Tuesday 12th January 2010
by admin
socalster asked:
I started a small gymnastics program in my community and would like to have the use of a mini bar. It is a single bar to practice basic gymnastics bar skills. Does anyone have any idea if it is possible to build one or will I have to shell out the 300+ dollars to purchase one? I had local woodworkers build me a few low balance beams and saved time and money. Thought I might be able to do the same thing with a mini bar but can’t find any info on building one…Anyone ever built one, or know how? Here’s a basic description:
Rail: 1.5″ diameter – solid maple wood
Bar height adjustable from 38″ to an unequaled 58″.
Bar height is secured using a snaplock/turnpin combination.
Flat spreader bar (parallel to the top bar) connects the two legs under the mat, adding extra stability.
This sounds like it might be somewhat complicated to put make, but maybe there is an easier way? Any ideas?
I started a small gymnastics program in my community and would like to have the use of a mini bar. It is a single bar to practice basic gymnastics bar skills. Does anyone have any idea if it is possible to build one or will I have to shell out the 300+ dollars to purchase one? I had local woodworkers build me a few low balance beams and saved time and money. Thought I might be able to do the same thing with a mini bar but can’t find any info on building one…Anyone ever built one, or know how? Here’s a basic description:
Rail: 1.5″ diameter – solid maple wood
Bar height adjustable from 38″ to an unequaled 58″.
Bar height is secured using a snaplock/turnpin combination.
Flat spreader bar (parallel to the top bar) connects the two legs under the mat, adding extra stability.
This sounds like it might be somewhat complicated to put make, but maybe there is an easier way? Any ideas?
Tags: Balance Beams, handyman, Single Bar
To me, this project does not sound complicated at all — but attempting it without experience would be more trouble than it’s worth. If you have photos of similar equipment to show to your local woodworkers, they should be able to tackle it — however I would be surprised if anyone would build it for anywhere near $300. Charging double or triple the cost of materials is standard practice when it comes to custom woodwork…
You need to ask yourself how much YOUR time is worth (never mind aggravation, or the safety of your students), and when you do you may decide it’s better to just go ahead and buy one.
Simply put, mass-production brings costs down, so unless you have a woodworking family member with extra time and a well-equipped shop, a ready-made item is often likely to be less expensive. Weigh your options.
Apologies for not having my own shop and living so far away. You know I’d build it for the cost of materials otherwise.
- fil