Almost 2 am here in Texas. During this lockdown April 27,2020. Thanks for sharing your ideas. This is something I wanted to do I’m glad my friend was doing some diy stuff today. Then I got home and started taking to my dad and now I’m here. I’m excited for tomorrow to Build something. God bless y’all sir thanks 🙏🏽 take care.
Great idea. Sincerely, thank you for the inspiration to build this, it will work great for my family. I really appreciate the methodical explanations and such, while I do have the understanding of the physics behind these machines (pulleys, levers, etc), some people don't have that, and you give them the confidence that they can now do it. PS, I find the rug does bring the room together too!
Thank you for the ideas brother. Built my power rack based on Buff Dudes design. Took your advice on cable system. I added 2 pulley systems so I can hit chest and add more weight. Even convenient so my wife can do a low row and I can hit triceps. You're right the weight dont swing much and is a wonderful design brother. Thank you very much for your creativity and sharing. Could be wrong but when I am, I'm right. I smell the glory on you brother. Hooah!
Thanks for sharing. This is about one of the best DIY cable systems I have seen. Mostly because of the slides/socks combo! All jokes aside, fantastic job.
Great job with a clean design, nicely done! I work in the helicopter rescue environment. If I may, I'd like to respectfully recommend a safety change you might consider. At about 3:03 in the video, you discuss cable clamps and use (3), good deal. There's not much short-end cable left "sticking out." So, an extra length of cable above the knot is called an "ear," and provides a bit of insurance should the cable begin to slip through the clamps. It'll also allow you to check for slippage. Not a criticism yet a technique which may improve your safety margins. Thanks for the video, I'm a fan. Again, great job. I'm a fan!
You are a sweetheart! Thanks Kayann. I really couldn't give a rats butt what the "thumbs down" crowd thinks. In my opinion, they are just miserable losers. Fortunately, the majority of people who come to my channel are emotionally mature and don't live in mommy's basement.
Great video! Thank you for sharing. Only thing that caught my eye was the weight rack made from threaded pipe (around 2:24), which is clever, and I think the connection between the cap and pipe may be the weak link in the set up. Doesn't look like you're able to get more than 2-3 complete turns on it. And the more threads meshed together, the more shear strength the connection will have. With only 2-3 threads meshed, I'd fear the connection will strip and pull apart under a heavy load. Maybe someone with a structural engineering background can opine on this. Otherwise, great setup. Appreciate the attention to detail like the angled footboard for rowing. Cheers.
Hey Kurt, nice work and great design. You remind me of my uncle..."Don't go cheap and build it as though you were gonna put a tank on it" (mind set) I like it. Good job man.
Very Nice quality work. no need for cable, use quality rope,helped convert some kit in a few gyms in uk to rope, not one failure yet, when idiots slam the crossover plates cables get trashed, rope no problems. Enjoyed you vid👍
going to be building a simple multi use system with 2 weight stacks so I can to each arm separately. I am going to be using a system where I build 2 box's and instead of metal weights ( which are my first choice but since I am broke cannot afford them) an load the box's with bricks. I will be also setting it up with multiple hooking points (high and low as well as waist high) for even more options.
just fell onto your channel. I just recently got into building home gyms, i don't know jack shit about shop hahaha your channel inspires me to learn. That be so awesome to build like you do. I'll be sure to check out more videos of yours i just watched like 3 straight!
Hey Matt, I failed High School shop! LOL. Mostly because the teacher caught me taking an orbital sander to a kid's book. Seriously, you can learn so much on UA-cam. All I do is look at other people's stuff and then put my own twist on it. There are many wood working people out there who put my techniques to shame. Good luck. Kurt
I agree having more of those things at the end of the cable for safety. No reason to cheap out when you're saving so much money doing it yourself. Safety all the way at that point.
Rope designed pulleys might be why I'm having issues with my cable pull. Started with a home depot pulley and like you said, it's junk. The pulley didn't have any type of roller bearing ... and it chewed up the retention pin after maybe 30 reps @ 50#. Not to mention it got hot enough I couldn't touch it. Cheap climbing pulley from amazon is slightly better - claims it has a ball bearing but IDK on that front. It's still heating up even after coating the cable with bar soap. Planning to try a better lube, but if that doesn't work, sounds like I'll need an actual cable pulley. I'm using 1/8" coated cable from HD. Prior to applying the soap, the rubber coating was getting chewed up - I assume that's from binding.
