I've been a long time out of constructing anything and just built this today. It was a lot of fun to build and my kids love it! It also made it all the more satisfying to figure out how some bits went together instead of a straight "how-to". Thanks pocket!
There's a 1/4" mat on top of the 3.5" beam. It adds thickness to both sides. But of course, this design allows for customization by simply changing the plywood thickness used.
It'll be more expensive and not as strong. Think about it: if there's a single knot in the 4x4, the thing will be compromised. 4x4's are not really made to take a lateral load.
I'd like to get more detailed information on how you put the beam boards together, and how that screw in the center angle to the beam to mount is secure.
Rip some pieces of ½" plywood to 3½", and then glue & screw the entire sandwich together with 2½" screws, pounding in an occasional nail every foot or two. You might want to use shorter screws or nails at first, just to fasten one of the 2x4's and the plywood together before you attempt to attach the second 2x4. While attaching the second beam board, work from one end to the other, bending the boards together and using a quick square as you go. This will make sure that the top surface of the beam is nice and flat. In order to screw those angled 2x4s (the ones closest to the middle) to the beam, you will have to drill 1/8" pilot holes. Start with the easy screw that goes right through the 'point' of the angle and into the beam. Now the board won't move as you make the trickier side connections. Joining a flat 2x4's by its sides may seem impossible, but it is quite doable if you drill pilot holes at a steep angle first. A bit of construction adhesive sure doesn't hurt here; you can use it to connect the boards directly, around all of its seams and corners, and anywhere there is a splinter, split, or a screw-hole that can be stabilized. Good luck, and ask any questions ;)
There's a 1/4" mat on top of the 3.5" beam. It adds thickness to both sides. But of course, this design allows for customization by simply changing the plywood thickness used.
The ending was priceless, "I can stand on one leg, on a balance beam, and I'm so glad!" she'll love that one when she's older.
I've been a long time out of constructing anything and just built this today. It was a lot of fun to build and my kids love it! It also made it all the more satisfying to figure out how some bits went together instead of a straight "how-to".
Thanks pocket!
Just finished one for my granddaughter for Christmas. Thank you for the inspiration and the math lesson, good ol' Pythagoras saved the day.
Thanks for the reply. I used your design, but I did 10ft, and pink.
built one exactly the same except red matting, thanks for the advice
You are the best uncle ever
I love gymnastics
Very solid. Nicely done.
first! Sorry Pocket, I couldn't resist....
ha! I did it to Heisz not too long ago. I lol'd.
Just proves one of your earlier video's point. None of us are as original as we think we are... :)
You guys rock!!! Happy Holidays to you two!
Awesome!! I love the Yoga mat idea...
Precisely what I was looking for 🎉🎉🎉
The audio at the end makes it.
yep ;)
Thanks for this video. I just made a replica for my little girl for her birthday.
Good job ❤
I believe a balance beam is supposed to be 4" wide (at least it was back in my day).
There's a 1/4" mat on top of the 3.5" beam. It adds thickness to both sides.
But of course, this design allows for customization by simply changing the plywood thickness used.
Nice!
Any reason not to just use a 4x4x8 for the beam?
It'll be more expensive and not as strong. Think about it: if there's a single knot in the 4x4, the thing will be compromised. 4x4's are not really made to take a lateral load.
I was hoping this question was asked and answered already. Makes sense thanks!
I'd like to get more detailed information on how you put the beam boards together, and how that screw in the center angle to the beam to mount is secure.
Rip some pieces of ½" plywood to 3½", and then glue & screw the entire sandwich together with 2½" screws, pounding in an occasional nail every foot or two. You might want to use shorter screws or nails at first, just to fasten one of the 2x4's and the plywood together before you attempt to attach the second 2x4.
While attaching the second beam board, work from one end to the other, bending the boards together and using a quick square as you go. This will make sure that the top surface of the beam is nice and flat.
In order to screw those angled 2x4s (the ones closest to the middle) to the beam, you will have to drill 1/8" pilot holes. Start with the easy screw that goes right through the 'point' of the angle and into the beam. Now the board won't move as you make the trickier side connections. Joining a flat 2x4's by its sides may seem impossible, but it is quite doable if you drill pilot holes at a steep angle first. A bit of construction adhesive sure doesn't hurt here; you can use it to connect the boards directly, around all of its seams and corners, and anywhere there is a splinter, split, or a screw-hole that can be stabilized.
Good luck, and ask any questions ;)
@@pocket83squared and the angle on the board underneath is a 45 as well?
Yes. All of the angles were made 45° for simplicity.
@@pocket83squared sweet deal thanks! What was the initial length of the base bottoms and for the 2 angled outsides
Totally copied you. Mines not as pretty and I added an actual silhouette of my daughter but I’m happy w how it turned out. Thanks!
You are success!
Can i use 4x4x8 wood for the beam?
Sure, but it probably won't be as strong. Just be sure to pick one that has as few large knots as possible, since they could weaken it.
What is the yoga mat laying on!
What was the length of the yoga mat? Thanks
5'
How did you stitch the 2 mats together?
I didn't. That black thread was simply the hem that was around the edge. Keep in mind that I did use spray adhesive, though.
I think the long side of the angled support is a bit less then 18 1/4".
if you defocus your eyes a little bit, the ballerina looks like a velociraptor
joe chu true but it’s not rlly a ballerina it’s a gymnsst lol
Thats a gymnast 🤸♀️
This would be a good idea for parties where people get really drunk.
What grade of wood did you use? Was it kiln dried.
yep. Just box store studs. Make sure there are no knots; they will weaken its load capacity.
Is it heavy?
Just to tell you a beam is supposed to be 4 inches wide 🙂
There's a 1/4" mat on top of the 3.5" beam. It adds thickness to both sides.
But of course, this design allows for customization by simply changing the plywood thickness used.