Power Rack Project

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Hey Guys,I've just been lurking the past couple of months, I have been swamped at work and with family business...   .  I finally finished up a weight lifting rack I built for my sons and myself.  Let me know what you think.I used 2" x 2" 1/8" tube for the legs and 1 1/2" x 3" channel for the horizontal frame pieces.  As usual I used my AC Miller stick welder, 1/8"  6013 rod, 100-125 amps.Some of you will remember I asked for some help ID'ing the rod stock.  Now you get a better ideal what I'm using it for.  I preheated it then welded the end cap and latching mechinism.Last edited by GLwelder; 12-03-2007 at 10:57 AM.
Reply:I think that you have a great start there.  I don't envy the drilling process though, you had some big holes to plow through.  Anybody ever tell you that welding carts are SUPPOSED to be welded out of metal?  Just kidding you. Hobart 140 Handler w/ gasHyperTherm Powermax 380 Plasmaoxy/acetylene
Reply:Looks great so far! That's just one side, correct? Square stock around the base on 3 sides ?John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:The end caps were some "plugs" I found at the scrap yard and the latching mech. is 1/4" bar I welded and hammered into shape.And yes my welding "shop" is still a mess.  Finishing that area is on my winterproject list, I still open the garage door and push the table half outside to do any major grinding or welding.
Reply:Hey John,Yes that is only one side, I'm not sure how many pics I can post on one post.Thanks Rick, I'm surprised no one has given me grief on my cart before, I kinda laughed when I built it, it reminds me of R2-D2....  Its replacement is on the drawing board.And yes, drilling the holes was a major pain.  Drilling the holes w/my cheap-O press took longer then all the rest of the job together. Here are some pics of the top cross members.
Reply:The bar "locks" look great, very ingenious way to organize them. The SMAW welds are very nice as well. Good job!John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:A couple a more cross member pictures:I've found that I can get much smoother and consistent weldsw/6013 then 6011.
Reply:A few painted pic's:
Reply:A few pictures of the final product:A few thoughts after using the rack for a month:      Overall it is sturdy and very functional.    I based the plan on my 5'11" reach, my son who is 6' 1'' almost        hits the top supports when doing standing presses.  I may raise it        3-4".   I also would have put a series of holes lower for greater range for       deadlift training.   I'm not happy w/my paint job, it chips too easy.  I think it was too cold      when I painted.   I spent about $150.00, I think I ended up w/a heavy duty device for                reasonable price and had alot of fun making it.
Reply:Very reasonable and YOU built it. I like the added feature of the J bar hooks to use or not use a chin up bar. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Probably heating it was overbuilding it...But that´s pretty nice!How much are you guys lifting right now?My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!
Reply:That looks super sturdy.  I like it. So Watcha Bench?