My dad's modification of the mini-step

[trisheyl]

Hey everyone-

My dad just made my mini-step. I haven't tried it yet with a tape and I can't wait. I had the instructions on how others have done it, but he didn't seem to like them so what he did was cut the step so that the majority of the stepping area is intact (no seam in the middle) and cut a small portion off the other end (just the part up to the edge of the mat) to match up with the larger part. He then used a quick setting epoxy to fuse the 2 parts together using some cloth tape underneath the step for added support. Once the epoxy set, he did a second coat and let that dry. He then drilled some holes underneath and filled the step with spray foam that becomes a brick when dries. The foam did leak out the bottom some and I had to clean it up once it dried, but it appears to be very stable and there are no brackets. The thing he didn't like with the instructions was the seam in the middle. He wanted me to have an intact stepping surface. He didn't even take the black mat off the top, he just cut it as it was (with his table saw). I think it is going to work out great and if you don't mind playing with spray foam, it may be another option for making one. I just wanted to share what my dad did in case anyone would be interested in trying it that way. I'll post again after I have really used it a while to let everyone know how stable it is. Since I won't be stepping/sitting on a seam, I think it will work out great.

Trish

 

[tricia]

Hi Trish - I'm interested to see if you've had a chance to try it yet? I'm in search of a step so my DH can make me a mini of my own and this sounds like a simplified version. I was real excited to see the instructions from Erin. HOwever, once I read down through them, I realized my DH would never follow them to the letter (He does like to improvise!) Your Dad's instructions look more like something my DH would do. I hope you're having fun and enjoying it!! Thanks,
Tricia

 

[trisheyl]

Hi Tricia!

Tricia is also one of my nicknames (my full name is Patricia) and it's kind of neat to be writing to someone with the same name (a lot of people go by Pat, I never liked that). I haven't tried out the step yet. My dad ended up making mine a little too long (by about an inch) because he was trying to keep the fused end from having stress put on it. I like it, I think it will work great, but the only thing that wasn't so much fun was trying to clean up the spray foam. Since it is mainly underneath the step, you won't see it. Overall, the step was not too hard to make and the most of time involved waiting for the epoxy to harden and the foam to dry. If you make your step this way, it would be best to wait a day or two for everything to completely set before really using it. I think I will do a PS video today that requires it and check it out. I have been doing more step videos lately, so I haven't tried it out yet. I'll let you know how it stands up.

Trish

 

[tricia]

Hey Trish - I just read your message, I get called Pat sometimes,
too. The funny thing about that is that my full name is TRICIA, not short for Patricia. I'm famous for correcting people. I've never liked Pat. (I'll tell them "There's no PA in my name and make the noise PAH!) Sadly, it goes right over most peoples heads! And I only do this once I know them, I don't want to sound like I rudely humiliate them at first meeting!!
Glad to know there's someone else out there who can relate - Let me know how you like it once you get a chance to use your mini. (There's no pressure..I'm deciding about buying the PS series and I know I'll want the step to go with it!) Thanks,
Tricia

 

[trisheyl]

Tricia-

I know how it goes with correcting people. When people call me at work and say may I speak to Pat, I usually say "This is Patricia". Sometimes people have friends named Pat and it is just a habit. Sometimes I let it slide since I guess I am getting more used to it.

I tried my mini-step on Saturday with PS Legs and Abs (I only did through the standing leg work, and I am still sore today !). The step held up great and there was no indication that the end was unstable. I played with it to see how strong it was, and it felt like a rock. If you decide to go through with this method, let me know how it works for you. Have a great day!

Trish