View Full Version : Atlas Stone Size
MR.TeachFreak
11-09-12, 2:42 pm
Is there a standard or average size for atlas stones? I am planning on picking up a mold for some training but they aren't too cheap so I want essentially the best bang for my buck. I plan to make more then one and put weights in them to make them heavier for training. After some time I might move up in size.
Look into making your own molds. There's quite a few good sites that have pretty easy ways to do it. Time consuming, but worth it for how much different molds cost. Plus by adding weights into a mold you're going to weaken the structure of the stone. It's better to have them solid than have something inside them.
MR.TeachFreak
11-09-12, 3:48 pm
Look into making your own molds. There's quite a few good sites that have pretty easy ways to do it. Time consuming, but worth it for how much different molds cost. Plus by adding weights into a mold you're going to weaken the structure of the stone. It's better to have them solid than have something inside them.
Thanks. I found some fairly cheap molds that I can reuse. But is there a "standard" size that is good for training? I can only really afford to make one or two and probably only one if the mold is one use. I have read that some people increase the weight of the molds by using things like a mesh or old dumbbells. Do they really affect the integrity that much?
BigChrisF
11-10-12, 6:19 pm
I'm not sure about a standard size, but 20-22" diameter is a good place to start. Unless you are little. I don't believe putting a lead ball in the center will effect it's strength much. You want to avoid dropping them onto hard or compacted surfaces. Dropping them onto the grass or an old tire is a good option. Beware the bounce off the tire.
There is good info out there on densities for different types of concrete. Calculate the volume of the diameter stone you want and the density will get you the weight. Or figure out the weight you want and calculate the diameter you will need.
Im a concrete guy and it would be best to put chains in. They will reinforce the concrete better than anything. Concrete alone is not very strong by itself.
HIGA MONSTER
11-10-12, 9:14 pm
18" diameter is a Beginner size, and if you just filled concrete in it, it usually comes out to 250 lbs.
21" diameter is a good size to have too, cause thats usually what the bigger sizes in a contest will be.
FYI,
A good thing to buy is "Fibermesh" when you pour stones. Its like fiberglass but increases the impact resistance of the stone.
That way, after dropping it multiple times in training, your stone doesn't crack.
You add a pinch of it into the concrete slurry before you pour it into the mold.
Also, adding iron isn't the best. You displace more concrete by adding broken DB's or plates into the concrete.
Steel or lead is the best. Its a denser metal thats why.
I have used lead shot because you can't use that anymore when you reload your own shotgun shells. So a guy at the gym gave me 150 lbs of lead shot cause he couldn't use it no more.
But if you do use shot, make sure your slurry isn't too runny cause the shot will sink to the bottom of the mold, and your stone will spin like a top when you crack it open.
Make sure that you oil the inside of the molds too, cause it will stick to the molds when you crack it open.
And vibrate the shit out of it so that its smooth as possible.
Good luck!
HIGA MONSTER
Generally the heavier the bigger the circumference, you might ask Higa or P Diesel about standard sizing.
IronWilson
11-11-12, 9:21 am
Im a concrete guy and it would be best to put chains in. They will reinforce the concrete better than anything. Concrete alone is not very strong by itself.
Agreed.
Would rebar or iron rods work as well? You know, the kind you would put in a driveway? The reason why I'm asking is because I would think it might be cheaper than chains but I could be wrong.
MR.TeachFreak
11-11-12, 10:45 am
Whats an easy way to vibrate the concrete? I have limited funds so whatever I am doing needs to be cost efficient.
HIGA MONSTER
11-11-12, 12:42 pm
Whats an easy way to vibrate the concrete? I have limited funds so whatever I am doing needs to be cost efficient.
Old skool way: use a hammer and tap the outside of the mold for about 20 minutes. Make sure you go around the whole mold.
Easiest way: use a vibrating massager, like what you would get at Macy's or Bed, Bath & Beyond. Put an old towel on the outside of the mold and vibrate away.
My neighbor helped me last time by pouring stones at one of his jobsites and the employee had a Backpack "Stinger" and just inserted into the mold. The concrete dropped down another 4 inches, so thats why its important to vibrate the stones.
