Written by: Kaizen DIY
*Kyle was recently on the GGE Podcast. Take a listen on Spotify, Apple, Anchor, or search “#14 DIY DEEP DIVE with Kaizen DIY Gym.”
Intro
It’s been about six weeks since I released the original tutorial. If you haven’t seen that one yet, check that out first and come back to this one. Everything in this article will make a lot more sense if you do. This is an article covering three upgrades that I recommend for the DIY rack attached lateral raise machine.
In the time since releasing the first tutorial, with help from the community, I’ve figured out a couple of additional ways to use this thing, which you can also check out in the video below.
*For more guidance in growing out your gym, check out the Home Gym Guide, which gives step-by-step instructions in building out your dream setup.
Upgrade #1
The first upgrade I suggest is to add additional weight pins. After using this machine every shoulder day for the last six weeks, this is my number one recommendation.
The upgrade took about 30 minutes and I just used scrap wood.
I fastened the pieces together using pocket screws and mending plates. As for the weight pins you can purchase a pair from Amazon or check out my article on making your own.
Once everything is in place, there are so many more options for your shoulder workouts. Different options for resistance, weight variability, and band placement options.
With that step done, there are only a couple of things we need to do to turn this into a rear delt machine.
In the Lateral Raise Machine tutorial I showed an option for adding handles using fixed caster bases and steel pipe. We’ll need those and we’ll add a 3/8” hole in the caster bases. That way we can attach the weight pins and still use the arm pads.
When you fasten these on, make sure the holes line up so the weight pins can still attach.
At normal shoulder height, this is just the lateral raise with handles. If we lower it and attach the bulldog pad, it becomes a rear delt machine.
If you don’t have a bulldog pad, check out my tutorial, it’s a fairly simple build and super nice to have in the gym. (https://youtu.be/qQqa3yAptyY)
For the record, this exercise can be done without a bulldog pad too. That’s just a matter of preference.
Upgrade #2
Now let’s discuss the next upgrade.
By adding 3/4 floor flanges on each corner, we can change the handle position and use this as a chest fly.
These are the pipes and pieces I used, these lengths will vary depending on your size.
After assembling the handles, screw them into the flanges.
In this position, I prefer the 3/4 inch pipe to be tight. You can add some Loctite to the joints to prevent loosening. This allows for a full range of motion and it actually feels pretty damn good. Just make sure to test it out before locking everything into place.
I had my neighbor try this out and he didn’t feel comfortable leaning with his back against the bulldog pad.
If you feel this way, I have an option for you. You can use your bench instead of the bulldog pad.
When I used my bench, I actually preferred having the pipes loose fitting in the flanges so there’s some movement in the handles.
My disclaimer with this one is that it works but it’s not perfect. Normally I’d keep working on an idea before putting out a tutorial, but for this one, I wanted to get the idea out there and see what the community comes up with.
Recommended Materials & Tools
| Adding Weight Pins | Link 1 | Link 2 |
| Ollieroo olympic weight sleeves, weight pins | Amazon | |
| 4ft 2×4 Home Depot link | Home Depot | |
| Or check the DIY weight sleeve tutorial | https://youtu.be/LhTtG-xd8lc | |
| Rear Delt Machine: | Link 1 | Link 2 |
| 2 – 3/4 inch 45 degree elbows | Amazon | |
| 2 – 3/4 inch pipe 6 inches long | Amazon | |
| 2 – 2 inch fixed casters | Amazon | |
| 8 – 1.5 inch lag screws | ||
| Bulldog pad tutorial | https://youtu.be/qQqa3yAptyY | |
| Chest Fly Machine: | Link 1 | Link 2 |
| 2 – 3/4 inch floor flange | Amazon | |
| 2 – 3/4 inch pipe 12 inches long | Amazon | |
| 4 – 3/4 inch pipe 6 inches long | ||
| 4 – 3/4 45 degree elbow | ||
| 2 – 3/4 inch pipe caps | Amazon | |
| 8 – #14 screws 1 ½” long | Amazon | |
| Loctite | Amazon | |
| Tools | Link 1 | Link 2 |
| Dewalt sliding mitre saw | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Dewalt cordless drill | Amazon | Home Depot |
| Dewalt impact driver | Amazon | |
| Drill press | Amazon | Home Depot |
| 3/8 inch drill bit – https://amzn.to/32MFexS | Amazon | |
| Combination square | Amazon |
*alternatively, the holes can also be drilled using a cordless drill
In The End,
Let me know what you think. If you build it, post pictures on Instagram and tag @garagegymexperiement and @kaizendiygym.
Also, check out the original video.
I’m in the middle of designing my own but I thought I’d see what else others have come up with and that’s how I found yours. I have a great version I’m happy for you to share where the load profile is completely adjustable. Send me an email and I’ll show you.