Looks like a great low cost solution. Now I just need to figure out how to create a seat which holds my legs down. I just like the security I'm being held down by leg pads.
Two big safety issues I noticed were that when you use coated cable, you should remove the plastic coating at the end where the cable clamps attach. The other safety issue is "never saddle a dead horse". The u-bolt should go on the dead end (end not attached to the load}. This will crimp the cable and prevent it from pulling through.
Thanks wingznut1! Justin Roberts already educated me on the dead horse issue. Stripping the coating makes sense and I will do that as well. Do you have a similar setup?
Kurt Heitman really appreciate how you emphasize safety and that you are open to looking into suggestions. nice relief from your average Joe acting like they know everything. safety is no joke.
If you wanna help stop the weight from swaying back and forth try hooping a lightweight band underneath the plate and tieing it off around the bottom beam.
Do you have any idea how much weight your pulley system can withstand? I'm thinking of incorporating a belt squat set up and I'm concerned that 500-600 lbs might be too much for those bolts screwed into the wood as well as the pulleys themselves. Would you anticipate those eye bolts pulling or tearing out of that wood with that kind of weight? I'm inclined to think that they wouldn't although I'm not an expert on weight bearing structures. Your thoughts. Thanks!
Don't recall, but I do think those top eyebolts I used were rated over 1,000 pounds. I got it at Lowe's. I just recall that it was very stout. One critical thing to remember when using wood is to orient the wood grain the correct way. Like a baseball bat. The grain (lines in the wood) need to be running vertical for maximum strength. Also, buy a piece that has lots of grain lines and all running straight up and down. Finally, those bolts I put up are not screwed in, they are bolted in with large washers atop so they don't rip through. Bigger the washer, the better. Might even see if you could add some of those metal brackets to reinforce it. Walk the aisles in Lowes or Home Depot for ideas/options.
Oh ok. They're bolted in, not screwed. Got it. Helpful advice. Do you think using a cross beam pipe through both uprights should be stronger than using just the wooden cross beam? Also, when you said use metal brackets, what exactly are you referring to? Thanks
Dude pretty sweet home build. Looks solid too...I've was looking them up earlier and I've seen some good ones that just didnt seem to have enough meat on them...lol cant trust some skinny wood frame with 225+
If you use the pulleys I show in the video (not the total gym ones) and the heavy duty carbiners then you can go VERY heavy. Don't use cheap stuff and you will be fine. Good luck.
is there any chance of getting list of products needed? I've managed to build awesome power rack but I am not really into DIY stuff, and i have no idea how to find eye bolt that would be safe to work with and fit well, so if you could tell me what does it look like out of the wood/what size it is or whatever, so i could tell that to the assistant in store that would be great :) Is 2'' pulley with 480kg breaking load good enough? Thanks a lot, awesome video!
I don't really remember. Just go to Lowe's or Home Depot and see what they have in the hardware aisle. That's all I did. Just take the bolt to the wood and see if it's long enough. Save receipts because you can always exchange things.
@@kurtheitman552 do you think something like that would work? : images.obi.pl/product/PL/1500x782/402557_1.jpg I am afraid the threaded part is too short, but i'm not sure (total length with eye is 5inches, my rack is made from 4x4 wood) Thanks for your response!
@@Czochable That eye screw is no good. I used a bolt that goes all the way through. That bolt is rated at over 1,000 pounds. Don't use that screw thing.
Like you said, i think i bought the wrong kind of pulley, because the steel cable didn't last very long before it was chewed up and broke. Can you give us the exact brand of the pulley? or how do you tell its for rope or cable??
Hi Kurt, this is awesome, Ive been toying with the idea of doing my own pulley system, you think it would work doing your idea but using the ceiling Rafters to attach it too instead of the "power Rack" I'm limited for space in my garage so cant build a power rack?
