DIY Power Rack - Home Gym
This is a power rack I built during the pandemic. I used a very simple plywood boat building technique to make the joints rigid as opposed to large thick pieces of timber. Its very light and easy to move whilst being very strong. Like a boat.
The power rack is extremely easy to build and requires minimal tools. The added pulldown is more difficult and requires a welder.
The rack is designed to take up minimal room. It can be placed against a will and will only stick out 1m. It is 1200mm wide.
I'm used to commercial gym machinery and wanted a home gym that wouldn't wobble when I used it. This power racks rigidness exceeded my expectations.
This is a work in progress. I'll draw up the proper plans and discuss the joint pieces in more detail.
Check out Glen L boat building videos, for info on how to make the joints.
Supplies
Frame: H3 pine - 90x45mm timber. I had the supplier cut them to length. I can do it at home but they can do it so quickly and so cheaply its just not worth the time.
Height - 4 pieces - mine was 2300mm, my brothers was 2250mm - up to you.
4 x 1000mm and 4 x 1100mm pieces (Tricep pulldown needs 2 extra 1100mm pieces)
Plywood - I used 9mm marine grade to make the joints. I'm 110kg and this was overkill. 6mm or 7mm will be fine. I cut the plywood into 16 - 300mm by 300mm squares and then trimmed the edges. If I ever make another one I'll ask the plywood shop to cut the squares for me.
Plywood - Piece for base. I used 9mm marine on mine and 17mm form ply for my brothers. I prefer the formply for the strength in case I ever drop a weight on it. 1190mm by 550mm.
Pullup bar - I would suggest finding a used barbell and cutting to size. I couldn't find one during the pandemic so I used a piece of gal pipe. It is 1180 mm long. I screwed a long 10G screw from the top of the rack through the wood and into the pipe on each side to stop it from twisting.
Hangers - I used formply and I feel safe with it for 100kgs. Make up your own mind on this piece.
Screws - 8G by 25mm - these worked well for the 9mm joints. I would recommend shorter screws if you chose a thinner plywood. I used about 500. Check the photos. This was overkill but I like the look.
Tools - Drill, 8G countersunk drill bit (must have), circular saw, Angle grinder, Phillips screw drill bit to match screws. (tricep pulldown - will also require welder)