At Home Project – DIY Power Rack
This is a tutorial on how to build a power rack. All project materials will be available in stores that are open during the stay-at-home order, such as Lowes or Home Depot.
With so many facilities being closed and closures of campuses, students are more likely now than ever before to become sedentary. As a result, remaining physically active should be a priority because it not only will keep students healthy but also combat the negative emotions many students will be feeling. The purpose of this project is to inspire creativity and promote different ways to stay active.
Materials:
- Wood
- Hardware
- Cut your wood
If you go to a home improvement store, they should be able to cut your lumber after you purchase it for free, but always ask and make sure. You will need the following pieces:
4×4’s (4 total) cut:
4×4 [4ft long] (x2)
(cut two pieces in half)
4×4 [5’9” long] (x2)
(cut two pieces at 5’9”) the leftover (2.25 feet) can be left alone we will use it later
2×4’s (3 total) cut:
2×4 [4ft long] (x2)
(cut two pieces in half)
2×4 [4’2”] – leftover will be 3’10” keep that
2×4 [3’2”] – leftover will be 4’10” with this cut 4 pieces 8” long
- Layout and dry assembly
Follow the dimensions shown in the first image. The big Lag screws are used to connect each 4×4 to one another. For additional stability you can cut some of the excess wood to connect the 4x4s with the 2x4s and wood screws.
- Assembly
Start with the two “L” shapes that are up front. You connect the two 4x4s with the lag screws, if you believe it is not sturdy enough, I suggest you cut a 2×4 the length of the two and then connect with the wood screws. If you have the know-how and ability to make a half lap joint, do that.
NOTE
I messed up here and decided to change the angle of the two supports to be about 45 degrees instead of straight. Doing so I cut the piece and needed to replace it. Even though the diagonal beam is missing here, the structure still confidently supports 250 pounds on the bar.
This is my own design, and after physically building it I would not recommend replicating this, but you are free to do so. This thing is massive and takes up a 3rd of my garage. There are a lot of simpler methods to make a bench press (stacking cinder blocks for example) but this is a fun little project to do. As for stability, I put about 250 pounds on the bar while on the rack and felt confident in its stability, but please do not use this if after construction your project does not have the same integrity. You can unscrew and move the two diagonal side beams as spotters if you like.
