Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Using PVC pipes
• Method 2 of 2: Using a concrete base
• Necessities

Punching bags are used to increase the strength and endurance of athletes. They are used by people who practice martial arts or boxing to perfect their technique. However, punching bags can be very expensive, which can be a problem for those on a small budget. A cost-effective solution to this problem is to make the punching bag yourself.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Using PVC pipes

1. Take a PVC pipe and cut it to a length of 90 cm. Measure the pipe and draw a line where you want to cut with a marker. Use a PVC pipe cutter or a hacksaw to cut the PVC pipe.
2. Drill two holes on each end of the PVC pipe. One set of holes is used to attach the base. The other set is used to hang the bag.
3. Create your base. Trace the outline of what you want to cut with a compass. You can also trace the circumference of a 19 L bucket. Use a saw to cut a 25 cm diameter circle out of plywood. Then draw a circle of 10 cm on the plywood and saw that out as well.
4. Attach the 10 cm round piece of plywood to the PVC pipe. Place the plywood inside the PVC pipe so that it lines up with the holes you drilled. Drive screws through the holes to secure the plywood in the pipe.
5. Attach the 25 cm piece of plywood to the PVC pipe. Place the 25 cm piece at the bottom of the pipe, wherever the 10 cm piece sits. Drive screws through the 10cm and 10cm pieces of plywood so they are stuck together.
6. Use a utility knife to cut the carpet to size. The carpet should roughly match the size of your PVC pipe. Leave about 10 cm uncovered at the top of the punching bag, so that the holes you drilled are visible.
7. Wrap the carpet padding around the PVC pipe. Start by taping one end of the carpet to the pipe, then slowly roll the carpet around the pipe until the carpet is completely wrapped around the pipe. Once all of the carpet padding is around the pipe, tape the loose end of the carpet with duct tape.
   • Make sure to wrap the tube in the carpet as tight as possible, the punching bag should be solid when you punch it.
8. Cover carpet padding with duct tape. Take the roll of duct tape and attach a piece of tape to the carpet as close to the base as possible. Then start rolling out the tape around the carpet on the PVC pipe. Make sure to overlap the layers so that you get very tight layers. You are going to cover every piece of exposed carpet that is on the pipe with tape.
   • Apply as much tape as possible to the top of the carpet, but don't worry if you don't get it completely covered.
9. Pull a length of string through the two exposed holes at the top of the PVC pipe. Make sure both ends of the rope are the same length and then tie them together.
10. Hang the bag. Decide where you want to hang the bag. If you are going to hang the bag from the ceiling, make sure to hang it with a tap bolt so that the bag does not fall and injure you.

Method 2 of 2: Using a concrete base

1. Combine three 20 cm long 5x10 cm plates. These plates form the pole of the punching bag. To make the required shape, place two plates on top of each other and place the third plate against their 5 cm side. Glue the plates together with wood glue. Make sure to apply the glue along the length of the plates. Once they are glued, screw them together.
2. Hammer big nails into each plate. They should protrude so that they help keep the slabs set in the concrete mix.
3. Attach a square piece of plywood to the boards. Nail the plywood into the bottom of the boards. The plywood should be large enough to support the three boards in the upright position.
4. Let the post dry overnight. The glue should be completely dry before proceeding with the following steps.
5. Stack two tires on top of each other. Make sure they are evenly on top of each other. The tires are your basis.
6. Put the concrete mixture in a wheelbarrow. Use four bags of concrete so that you have enough to fill the inside of the tires. Place the bag of concrete in the wheelbarrow by one side. Cut open the bag, pour out the mixture and remove the bag.
   • A wheelbarrow ensures that you can easily mix the concrete.
   • You can use a shovel or spade instead of a hoe.
7. Add water to the concrete. With the concrete on one side of the wheelbarrow, pour the required amount of water into the other side. To determine how much water you need, read the bag of the concrete. Adding more water than necessary can cause the mixture to become ineffective.
   • Make sure to keep about a quart of water on hand in case you need to add a little more to the mixture.
8. Slowly mix the concrete. Use a hoe to gradually mix small amounts of concrete into the water. Keep mixing until the mixture is completely wet. As you blend, move the wet mixture to one side of the wheelbarrow.
9. Add the concrete mixture to the tires. Place the pole in the tires, then fill the tires completely with concrete. Make sure there are no open spots on the inside. While the concrete is still wet, make sure the post is level and centered on the tires. Smooth the top of the concrete.
   • Make sure to wear gloves and goggles when pouring and maneuvering the concrete. The concrete mix can cause severe burns.
10. Leave the post for two days to allow the concrete mix to dry. If you continue with the following steps while the concrete is still wet, the post will be uneven. Once the mixture dries, the base will be very heavy. To move it, tilt the pole and roll it through the tires.
11. Cut an old futon mattress in half. The futon mattress becomes the padding of your punching bag. Put down the pole. Attach one end of the cut mattress to the post with duct tape. Wrap the remaining part of the mattress around the post until it is completely covered. Tape the loose end of the mattress with duct tape. Make sure the mattress is wrapped tightly against the pole so that your punching bag has structure.
    • Check local thrift stores or search the internet for a futon mattress if you don't want to buy a new one.
12. Cover the mattress with duct tape. Now that the mattress is properly attached to the post, wrap the exposed part with duct tape. Make sure the layers of tape overlap so that you get tight layers. Cover every piece of exposed mattress along the length of the post. This completely secures the mattress and makes it suitable for bumping.
13. Place a foam mat under the tires. The mat will help keep the bag still if you bump it.

Necessities

• Jigsaw
• Sheet of plywood
• Hacksaw
• Creasing knife
• PVC pipe with a diameter of 10 cm
• Carpet padding
• Duct tape
• Wood glue
• 4 bags of concrete mix of 25 kg
• Futon mattress
• Wood glue
• Big nails
• Tape measure
• Drill
• Piece of foam mat
• 2 tires
• 3 plates of 5x10x20 cm
• Gloves
• Safety glasses