Pilates Reformer ideas?

[Colin Wollerman]

Hi All!

The wife asked if I could build a Pilates Reformer. I said yes...of course

Has anyone built one of these?
I am researching hardware now; extrusions, springs etc.

Any comments, ideas... PLANS! would be greatly appreciated.
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Aloha,
Colin

[John Schweikert]

Buy one OR buy the actual guts and make the pretty wood structure yourself. I suggest you don't bother collecting all the raw materials needed to make the actual device itself, especially since you would be making something someone could get hurt using if anything goes wrong.

In my one minute online search, a basic metal unit pilates reformer will run about $500. If you want to retrofit to the wood structure, then by all means do so. Otherwise just buy one made in wood complete. The device may look simple but there are lots of metal parts, cushioned seat, cushioned handles, bent tubular stock, springs etc. that you will spend so much time hunting down. What type of springs are needed, what weight of pull? That question will be played out in each part you're trying to find.

Considering how many people hurt themselves on exercise machines, I would play it safe.

[Colin Wollerman]

Sound advice John. Thanks for the reply
the unit we are looking at starts at 2k +
I do a little tool making and I have access to a machine shop so I am not that intimidated by the hardware bits. you can purchase reformer springs at a couple different websites . I know a couple of sailmakers who can do the cushions at a pretty reasonable price
I am not trying to save a lot of money just enough to justify a really cool project. I'm just beating the bushes to see if anybody else has given it a try. I know there are some pretty bright folks here at the Creek.

[Jim Matthews]

http://pilates.about.com/od/gettings...merAnatomy.htm

Looks like a mechanic's creeper on tracks,
with a set of "Bullworker" springs for resistance underneath.

The whole sliding section rides on inline skate wheels
and is drawn along by cables through pulleys.

The hardest part would be adjusting the tension.
I can't make out the mechanism for that.

If you're crafty, the resistance could be managed
with an array of bungie cords. Those are easy enough
to hook on, when they're slack.

http://pilates.about.com/od/gettings...merAnatomy.htm

[Colin Wollerman]

Hi Jim,
Tension is adjusted by changing springs or combination of springs. The correct springs can be bought from some sites that sell the machines. The are kinda expensive but this would not be the item to try and save money on. You are right that the springs are a key element. The "creeper" travel must be silky smooth. Good springs keep a consistent tension through the travel.
Thank you for the reply and link.
https://www.pilates.com/BBAPP/V/stor...r-springs.html

[Jim Matthews]

I can't imagine that the springs are made just for this purpose.

When the founder started making these machines,
he likely used what he could find.

At these prices, you could make a custom Reformer,
and have money left over for SWMBO to attend a Pilates clinic.

$2K? yikes

[Colin Wollerman]

I am sure you are right Jim. This is why I am tapping the Creek

[Mike Cozad]

You could try this spot...
http://www.pilates-equipment-plans.com/page10.html

[Colin Wollerman]

Hi Mike,
This seems to be the only set out there. I am surprised none of these Sketch Up capable fellas have put out a set of plans for the higher end units.
Thanks for the reply and link.
C