Need Bubba Engineering Help, Please.

[SADShooter]

I need to build a pell. This is a training tool for learning control with a sword. http://www.woodenswords.com/Pell/ubiquitous_pell.htm I have a couple of ideas, but mechanical aptitude is not my strong suit and I have some operational limitations.

I'm looking to create an approx. 6 foot post to strike with a wooden waster in order to master technique, edge alignment and power. The setup needs to be:

-portable/compact (I live in an apartment so nothing permanent)
-reasonably inexpensive
-low tech (see above)
-easy to repair/replace
-cushioned so my waster doesn't shatter on the first strike (I'm thinking carpet remnant/taped insulation)

I've got two ideas:

-2x4 target frame base built to receive 6' round 3" post (wood or PVC)
-sand weighted bucket to receive bracketed post

A 2-piece approach makes sense in terms of portability. Suspended tires are common, but I don't have a place in my training area to hang one and the required frame would be bulky. The steel H-frame at the link is a bulky option.

I know other members have similar interests, so I'm curious if you think I'm on the right track or have alternatives to offer.

Thanks,

SADShooter

[AJ Dual]

Something like a barrel full of water, or a base that could be filled with water would allow you sufficient mass to "Stay Put", yet could be drained to allow for mobility later.

Would a punching bag work? The tall/heavy cylindrical kind? (read further down in the article, they suggest just this) Could be screwed via eye-bolt right into a rafter, then easily spackled up when you move.

[SADShooter]

A covered heavy bag would be great, but my ceilings aren't tall enough and I don't have much maneuver room in my 700sf apartment. If I move into something bigger, that will be an option.

[Stickjockey]

Like this, perhaps?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0008G1OJ2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000X8YWBC&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0H4AZ4GNWTM5VT44X5XB

[Jim147]

I kinda like the water idea for portability.

Maybe one of those five gallon water jugs with a piece of pvc 4,6 or 8" and then maybe wrap it in foam tape.

The only thing you would have to make is a collar to hook the pipe to the jug.

jim

[SADShooter]

I'll have to move the rig about 30-40 yards to use it, and access to water/hose is a problem. Something like that Wavemaster is an option when I have a yard of my own.

[zxcvbob]

A car (or small truck) tire filled with concrete would make a better base than a bucket of sand or anything with water in it.  *Very* low center of gravity.

[Jim147]

A car (or small truck) tire filled with concrete would make a better base than a bucket of sand or anything with water in it.  *Very* low center of gravity.

Good thought.

For what he's doing he might be able to find a wheel with a center that would hold a piece of pipe and I don't think he would have to fill it with concrete if he uses the wheel and tire.

jim

[sanglant]

pole half again, to twice as long as you want it high, drive a third to halfway into the ground.

[Balog]

pole half again, to twice as long as you want it high, drive a third to halfway into the ground.

I think his downstairs neighbor might object...

[sanglant]

lol, outside. it's the cheapest way, and the easiest to undo.

[SADShooter]

The perfect answer, except that the management will frown on amateur landscaping.

[sanglant]

something like this?


got a jack?

just don't poke a hole in the roof.

this is probably a bad idea, but do you have a quilt rack?   or an maybe buy an old metal coat rack from a Dr,'s office?

and this there's this "thing" can't even remember where i saw it, didn't look like it was being used much though.

[SADShooter]

Hmm. That reflex bag with wrapped cushion on the pole is a thought.

[seeker_two]

Do you have any neighborhood children that you don't like?.....

[geronimotwo]

something like this?


got a jack?

just don't poke a hole in the roof.

don't truckers have a jack/bar that is used for stbilizing loads ........  here it is

http://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-Galvanized-Steel-Stabilizer/dp/B003XWB9H0

or, how about an eyebolt in the floor and ceiling, then use a rope between them, with a turnbuckle to make it as taught as you like?   or hang something heavy on a rope, but strike the rope?

[KD5NRH]

Google "homemade telescope pier" and work from there.  Three "legs" will give you something to trip over too, so you get to work on your footwork.

For padding, tire tread under carpet pad under all-weather carpet should do the job quite well.

[Tallpine]

What about a length of the cardboard tube used for concrete forms ("Sonotube") 

Glue carpet on the outside, and rig up a weighted base like a piece of plywood with a short piece of solid wood/concrete that slides up inside the tube.  That way you can move it in two pieces.

Actually, shouldn't this thing be able to rock a bit and then come back upright by itself...? 

[sanglant]

and you could install a sub in it for your movie setup, and have a multitasking neighbor annoyer.

[SADShooter]

Tallpine:

Yes, a design with some flex in it would be nice. I've been mulling on a way to create a ball joint or some sort of rocking mechanism. A quintain would be really neat. Unfortunately, we're staring to strain my skill limits. I was also considering PVC. I don't know who sells sonotube retail. I'll check the megamarts.

SADShooter

[Triphammer]

You don't need a ball joint to get some flex. As had been mentioned, find a tire of sufficient size a 14 should do. lay it on a flat surface & mix up some "Sakrete" or equivalent. find a spring, from garage door to light car coil spring & stick one end in the wet concrete & let it set up. then mount whatever you want on to of the spring. It's lke those animals on a spring thaat you may have seen in little kids parks.

[Tallpine]

I was thinking something with a weighted round bottom, like those infant drinking cups that always come back upright.

Not sure what to make it out of though - maybe a wok ...?   

[sanglant]

hmm? wonder what one of these would be like filled with water. maybe stick a wading pool under it, springing a leak would be worse then having a water bed pop.

http://www.amazon.com/Rocket-USA-Bozo-Bop-Bag/dp/B00067TAWG
http://www.amazon.com/wholesale-distributor-Inflatable-Punching-Bag/dp/B001HWXNCW
http://www.amazon.com/Clown-Bop-Bag-Punching/dp/B002HMOHLW
http://www.amazon.com/Big-Time-Toys-Sockem-Buddy/dp/B00004YUT9

[geronimotwo]

I was thinking something with a weighted round bottom, like those infant drinking cups that always come back upright.

Not sure what to make it out of though - maybe a wok ...?   

"weebles wobble but they don't fall down"

the trick is to get the c of g low enough that you don't need a base 6 ft wide.

[seeker_two]

I was thinking something with a weighted round bottom, like those infant drinking cups that always come back upright.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=clown+punching+bag&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=16004390112986790044&sa=X&ei=nA5-TeuLGaiz0QHApbzqAw&ved=0CCIQ8wIwAA#

Problem solved....