We set off last Friday to experiment with the connection points of the new Soloflex machine prototype. We needed to weld ears onto the base for the vertical main frame and front safety legs so we could see how the bolt looked and worked…perfect! On the back brace we decided to use a heavy hinge for easier assembly, it works great too. We also changed the front vertical safety bar to 1 3/4” tubing which makes the safety more rigid, it has a better aesthetic, more symmetrical since it matches the main frame tubing.
After hours of measuring, fine tuning, welding and drilling, it was time for the moment of truth… just how difficult was it going to be to take it apart and put back together and exactly how compact would it be broken down? As luck would have it, break down took us about 5 minutes and putting it back together took even less time, about 3 1/2 minutes. You may think I’m exaggerating but it’s true. We had the unfair advantage of knowing where all the pieces belonged, so to be fair, the average person might spend 15 minutes assembling, including tightening all the bolts!
I was super excited about how compact the machine was disassembled. Laid down flat with all the pieces inside, it measured 42”x46”x 7.5” (round up to a box 4′x4′x 8” thick, not bad!). Unfortunately it came in at a whopping 103lbs! On Wednesday we’re going to experiment with the strength of the steel and connections as it is. We may be able to use thinner walled tubing somewhere? Of course, we’ll never sacrifice quality, strength or safety!
Next step is to have more drawings made once we get it exactly right, then off to the real manufacturing shop to get built and powder coated. It’s going to make it look a heck of a lot prettier!
I’m sorry there are no photos yet. I didn’t have a back up battery for my camera on Friday. Bad planning on my part but I will definitely get some up by Tuesday.
June 3, 2009 at 1:47 pm
You are not serious, are you? Why would you build another free weight cage/smith type machine? I liked my old Soloflex except for a couple of things about it…the butterfly and leg machine, too cumbersome. But the safety and ease of using the machine with no spotter just can’t be beat! I regret giving my Soloflex away to my brother, who turned around and sold it!
And by the way, round dumbells are dangerous too!
Just my opinions…and my money…lol.
Jesse
June 20, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Please guys…..this new soloflex weight cage is not a good idea… to big and bulkey….I loved the classic soloflex..I used it for about 15 years 1 of the weight straps broke and I sold it…how I regret that….why not bring back the classic soloflex with a few inprovments…maybe a weight stack in the back with a pully system…or just start making the classic soloflex again…you cant beat that…so simple to use..and a great way to get in shape and stay in shape…and its built to last..not like the new stuff on the market today…..you could make a new 30 min infomercial…with a fresh sales pitch for the classic soloflex….and sales would be thru the roof……….BIGRUSS
July 29, 2009 at 8:17 am
I will agree here as well. I really don’t think that people need another lifting cage. It is too bulky and isn’t that much different than others on the market. Soloflex would be better off bringing back the original Muscle Machine and reintroducing it to the current generation. No gimmicks…just a simple machine for a great workout. Drop the leg extension and butterfly components as they are bulky afterthoughts that did not help the workout very much.