Building a Leg Press for local small gym.... need help?

Had a guy approach me to build a leg press for his gym.
He was looking at one that cost $1600 but is wondering if I can build like quality for less.(I'm in the range of $800 for all the materials...rollers, upholstery, steel, misc. and of course the 10% more that always creeps up)

My hold up on saying yes to building it is making sure the sled assembly glides smoothly and not bind up from side to side.
I planned on using these leg press rollers here... http://www.fitnessrepairparts.com/ca...wItem/58000221
I'm just not sure that if I made a track for them to ride in, they would roll smoothly or what the best way to approach it is?
Also, would I need a smaller adjustable wheel underneath the track to hold the wheels against the rail as the person pushed the sled up?


This pic is of a leg press basically like what I would build. You can see the track on the far side the wheels roll in.
http://www.aussiefitness.com.au/prod...47840_zoom.jpg

No leg press plans, but might give you some ideas.

Click the title of the plan on the left side of the page

http://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-p...ent-plans.html


Sample:
http://www.craftsmanspace.com/Free%2...ever%20Row.pdf

just buy a used one on ebay repaint it , can pick a commercial used one up for around 500 bucks

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No leg press plans, but might give you some ideas.

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Definitely some good idea's on there!! I like free plans, thanks

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Originally Posted by Rodsmachineshop

just buy a used one on ebay repaint it , can pick a commercial used one up for around 500 bucks

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But then I learn nothing... :) Except how to save time and labor.:D
We did find one on Craigslist for $750 but he really wanted me to build one if I could. $1200 is what he wants to spend so the cheaper I can do it the more profit.
PLUS, I would like to maybe build myself one if I can do it cheap enough and make it roll smooth.

The most expensive part is the padding/upholstery. I have narrowed it down to a few selections but I would be buying replacement upholstery made for a name brand machine so they stick it to ya.

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

Had a guy approach me to build a leg press for his gym.
He was looking at one that cost $1600 but is wondering if I can build like quality for less.(I'm in the range of $800 for all the materials...rollers, upholstery, steel, misc. and of course the 10% more that always creeps up)

My hold up on saying yes to building it is making sure the sled assembly glides smoothly and not bind up from side to side.
I planned on using these leg press rollers here... http://www.fitnessrepairparts.com/ca...wItem/58000221
I'm just not sure that if I made a track for them to ride in, they would roll smoothly or what the best way to approach it is?
Also, would I need a smaller adjustable wheel underneath the track to hold the wheels against the rail as the person pushed the sled up?

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The longer the wheelbase, the less likely it is to bind. A track that is barely bigger than the wheels should keep any up/down slop to a minimum. A couple ideas that may or may not help: how about a peice of 1/4 or 5/16 rod in bottom corner of the track? Assuming you are using bolts for axles, it would prevent the heads from scraping te sides and give a bit of a funnel effect to keep it centered. You could also put a couple or four in-line skate wheels at a 45 to run in the top corner, but that would probably be overkill.

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Originally Posted by CGCINC

The most expensive part is the padding/upholstery. I have narrowed it down to a few selections but I would be buying replacement upholstery made for a name brand machine so they stick it to ya.

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That should not be! After all, it is just some foam glued to a piece of plywood with fabric stretched over it. Even with foam being kind of pricey, it shouldn't cost much more than 50-75 bucks at JoAnn or the upholstery fabric store.

making the seat and back is easy , i do jet ski seat seat covers at my shop all you need is a heat gun and a air powered staple gun . when you heat the vinal its very easy to work with Attachment 7537