Building a Squat Rack

**HBK** · 30-12-2008 11:01 PM

I once again need a new squat rack as my friend has asked for the one I borrowed from him back, so I'm considering building, or should I say getting my neighbour to build one for me. So does anyone have any kind of design or tips for getting one welded together, obviously I could just copy the design from a photo of one but I don't really know how to copy that kind of thing and I don't want to make mistakes.

I also don't know where to get the metal from, any tips there at all? I think my neighbour has some like so it's not really an issue.

**Luffers** · 30-12-2008 11:23 PM

Pretty sure RC has one made from scaffold, and there is a thread around here somewhere with some pics?

Auntie LH will find it for you

**Cakeface** · 31-12-2008 01:07 AM

Like RC I also built one from scaffold, just 2 rectangular frames tilted together, joined at the top, with the "rack" bars bracing the structure. However the missus won't allow it in the house so squatting becomes a chore in rain, snow or high wind.

**stallion87** · 31-12-2008 02:49 AM

Just for squats, or do you mean a power rack?

If your just doing squats, get 2 buckets and 2 lengths of 4x4 timber, put post in bucket and pour in concrete, then cut a notch out the top of each post for your barbell. Gives a good base.

If building a rack search for Joe skopec on google, he made one with directions on his site. Another way would be an 8ft 6x6 or 4x4 timber post at each corner to form a square. Plenty of bracing all around and then you have a rack for all sorts. Screwing in coach screws ( just like bolts and very thick) are good enough to hold the bar in place for squatting and the likes.

Just a few ideas, hope that helps!

LH EDIT: 03/06/2009 Found an image (clickable thumbnail) that looks like Stallion87's description above^ (from here):-

**Luffers** · 31-12-2008 11:03 AM

Powerlifting Heads-Up

**HooRah** · 31-12-2008 05:19 PM

**dope540** · 31-12-2008 05:24 PM

i wouldn't trust them supports. i'd make the base a lot bigger and join the two up.

you'd be buggered if you accidentally knocked one of them down when trying to rack the bar.

**Ripped Barbarian** · 31-12-2008 05:26 PM

HooRah, you must really be confident in your welding skills, those 'birds feet' stands would make me paranoid.

**hailtotheking** · 31-12-2008 05:45 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by HooRah

Very similar to what we have in our gym. They are more sturdy than you think. Some of the guys squat over 300kg off of them. Check this out (one of my on-off training partners, and an absolute beast

): YouTube - 295 box squat

**HooRah** · 31-12-2008 09:20 PM

Quote

Originally Posted by Ripped Caveman

HooRah, you must really be confident in your welding skills, those 'birds feet' stands would make me paranoid.

Before I nip out, we've had them for over 10 years, my dad made them back in the day. Its 2 pieces with a bolt and holes as a "height adjustment" 300kg have been squatted on them; you would have trouble picking one up with one hand.