Hi Mark, I have seen many pulley systems used from the rafters. Check out this one from Eric: ua-cam.com/video/e5jPUvaERKE/v-deo.html Its near the end of his video so you may want to fast forward. Be careful when connecting stuff from rafters because they are designed to hold the load from above (floors and roofs). I would consider reinforcing the rafters with some kind of wood or steel supports. Most of those joints are only nailed together with 16 penny nails and no glue/screws. Otherwise, this can come crashing down on your head. Also, I have seen plenty of good used commercial pulley systems for sale on craigslist ($100 and under) that I have considered buying many times. Just have to keep looking and be ready to pounce. Good deals don't last long.
Hey Vin, the black pulleys I used are stolen from a broken old one of those Chuck Norris Total Gyms. The other ones I have on the first part of the video are from Zoro.com G3218187 Wire Rope Pulley Blocks ($3.84 each). When/if the Chuck Norris pulleys crap out, I will replace them with the Zoro pulleys. I think the Zoro pulleys are much stronger.
Anyone else appreciate how the rug really ties the room together?
and you thought I just built stuff huh? I like your style. Funny.
we're talking about unchecked aggression here dude
Exactly what I've been looking for: a low AND high pulley row setup. Ingeniously done! Thanks very much.
The best part of this is, no waiting for someone to finish their workout its all yours . Thank you for this video my friend .
Almost 2 am here in Texas. During this lockdown April 27,2020. Thanks for sharing your ideas. This is something I wanted to do I’m glad my friend was doing some diy stuff today. Then I got home and started taking to my dad and now I’m here. I’m excited for tomorrow to Build something. God bless y’all sir thanks 🙏🏽 take care.
I think I enjoy building stuff more than actually using it. :)
Great idea. Sincerely, thank you for the inspiration to build this, it will work great for my family. I really appreciate the methodical explanations and such, while I do have the understanding of the physics behind these machines (pulleys, levers, etc), some people don't have that, and you give them the confidence that they can now do it. PS, I find the rug does bring the room together too!
This is so much better than garage gym reviews video on this. Much more thought through and adaptable.
Did they do a review of my build?
@@kurtheitman552 No but they posted a similar but inferior video a couple months back. ua-cam.com/video/up1-7i8OVDM/v-deo.html
Safety first!! Thank you for your ideas, I liked how you put all those security considerations. Best video I've seen so far for home pulleys
Thank you for the ideas brother. Built my power rack based on Buff Dudes design. Took your advice on cable system. I added 2 pulley systems so I can hit chest and add more weight. Even convenient so my wife can do a low row and I can hit triceps. You're right the weight dont swing much and is a wonderful design brother. Thank you very much for your creativity and sharing. Could be wrong but when I am, I'm right. I smell the glory on you brother. Hooah!
My rack was inspired by Buff Dudes as well. Thanks for the inspirational comment!
Thanks for sharing. This is about one of the best DIY cable systems I have seen. Mostly because of the slides/socks combo!
All jokes aside, fantastic job.
yeah, kind of like those Nick Faldo golf shoes that take 5 stroke off of your game. They help you lift more weight!
Dude that’s freaking smart I like your input you added to this I need to do the same to my power rack
Great job with a clean design, nicely done! I work in the helicopter rescue environment. If I may, I'd like to respectfully recommend a safety change you might consider.
At about 3:03 in the video, you discuss cable clamps and use (3), good deal. There's not much short-end cable left "sticking out." So, an extra length of cable above the knot is called an "ear," and provides a bit of insurance should the cable begin to slip through the clamps. It'll also allow you to check for slippage. Not a criticism yet a technique which may improve your safety margins. Thanks for the video, I'm a fan.
Again, great job. I'm a fan!
Your critique is valid and appreciated. Easy to tell you are a classy person.
I used larger pulleys with coated wire and clamp just like you did. Pull on a thick rope. Amazed at the low cost.
Thank you my friend for the cable system made almost the exact same thing except I made a special bench for the lower pulley
amaazing sir... and the best part of that was ur wife helping u in making the video..
nope, that's my kid. :)
You're a real enthusiast and a handyman, you're doing well bud. Keep up the good work. Let them haters keep hating!