You end up filling more concrete into your mold, AND you will make the stone smooth as possible.
If you end up with some rough spots, you can always mix a batch of Moose Milk and use a pair of gloves to seal it.
HIGA MONSTER
HIGA MONSTER
11-11-12, 12:47 pm
Agreed.
Would rebar or iron rods work as well? You know, the kind you would put in a driveway? The reason why I'm asking is because I would think it might be cheaper than chains but I could be wrong.
Steel is better IMO.
But the FiberMesh is the key.
One pinch goes a long way. I have not broken one stone yet that I mixed with FiberMesh. And we drop them from 50" tall onto musclemats.
Even when I did this "Stone Grace WOD", this stone was made with FiberMesh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fXrDCxCTIQ
MR.TeachFreak
11-11-12, 12:58 pm
Steel is better IMO.
But the FiberMesh is the key.
One pinch goes a long way. I have not broken one stone yet that I mixed with FiberMesh. And we drop them from 50" tall onto musclemats.
i noticed that you have kegs in the video. How did you plug them? I have one I plan on filling with water but am having trouble finding a plugging method that will work.
HIGA MONSTER
11-11-12, 8:00 pm
i noticed that you have kegs in the video. How did you plug them? I have one I plan on filling with water but am having trouble finding a plugging method that will work.
You can buy these plugs at Home Depot for the kegs.
Then I duct tape them for extra security.
HIGA MONSTER
MR.TeachFreak
11-11-12, 8:14 pm
Only a couple more questions. Where can I buy fibermesh? I have googled it and get all sorts of websites. And finally is there a specific kind of concrete I should use or just a normal 60lb bag from lowes?
All very good questions and Higa's advice is invaluable. Good thread.
HIGA MONSTER
11-11-12, 9:38 pm
Only a couple more questions. Where can I buy fibermesh? I have googled it and get all sorts of websites. And finally is there a specific kind of concrete I should use or just a normal 60lb bag from lowes?
You can buy Fiber mesh at any concrete company. A bag is cheap and they use it for concrete driveways. Check your
ocal dealers.
Buy bags of concrete that have a high Impact Resistance. You can look at the label of the concrete or ask the employees.
I think I used 1,500 lbs impact resistance for my stones but its been a few years since I made some.
A 1 lb bag of Fiber mesh cost me $8 over 5 years ago.
HIGA MONSTER
18" diameter is a Beginner size, and if you just filled concrete in it, it usually comes out to 250 lbs.
21" diameter is a good size to have too, cause thats usually what the bigger sizes in a contest will be.
FYI,
A good thing to buy is "Fibermesh" when you pour stones. Its like fiberglass but increases the impact resistance of the stone.
That way, after dropping it multiple times in training, your stone doesn't crack.
You add a pinch of it into the concrete slurry before you pour it into the mold.
Also, adding iron isn't the best. You displace more concrete by adding broken DB's or plates into the concrete.
Steel or lead is the best. Its a denser metal thats why.
But if you do use shot, make sure your slurry isn't too runny cause the shot will sink to the bottom of the mold, and your stone will spin like a top when you crack it open.
Make sure that you oil the inside of the molds too, cause it will stick to the molds when you crack it open.
And vibrate the shit out of it so that its smooth as possible.
Good luck!
HIGA MONSTERGreat advice here Higa! Firbre crete is by far better for this application. I would caution against "over vibrating"! It will cause the same effect as too watery concrete. All your aggregate will fall to the bottom of the mold and cause the same lopsided stone. And if you put lead or other "weight" in there, all that and the aggregate will fall to the bottom. So be carefull as to how much you vibrate. Hit it with a hammer and watch the crete inside the mold, when you see some of the water puddle /pool on the top, you need to stop.
I think I used 1,500 lbs impact resistance for my stones but its been a few years since I made some.
A 1 lb bag of Fiber mesh cost me $8 over 5 years ago.
HIGA MONSTERYes, make sure you use as high PSI you can get/afford. And water consistancy will determine the strength, you can buy the highest PSI, but if you water it down too much, it will drop the strength/PSI of the concrete.