deus ex machina ?

[fish]

Hey,

Hey, you guys, i beg your attention and seek your wise comments.

Even if this idea does not appeal to you, I’m asking that you try to visualize it, and then give me your reaction to the completed project. Thanks.

We have the same cages.

I am serious about trying to fabricate a reverse hyper set up.

OK.

The holes on each column on my cage are one inch diameter set three inches apart.

So, picture this.

Using a plumbing "T" connector and three sections of one inch pipe, I make the T so that the cross of the T fits into the holes on one side of the rack just like one of the regular catch bars, and the stem of the T hangs down.

Insert the arms of the T into the holes on, let’s say, the left side of the cage. The stem should be hanging free with clearance at the bottom. Now push on the stem and it will swing back and forth like a pendulum. That’s good, since it is supposed to be a pendulum.

OK.

Next, again using a plumbing "T" connector and shorter sections of one inch pipe, (they apparently call these sections “nipples”) I make two extensions at the bottom of the T.

So the longer extensions on the top are used to hang the thing between the towers, and the shorter extensions on the bottom are used to mount the plates.

Drill a couple of holes at each end of the top cross bar for cotter pins to keep it in place when mounted.

This set up costs less than $2.00 per item average. Two connectors, Five pieces of pipe. Two cotter pins. 18 bucks give or take. And drop dead simple to make. Even I can do it.

Now for the platform, simply span the distance between the two regular catch bars set at the same heights with a 12" wide plank. Set the platform ONE HOLE ABOVE the bar which is the top of the “T”.

To stabilize the plank, use “U” bolts at each end of the plank, and run the regular catch bar on each side of the cage through those "U" bolts.

I’m still looking into the cost of dense foam padding and a naugahide cover to be used as a cover on the plank, but that’s extra fancy. I’ve already got an edge pad for the 12" wide board I intend to use.

We’re talking less than $75 if I make it really nice.

Now, what am I missing here ? and please don’t be polite.

They want at least $235 at fractional plates, and over $800 at Elite.

I really don't see any practical difference, except theirs takes up more space.

I will really appreciate your attention to this.

Thanks,

fish

[jack]

Ever notice that when you write a technical description it seems so clear to the writer but can leave some confusion to the reader. I need to go over this one again but I do have some initial questions and some suggestions. It may be a day or two before I can get them to you but I'll follow up. If you do construct the RH we want an action picture.

[jack]

Fish,check this one out:

www.kvusa.com/wl/revhyper.htm

[fishJack]

Jack,

Thanks. I look forward to your imput.

In the meantime, take a look at

www.fractionalplates.com/cgibin/edatcat/PDAstore.cgi?user_action=detail&catalogno=13.2

My rig should look like the one at fractionalplates.

What I will call the pendulum unit in fractionalplates is welded, while I propose to assemble one using the T connectors and pre-threaded pieces of pipe.

The big difference is that the one at fractionalplates has the bench attached to the top bar of the pendulum unit. but on the one I am making, the bench is mounted across the catch bars set one hole above the top bar of the pendulum unit.

On the kvusa site the guy has got the bench but no pendulum unit. Imagine that he has mounted a pendulum unit by running the top bar of the unit between the next holes down on his squat rack.

My neice is a technical writer. She once asked me to try to write a description of a screwdriver, a screw, and how to use them. It's very difficult.

pax,

fish

[fish]

Hey, guys, this gets better.

The catch bar simply slips through the top of the top T.

A standard dumbbell bar simply slips through the bottom T, so the standard plates and spring clips can be used.

I'm finishing up the platform, but this looks like a winner.

Happy thanksgiving.

fish

[jack]

I left my notes in my briefcase at the office but I'll get you something tomorrow. One of the questions I had was since 1" galv. pipe is measured in inside diameter how are you going to insert in the holes in your rack standards,how are you planning to secure it so it won't work out and do you have to break it down for each use. You've already answered my question about what plates you'll use but how are you going to get an adjustable DB handle through a 1" tee. Won't the flanges on the handle block them from going through. Some other random thoughts............make sure your pendulum unit is about 3" behind the edge of your platform and is the proper lenght so the weights won't hit the bottom rail of the rack;if you use any kind of weight on the exercise your rack will have a tendency to "walk" so you might need to secure the rack to the floor;make sure you've got a nice soft edge on working end of your platform.