You are a sweetheart! Thanks Kayann. I really couldn't give a rats butt what the "thumbs down" crowd thinks. In my opinion, they are just miserable losers. Fortunately, the majority of people who come to my channel are emotionally mature and don't live in mommy's basement.
Kurt, ignore the haters, your set up is the best. I feel like you'd make a great second cousin, ya know what I mean?
Great video! Thank you for sharing. Only thing that caught my eye was the weight rack made from threaded pipe (around 2:24), which is clever, and I think the connection between the cap and pipe may be the weak link in the set up. Doesn't look like you're able to get more than 2-3 complete turns on it. And the more threads meshed together, the more shear strength the connection will have. With only 2-3 threads meshed, I'd fear the connection will strip and pull apart under a heavy load. Maybe someone with a structural engineering background can opine on this. Otherwise, great setup. Appreciate the attention to detail like the angled footboard for rowing. Cheers.
Great job. I really like your pulley system. For a safer and more secure use of cable wire clips, remember to "never saddle a dead horse".
yeah, already got schooled on that one! Thanks.
What does that mean?
just did this in my garage today ,so happy with the result,its easy and cheap
mate - fantastic setup. will definitely have to 'borrow' some of these ideas
Please, borrow away.
Well thought out and explained. Looks good. Pool noodles r something that's super great idea and super cheap. Nicely done.
Wow! I’ll have to show your video to the local stores here in Sweden to see where I could find the material you used. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Kurt, nice work and great design. You remind me of my uncle..."Don't go cheap and build it as though you were gonna put a tank on it" (mind set) I like it. Good job man.
Polly Walnuts
I second that, nice setup.
That's an excellent idea. I'm planning on building something like this soon.
Love this cable system! I’m adding this design to my power rack.
That's a great system.
I'm actually surprised how little that weight moves while using it.
Very Nice quality work. no need for cable, use quality rope,helped convert some kit in a few gyms in uk to rope, not one failure yet, when idiots slam the crossover plates cables get trashed, rope no problems. Enjoyed you vid👍
Hey Kurt you’re a really good designer , very good job thanks for shering👍👍
Really well done my friend. I just like to build something similiar to that for my Wooden Power rack! Thanks for sharing, even it is from 2016. 👍
Thanks for the awesome Video! Ive jsut finished my own cable machine and it works like a charm!
going to be building a simple multi use system with 2 weight stacks so I can to each arm separately. I am going to be using a system where I build 2 box's and instead of metal weights ( which are my first choice but since I am broke cannot afford them) an load the box's with bricks. I will be also setting it up with multiple hooking points (high and low as well as waist high) for even more options.
Kurt great job and video! Love the pulley system going to try building it and rack👍
You're good shit, Kurt. I knew I was in for a good video right out the gate.
Thanks, appreciate your comment!
Excellent job with home made work out machine and quality video!
Good video, I like the design and will build something similar now, cheers.
I like your 4X4 power rack! Very nice! Smart ideas!
Thanks! 👍
Nice my man! NICE! Very helpful in early 2021. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
This is really cool. Great job. Thanks for sharing this!
I'm getting some ideas for my hack, and found this video. That's amazing! Thanks for sharing.
That cable extension is a clever idea. Thanks Kurt, I think I'll be doing something similar.
Ahhh ... good idea with the pool noodle. I haven't seen small ones like that but I'll keep looking
wow complete video, amazing, you are a genius my friend
Very nice job Kurt. Thank you!
just fell onto your channel. I just recently got into building home gyms, i don't know jack shit about shop hahaha your channel inspires me to learn. That be so awesome to build like you do. I'll be sure to check out more videos of yours i just watched like 3 straight!
Hey Matt, I failed High School shop! LOL. Mostly because the teacher caught me taking an orbital sander to a kid's book. Seriously, you can learn so much on UA-cam. All I do is look at other people's stuff and then put my own twist on it. There are many wood working people out there who put my techniques to shame. Good luck. Kurt
I agree having more of those things at the end of the cable for safety. No reason to cheap out when you're saving so much money doing it yourself. Safety all the way at that point.
