Michael Davis
Building your own pommel horse mushroom at home can be a great way to save money and practice gymnastics. While there are no clear build plans or designs available online, you can use a cable reel from Home Depot and a scrap of carpet underlayment to make the mushroom shape. You will also need to consider the type of padding or stuffing to use and how to securely attach a cover, such as vinyl or leather. Handles are another feature to think about, but they may complicate the build. It is important to ensure that your DIY pommel horse mushroom is stable and safe to use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Under $10 |
| Time | 3 hours |
| Materials | Cable reel, scrap carpet underlayment, glue, spray paint, foam, plywood, leather cover, gaffer tape, wooden floor adhesive, screws |
| Tools | Jigsaw, hacksaw, scissors, Stanley knife |
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What You'll Learn
Get a cable reel and scrap carpet underlayment
To build a pommel mushroom, you will need two main items: a cable reel and scrap carpet underlayment. You can get a cable reel for free from a hardware store like Home Depot. Simply go into the store and ask for one, as they normally throw them away. Then, you will need to get a scrap of carpet underlayment, which you should be able to find at any carpet store.
Once you have the cable reel, decide which end will be the base. You will only need to sand this end to smooth out any rough bits, as you will want to keep it as wide as possible for stability. Trace the base of the cable reel onto the carpet underlayment and cut it out with a Stanley knife or scissors. You may need to use a combination of tools to get a smooth, circular cut.
The next step is to cut the foam into a dome shape. This can be tricky, so you may want to use a combination of tools such as a hacksaw, scissors, and a Stanley knife to get the desired shape. Mark the centre of the reel and cut a small hole for the foam dome to fit into. Secure the foam with gaffer tape and weight it down for an hour to help it keep its shape.
Finally, you will need to attach the carpet underlayment to the base of the reel. You can use wooden floor adhesive and screws to secure it in place. This will provide a stable base for your pommel mushroom.
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Trace the base of the reel and cut out the underlayment
To build a pommel mushroom, you will need a cable reel and a scrap of carpet underlayment. You can get the former from Home Depot for free. Once you have the reel, decide which end will be the base. This end will only need light sanding to smooth out any rough bits, as you will need to keep it as wide as possible for stability.
Now, take your carpet underlayment and place the reel on top of it. Trace the base of the reel onto the underlayment. This will give you a perfectly sized circle for the base of your pommel mushroom. Carefully cut out the circle you have traced with a sharp utility knife or scissors. If you're using a utility knife, make sure to cut on a safe surface, like a cutting mat, to protect your work surface and your knife.
It is important to get an accurate circle for the base of your pommel mushroom. An ill-fitting base can make the structure unstable and prone to tipping over. Take your time with this step and ensure that your cut-out circle is smooth and even, with no jagged edges or tears.
With the base cut out, you can now move on to the next steps of assembling your pommel mushroom.
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Cut the top circle with a jigsaw
To cut the top circle with a jigsaw, you will need a jigsaw, a small jar, a pencil, some tac, and a length of string. First, find a small jar that fits perfectly into the hole in the centre of the reel. Secure a pencil vertically inside the jar with tac and tie each end of the pencil to a length of string, with the string being half the length of the desired circle's diameter. This will ensure that you can draw and cut a perfect circle. Once you have marked the circle, carefully cut along the line with the jigsaw. Keep the offcut piece, as you will attach this to the bottom of the base later. This process should only take one cut with the jigsaw, and it will save you from buying more tools that you may not have.
It is important to note that the top of the pommel mushroom needs to be cut accurately, as it will affect the stability of the entire structure. The top circle should be cut wider than the base to ensure stability. You can use the offcut from the top circle to add stability to the base by securing it with adhesive and screws.
Additionally, when cutting the foam for the top of the reel, you may encounter some challenges. Foam can be difficult to cut into a dome shape accurately. You can start by using a hacksaw to create a rough angular shape and then refine the shape using scissors or a Stanley knife. This does not need to be perfect, as it will be covered and compressed slightly.
By following these steps and utilizing the materials and tools mentioned, you will be able to cut the top circle of your pommel mushroom effectively and efficiently.
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Secure foam with gaffer tape and plywood
To build a pommel mushroom, you will need to first cut the foam into a dome shape. This can be done by first using a hacksaw to achieve a rough angular shape, and then refining it with scissors and a Stanley knife. Once you have the desired shape, you can secure the foam to the reel with gaffer tape. Start by placing loops of gaffer tape around the circumference of the foam, attaching it to the underside of the reel top. Then, place another cross of gaffer tape across the top. This will help secure the foam and provide guidance for the placement of the leather cover.
After securing the foam with gaffer tape, you will need to further reinforce it with plywood. Cut a thin piece of plywood to fit the bottom of the reel, which may be rough and splintered. You can use the offcut from the base to help secure the plywood. Apply wooden floor adhesive (PVA) to attach the plywood and then reinforce it with screws around the lip.
This method of securing the foam with gaffer tape and plywood ensures that your pommel mushroom is stable and durable. It also helps to compress the foam slightly, providing a more secure surface for the gymnast to practice on.
It is important to note that safety should be a priority when building and using a pommel mushroom. Ensure that all materials are securely attached and inspect the equipment regularly for any signs of wear and tear.
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Sew a cross into leatherette material for the cover
Sewing a cross into leatherette material for the pommel mushroom cover requires some basic leather hand sewing skills. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Materials
Gather your leatherette material, a leather needle, and thick waxed thread. You will also need tools to mark and punch holes in the leatherette, such as a chisel or awl, and a ruler for measuring.
Mark and Punch Holes
Using your ruler, measure and mark the centre point where you want the cross to be. Then, following the measurements for your cross, mark the positions for the holes. Using your chisel or awl, carefully punch holes at each marked point. Ensure the holes are large enough for the needle and thread to pass through easily.
Cut and Secure the Thread
Cut a length of the thread. The thread should be long enough to comfortably sew the cross, with some extra length for securing the thread. Secure the thread to the needle by threading it through the eye of the needle and tying a small knot at the end if needed.
Begin Sewing the Cross
Starting from the backside of the leatherette, insert the needle through one of the holes. Pull the thread until the knot is snug against the material. Then, following the pattern of the cross, continue sewing by inserting the needle through the corresponding holes. Ensure that your stitches are tight and even.
Secure the Thread and Finish
When you have completed the cross, secure the thread by backstitching. Unlike with fabric, you don't typically tie a knot in leather sewing. Instead, use the waxed thread to backstitch and lock your thread in place. Trim any excess thread, ensuring that the ends are buried between the layers of the leatherette.
Your leatherette cover for the pommel mushroom should now have a securely sewn cross on it. You can adjust the size and positioning of the cross as needed to fit the cover and your desired design.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a cable reel, which you can get from a hardware store, and a scrap of carpet underlayment, which you can get from a carpet store.
First, trace the base of the cable reel on the carpet underlayment and cut it out. Unfortunately, no other assembly instructions are available.
The cost of building a pommel mushroom is under $10.