I'll get my other notes out to you tomorrow. On the kvusa site,your legs are the pendulum,as simple as you can get. Remember we want that picture .

[jack]

Fish,for what it's worth,here are the remainder of my random thoughts:

I would consider making the pad wider than 12 ". That may be to narrow to be comfortable. A piece of plywood cut to the size you find most suitable for you with 3-2x4's as flat joists might be a better alternative;

Instead of U-bolts which would have to be counter sunk,what about some 1-1/2" eye bolts. These would require some careful measuring but would anchor your platform more securely.

Instead of inserting the top bar in your rack,how about using another set of eye hooks,run the top bar through these and secure the ends with a cotter pin,pop pin or just plain threaded end caps; This would also keep the unit in one piece and eliminate a lot of set up and break down time;

For extra comfort and ease of use,put some handles or something to grip on the front(face side) of your platform or make another safety pin to hold on to while you're performing the exercise.

For the ultimate DYI set up,consider this..........get a piece of cold rolled steel and mount it in pillow blocks and secure this to the bottom of your platform. Weld a piece of tubular cut to the proper length to the top bar. Drill holes through the bottom of the tubular steel pendulum and insert and tack weld a steel bar to accomodate the weights. This would give you a smooth operation piece of equipment.

Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

[fish]

Jack,

Thanks for you input. Great ideas.

The thing I've got does not require any breakdown. I simply slide the cross bar (rack pin) through the top T union.

Question: how much is reasonable weight for reverse hypers ? I may have to lengthen the lower cross bar at a later date.

Did you get a chance to go to fractionalplates.com to see their "ironhorse erector set" ?

They want $150 for the pendulum. The rig I've got costs six bucks. And it works. I tried it using an old yardsale bench for a platform. It works very well. The action is nice and smooth.

My inside rack dimensions permit a 2x4 sheet of plywood to drop into the space. I'm pricing the wood, the foam, and the cover stuff.

At fractionalplates they want $85 for the finished bench.

We'll see.

I'm not in a hurry because I can't exercise until I heal up from the oral surgery. It's been two weeks and my jaws are still sore and I still get headaches. DMD MD doc said that it was the most difficult procedure he's done in his 12 years.

Difficult for whom ? asks I.

Thanks again, and be sure to floss.

fish

[jack]

Fish,a reasonable range for your rev. hyper weight is 35-50% of your 1 rep squat max or projected max. Rep and set ranges are 3-4 sets @ 6-10 reps per set. You may want to cycle this some and use some lower weights and higher reps on occassion.

I checked your link(fraction plates) but it wouldn't work. Check and see if that's the correct address.

What kind of oral surgery did you have. Lot of nerve endings in the mouth and that can be extremely painful. I had some gum grafts about 20 years ago,took skin from the roof of my mouth and grafted it onto my gums. That was one sore SOB. I know what you're going through. Hang in there and keep us posted on the RH's.

[fish]

Jack,

For some reason, the web address in my earlier letter drops the .2 at the end of the address. You may notice that the .2 is not highlighted.

So either make sure that the .2 is included or

try

www.fractionalplates.com

then

under categories, hit rack mounts,

then

under rack mounts, hit Ironhorse erector set

Meanwhile, I believe that my 1 rep squat may not be representative. I just can’t be that weak. I am further confused by the gap in the numbers between my squat and my HexBarDeadLift. We’re talking well over 100 lbs.

But then, even the HBDL number is less than 300 lbs.

sigh,

fish

p.s. Periodontal disease in untreatable areas - under and between the roots - results in extractions. FLOSS AND USE ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASH. Teeth don't grow back.

p.p.s. Jack and Pam.

Go to toys are us and get a “Superplexus” for yourself and/or some kid you love. What a great toy !