Them things I use only one on my atv winch that has a 2500lb pull and it works fine I don't think you're going to be lifting that kinda wight
Damn pretty slick video my man! Nice work
Pretty cool; also, Jeff Lebowski wants his rug back
Okay. What's his email?
Rope designed pulleys might be why I'm having issues with my cable pull. Started with a home depot pulley and like you said, it's junk. The pulley didn't have any type of roller bearing ... and it chewed up the retention pin after maybe 30 reps @ 50#. Not to mention it got hot enough I couldn't touch it. Cheap climbing pulley from amazon is slightly better - claims it has a ball bearing but IDK on that front. It's still heating up even after coating the cable with bar soap. Planning to try a better lube, but if that doesn't work, sounds like I'll need an actual cable pulley. I'm using 1/8" coated cable from HD. Prior to applying the soap, the rubber coating was getting chewed up - I assume that's from binding.
He was prepared for the quarantine gym close down 😭
He was born for it
Nope, in another comment he says he sold it 2 years ago.
Yes. We finished our basement and the whole thing went to the cable guy. Glad he took it and hope he still uses it.
WoW! Great idea to use Pullis from my old totalgym 💡👍 Thank you for the Video? Greetings from Germany.
Thanks Marc! I have been to Germany several times. Such a beautiful country. Germans are the best! I am one too!
Who knew how valuable this would be in 2020 haha
Looks like a great low cost solution. Now I just need to figure out how to create a seat which holds my legs down. I just like the security I'm being held down by leg pads.
What about using the safety bar (or some adaptation) with a noodle pad? I know what you mean, those seats on the gym pull downs are wonderful.
perfect for corona season
man that's awesome thanks for posting this video!
Outstanding! I would love to replicate this!
Love it. This is exactly what I needed!
Two big safety issues I noticed were that when you use coated cable, you should remove the plastic coating at the end where the cable clamps attach. The other safety issue is "never saddle a dead horse". The u-bolt should go on the dead end (end not attached to the load}. This will crimp the cable and prevent it from pulling through.
Thanks wingznut1! Justin Roberts already educated me on the dead horse issue. Stripping the coating makes sense and I will do that as well. Do you have a similar setup?
Kurt Heitman really appreciate how you emphasize safety and that you are open to looking into suggestions. nice relief from your average Joe acting like they know everything. safety is no joke.
Thanks Sir Lawrence. I don't want anything smacking me in the face. Safety is the enemy of stupidity.
Love your set up Keith
Love your system ...nice work
Thank you!
If you wanna help stop the weight from swaying back and forth try hooping a lightweight band underneath the plate and tieing it off around the bottom beam.
Do you have any idea how much weight your pulley system can withstand? I'm thinking of incorporating a belt squat set up and I'm concerned that 500-600 lbs might be too much for those bolts screwed into the wood as well as the pulleys themselves. Would you anticipate those eye bolts pulling or tearing out of that wood with that kind of weight? I'm inclined to think that they wouldn't although I'm not an expert on weight bearing structures. Your thoughts. Thanks!
Don't recall, but I do think those top eyebolts I used were rated over 1,000 pounds. I got it at Lowe's. I just recall that it was very stout. One critical thing to remember when using wood is to orient the wood grain the correct way. Like a baseball bat. The grain (lines in the wood) need to be running vertical for maximum strength. Also, buy a piece that has lots of grain lines and all running straight up and down. Finally, those bolts I put up are not screwed in, they are bolted in with large washers atop so they don't rip through. Bigger the washer, the better. Might even see if you could add some of those metal brackets to reinforce it. Walk the aisles in Lowes or Home Depot for ideas/options.
Oh ok. They're bolted in, not screwed. Got it. Helpful advice.
Do you think using a cross beam pipe through both uprights should be stronger than using just the wooden cross beam? Also, when you said use metal brackets, what exactly are you referring to? Thanks
This is incredible. Thank You!!
Thanks buddy, I appreciate you making this.
