicam plate rack for 50 bucks that holds all my bumpers pretty well. It is designed for metal plates, but works pretty well for the bumpers.

Like this one, and you can find them here and there:

http://www.usedgymequipment.com/equi...ic-plate-tree/

Pendlay Econ

4 x 45
2 x 25
2 x 15
2 x 10

thanks man, i'll take a look at them.

[FNG37]

I did mine just like the catalyst minus the fractional plates slots. I had 2 10' 2x6s in a scrap pile.

Measure twice, cut once.

Wood screws are fine, 2 1/4" or 2 1/2"
If dividers are at 17" the plates will rest on the floor
Add a little space to each slot so the bumpers drop in easy. Think I added an 1/4" for each bumper.

[TheScrawnyDude]

You definitely want the bumpers to rest on the floor with the frame just keeping them from rolling away. Otherwise you are going to chip your bumpers dropping them onto the frame.

[ahall13]

Also when getting screws make sure they match a bit you have for the drill. For example It isn't uncommon to have a star head on screws or something other than the traditional phillips head. I guess if you find them downstairs for free you'll figure that out soon enough. but if you are buying them at the store take note of the bit you have first or buy a bit that goes with the screws

[djslik916]

Yea a bit set with several Phillips bits should take care of the screw issue. I wouldn't go with Allen screws well cuz yea would hate to go scrounging for Allen wrench or bit to take apart. Carpenters right angle tool is always nice when cutting, marking, and squaring. Also pre drill the holes first so you don't split the wood and a countersink bit makes things nice and flush but not necessary.

[throwaway3441]

Have you seen the Fitness Gear bumper rack for $60?

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=29203316

I recently went the DIY route:

http://i.imgur.com/xkE1Nmn.jpg

I didn't go with the usual design because I'm still filling out my collection and the thinner bumpers would fall to the side without support. I used:

- A bit for drilling pilot holes.
- A circular saw.
- A drill.
- A speed square for squaring things and making square cuts:

*****://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU3k5D5n5xo#t=28

- A tape measure.
- Wood screws with torx heads. I prefer torx to phillips because they're a little less prone to stripping and the screws I bought included a torx bit.

I don't work with wood often but it wasn't difficult. Time consuming, but not difficult.

Speaking of Pendlay Econ plates, it looks like they've been discontinued in favor of Pendlay HD plates?

[Domicron]

Have you seen the Fitness Gear bumper rack for $60?

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=29203316

yes, but don't remember it being $60 bucks...might just be able to squeeze all my plates on that sucker...hmm that'd be nice...

I recently went the DIY route...I didn't go with the usual design because I'm still filling out my collection and the thinner bumpers would fall to the side without support.

hadn't thought about that...

Speaking of Pendlay Econ plates, it looks like they've been discontinued in favor of Pendlay HD plates?

i think so, i think they were on sale for a long time, figured they were clearing inventory. i'm thinking that other than maybe a 2nd pair of 10's for convenience, the only more weights i'll need is a pair of 55's once i get stronger in the deadlift.

appreciate your post

[ICEcap2]

I just ordered the Dick S. rack. Great price free shipping. I was planning to build a wooden one but could pass on this.