Power rack what do I need to know?

[The_Crafty_Fox]

Am in the middle of getting a power rack built to my spec, would love to hear what you guys recommend for hole spacing etc any other advice on your dream power rack what would it have, what would you change with the one you have?

Any and all advice greatly appreciated

 

[showstoppa]

Hole spacing do 1.5 or 2". Westside spacing sucks imo, too close. I am about to build a massive one and will be going 1" holes on 2" centers.

Pick a hole size that one of the companies with lots of accessories has so you can pick some up later.

Width-go with 48" outside at max, 42" outside min. I am going with 48.

Weight storage go with 24" depth.

Make sure you take into account pressing height.

Use at least 11gauge.

If you are laser cutting the holes, go ahead and get the holes cut on all sides on all members as it allows the most flexibility.

Figure out what kind of pullup bars you want.

Go with a sumo base

Pretty much if you are going custom, spend a lot of time looking at different manufacturers and figure out what you like. I suggest looking at rogue, sorinex, rae crowthers and elite fts. Also go over to bb.com equipment forum and read all the threads on power racks. Read the reviews and see what people like and don't like and implement those ideas. I have learned a ton doing that.

 

[The_Crafty_Fox]

Thanks show stopper will put the order on hold till I do more reading,

 

[Masters Power]

Showstoppa post is really solid. 1.5 inch maximum hole spacing-especially if you are planning on benching in the rack.

Also make sure that your support posts can be used on both the inside and the outside of the rack. Making the rack high enough to do overhead presses inside of is a waste of money in my opinion, that being the case the support posts need to be able to be placed on the outside of the rack for OHP.

I have a separate dip bar stand from my rack but if you don't you may want to consider a dip bar attachment as well.

Also unless you have a really large area I would ditch the weight storage being part of the rack. As Showstoppa mentions you need to add a lot of depth for weight storage, in addition to the room for the actual post you need to leave at least another foot or so to have access to put the plates on the posts.

I prefer just having a weight rack on either side, they are cheap enough it will likely cost you less buying two used ones rather than adding weight storage to the rack and you have the added benefit of being able to be moved wherever you need them.

 

[The_Crafty_Fox]

Showstoppa post is really solid. 1.5 inch maximum hole spacing-especially if you are planning on benching in the rack.

Also make sure that your support posts can be used on both the inside and the outside of the rack. Making the rack high enough to do overhead presses inside of is a waste of money in my opinion, that being the case the support posts need to be able to be placed on the outside of the rack for OHP.

I have a separate dip bar stand from my rack but if you don't you may want to consider a dip bar attachment as well.

Also unless you have a really large area I would ditch the weight storage being part of the rack. As Showstoppa mentions you need to add a lot of depth for weight storage, in addition to the room for the actual post you need to leave at least another foot or so to have access to put the plates on the posts.

I prefer just having a weight rack on either side, they are cheap enough it will likely cost you less buying two used ones rather than adding weight storage to the rack and you have the added benefit of being able to be moved wherever you need them.

Brilliant I was seriously considering having the weight storage at the back of the rack you've changed my mind now, I have plenty of room but by the time I start expanding with a couple of machines will soon see the space dissappear. Glad I asked on the forum about this I was ready to go ahead and have the rack made, will hold off now as I need to reevaluate my plans!
Cheers guys

TCF

 

[Ozzy619]

Hole spacing do 1.5 or 2". Westside spacing sucks imo, too close. I am about to build a massive one and will be going 1" holes on 2" centers.

Pick a hole size that one of the companies with lots of accessories has so you can pick some up later.

Width-go with 48" outside at max, 42" outside min. I am going with 48.

Weight storage go with 24" depth.

Make sure you take into account pressing height.

Use at least 11gauge.

If you are laser cutting the holes, go ahead and get the holes cut on all sides on all members as it allows the most flexibility.

Figure out what kind of pullup bars you want.

Go with a sumo base

Pretty much if you are going custom, spend a lot of time looking at different manufacturers and figure out what you like. I suggest looking at rogue, sorinex, rae crowthers and elite fts. Also go over to bb.com equipment forum and read all the threads on power racks. Read the reviews and see what people like and don't like and implement those ideas. I have learned a ton doing that.

That sounds like the lambo of power racks. Made me drool a little