This is really great
Qué chévere. Buena estructura. Yo necesito conseguir unas poleas asi
Dude pretty sweet home build. Looks solid too...I've was looking them up earlier and I've seen some good ones that just didnt seem to have enough meat on them...lol cant trust some skinny wood frame with 225+
If I built another one, I would use 4x4s. It is not weak as it is. I weigh 200. I glue my ends with wood glue and use deck screws. It's stout as hell.
well done
This is freaking awesome!
you can also do standing bicep curls
Awesome work!
Very good work I like it
good job
Thanks Wilfred.
Nice one 👍💪🏻
Have to appreciate how he McGuyvered the shit out a that.
haha
Fantastic! How much weight can you put in? Can you really go heavy on it?
If you use the pulleys I show in the video (not the total gym ones) and the heavy duty carbiners then you can go VERY heavy. Don't use cheap stuff and you will be fine. Good luck.
Thanks!!!
Nice work
Awesome video! Thx dude! Any tips how to make this work on a half rack?
No, but if you search the web and UA-cam, you will probably come up with some kind of inspiration. That's what I do.
Good job bro
Thanks
is there any chance of getting list of products needed?
I've managed to build awesome power rack but I am not really into DIY stuff, and i have no idea how to find eye bolt that would be safe to work with and fit well, so if you could tell me what does it look like out of the wood/what size it is or whatever, so i could tell that to the assistant in store that would be great :)
Is 2'' pulley with 480kg breaking load good enough?
Thanks a lot, awesome video!
I don't really remember. Just go to Lowe's or Home Depot and see what they have in the hardware aisle. That's all I did. Just take the bolt to the wood and see if it's long enough. Save receipts because you can always exchange things.
@@kurtheitman552 do you think something like that would work? :
images.obi.pl/product/PL/1500x782/402557_1.jpg
I am afraid the threaded part is too short, but i'm not sure (total length with eye is 5inches, my rack is made from 4x4 wood)
Thanks for your response!
@@Czochable That eye screw is no good. I used a bolt that goes all the way through. That bolt is rated at over 1,000 pounds. Don't use that screw thing.
nice work
Like you said, i think i bought the wrong kind of pulley, because the steel cable didn't last very long before it was chewed up and broke. Can you give us the exact brand of the pulley? or how do you tell its for rope or cable??
awesome man 👌
This is great, thanks for sharing.
Great idea!
Thank you!
Really really nice
friccin legendairy
Hi Kurt, this is awesome, Ive been toying with the idea of doing my own pulley system, you think it would work doing your idea but using the ceiling Rafters to attach it too instead of the "power Rack" I'm limited for space in my garage so cant build a power rack?
Hi Mark, I have seen many pulley systems used from the rafters. Check out this one from Eric: ua-cam.com/video/e5jPUvaERKE/v-deo.html Its near the end of his video so you may want to fast forward. Be careful when connecting stuff from rafters because they are designed to hold the load from above (floors and roofs). I would consider reinforcing the rafters with some kind of wood or steel supports. Most of those joints are only nailed together with 16 penny nails and no glue/screws. Otherwise, this can come crashing down on your head. Also, I have seen plenty of good used commercial pulley systems for sale on craigslist ($100 and under) that I have considered buying many times. Just have to keep looking and be ready to pounce. Good deals don't last long.
Here's a good one too. ua-cam.com/video/OFnG6_sx3mU/v-deo.html
Awesome Sr. Genuis
great job
Thanks for sharing, sir.
You are very welcome
Nice job!
Super impressed. Thanks for sharing! 👍
Great job well done
Thank you!
Excelente idea!
U did a nce job
Please link the black pulleys used on your rack if possible. great job man, thanks!
Hey Vin, the black pulleys I used are stolen from a broken old one of those Chuck Norris Total Gyms. The other ones I have on the first part of the video are from Zoro.com G3218187 Wire Rope Pulley Blocks ($3.84 each). When/if the Chuck Norris pulleys crap out, I will replace them with the Zoro pulleys. I think the Zoro pulleys are much stronger.
Awesome man thanks!
even if you use really good quality materials for this it'll save you so much money compared to buying machines... great
I agree. Thanks Cannonbo
GREAT stuff!
Well done 👍👍👍
Thank you 👍
Beautiful!!