Have some times this week to continue working on my rowing machine. First is the basket used to contain weights (just some bricks instead of those iron weight plates). It runs on 4 small plastic wheels lying on 2 wooden rails. A system of line and 3 blocks is used to move the weights basket sliding up and down in an near – vertical manner (75 degrees).

It’s only when I first try running the machine that I’ve found out it is making so much noises, the 8 wheels on wooden rails. I decided to change from the slanted design (4^th image) to an upright one (5^th image). The weights would run up and down by a system of lines and pulleys, rather than running on rails. Proceed slowly as I have little free time for the moment.

Why a rowing machine!? First, it is among the best exercising methods which helps building the most groups of muscles. Second, to be used as a complementary way besides kayak paddling, especially when I don’t have time to go to the river, or when I do have, but the tide does not permit a convenient sortie. Below is my on – going building progress.

Most of the rowing machine’s frame is made from cheap MDF, glued, stapled and screwed together, then painted outside with thinned epoxy to strengthen the MDF a bit. Some important parts are made from wood, e.g: rails for the sliding seat… I use 4 small white hard – plastic wheels with ball bearing for durability, and for the sliding motion to be smooth.