Results matching “log”

When it comes to home-made gym equipment, Clay Johnson never stops. Here's a look at his latest project - a DIY Strongman log.

I started just under 11 inch in diameter, 8 foot long log.

I cut the log in half (my neighbor wanted a throwing log). I used an old
standard bar from a garage sale (it was one of those three piece ones). I cut the standard bar to use for the handles and also for the weight loading pins.

I found the center of gravity and marked out two 8 inch by 8 inch boxes. To smooth down the bark, I ran my belt sander over the log.

Now this was the hardest part. Since I did not want to cut through the
entire log, I tried to find the easiest way to dig the boxes out. I tried an axe, reciprocating saw, and an air hammer. I finally resorted to using my small chain saw to cut out small blocks and then used a hammer and chisel to cut them out. This took awhile.

I dug down just under eight inches and then used my belt sander to dig out some more room for my hands. Although I drilled the handle holes small and had to pound them in, I used some waterproof, 2-ton epoxy to be sure down the road. I drilled the handles at half the diameter of the log. They are resting in over two inches of wood on each side. They feel very secure.

I mounted the loading pins about six inches deep and used more waterproof epoxy. I drilled the hole 7/8 of an inch so I could pound the bars in. I did have a problem with a large knot when drilling but using the bubble level on my drill I was able to keep the hole pretty much straight.

The log weighs about 125 pounds. I plan on putting some sealer on it after the epoxy sets up. I added 50 pounds on it and it held up very well!

Total cost : a couple of bucks for the log (the bar was already lying around, but they're cheap enough). Superb.

When it comes to home-made gym equipment, Clay Johnson never stops. Here's a look at his latest project - a DIY Strongman log.

I started just under 11 inch in diameter, 8 foot long log.

I cut the log in half (my neighbor wanted a throwing log). I used an old
standard bar from a garage sale (it was one of those three piece ones). I cut the standard bar to use for the handles and also for the weight loading pins.

I found the center of gravity and marked out two 8 inch by 8 inch boxes. To smooth down the bark, I ran my belt sander over the log.

Now this was the hardest part. Since I did not want to cut through the
entire log, I tried to find the easiest way to dig the boxes out. I tried an axe, reciprocating saw, and an air hammer. I finally resorted to using my small chain saw to cut out small blocks and then used a hammer and chisel to cut them out. This took awhile.

I dug down just under eight inches and then used my belt sander to dig out some more room for my hands. Although I drilled the handle holes small and had to pound them in, I used some waterproof, 2-ton epoxy to be sure down the road. I drilled the handles at half the diameter of the log. They are resting in over two inches of wood on each side. They feel very secure.

I mounted the loading pins about six inches deep and used more waterproof epoxy. I drilled the hole 7/8 of an inch so I could pound the bars in. I did have a problem with a large knot when drilling but using the bubble level on my drill I was able to keep the hole pretty much straight.

The log weighs about 125 pounds. I plan on putting some sealer on it after the epoxy sets up. I added 50 pounds on it and it held up very well!

Total cost : a couple of bucks for the log (the bar was already lying around, but they're cheap enough). Superb.

Another great week here on Straight to the Bar, with more entries to the DIY Equipment competition, some new ways to enjoy the great outdoors (the ice climbing looks superb), and lots more :

• Articles : Dynamic Fitness asks the question 'What makes a good gym?', Matt Gary discusses 10 mistakes that novice powerlifters make and the other 23 hours of Computer Guy's life (mine, in many ways) come into focus.
• Exercises : Kelly Mills points to the great bodyweight combination that is the Pull-A-Burp, Jim Bathurst delves into the world of the Muscle-Up and Chuck Halbakken presents the superbly named King Cobra Squat.
• Videos : Some Finnish Parkour training, good times at the beach with kettlebells and Joe DeFranco demonstrating that he still has it with a 500lb lockout.
• Sites : Several sites made an appearance this week, including : the guys from Coop Diesel Powerlifting, a Man who wouldn't take it anymore and Beyond Strong - a great project from none other than British strongman Nick McKinless.
• Bonus : Looking for some weekend reading material? Try these - some superb Russian strength articles (translated into English, just to make things easier) found by the inimitable Tom Furman.

Another great week here on Straight to the Bar, with more entries to the DIY Equipment competition, some new ways to enjoy the great outdoors (the ice climbing looks superb), and lots more :

• Articles : Dynamic Fitness asks the question 'What makes a good gym?', Matt Gary discusses 10 mistakes that novice powerlifters make and the other 23 hours of Computer Guy's life (mine, in many ways) come into focus.
• Exercises : Kelly Mills points to the great bodyweight combination that is the Pull-A-Burp, Jim Bathurst delves into the world of the Muscle-Up and Chuck Halbakken presents the superbly named King Cobra Squat.
• Videos : Some Finnish Parkour training, good times at the beach with kettlebells and Joe DeFranco demonstrating that he still has it with a 500lb lockout.
• Sites : Several sites made an appearance this week, including : the guys from Coop Diesel Powerlifting, a Man who wouldn't take it anymore and Beyond Strong - a great project from none other than British strongman Nick McKinless.
• Bonus : Looking for some weekend reading material? Try these - some superb Russian strength articles (translated into English, just to make things easier) found by the inimitable Tom Furman.

Blaine points to a great setup on MAKE Magazine : the Eco-Gym.

Blaine points to a great setup on MAKE Magazine : the Eco-Gym.

Meet Melbourne-based powerlifter Vicky O'Brien, currently in training for the CAPO National Powerlifting Titles to be held in August this year. Pop over and say hello.

Meet Melbourne-based powerlifter Vicky O'Brien, currently in training for the CAPO National Powerlifting Titles to be held in August this year. Pop over and say hello.

Via Grip Training Obsession : a new project from stuntman, director and strongman Nick McKinless - Beyond Strong. Head over there and take a look; you won't be disappointed.

Via Grip Training Obsession : a new project from stuntman, director and strongman Nick McKinless - Beyond Strong. Head over there and take a look; you won't be disappointed.