Hello All,
I am looking for ideas on Indoor Monkey Bar for my special needs child.... something like this , I am happy to learn, got few tools at home 🙂 are there any workshops I can attend?
Thank you in advance.
Hello @JohnC5
In reference to the photo you posted, yes that is exactly what you need to do. You need to extend both the width of the assembly and the footing to make it secure.
The tools you need to build your monkey bars are:
Painting the monkey bar assembly is always recommended. I will leave the colour choice up to you and your family.
We look forward to seeing the monkey bar once it is assembled.
Eric
Hello @JohnC5,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you for joining us and sharing your question about Indoor monkey bars.
The photo of the monkey bar set you posted is actually quite achievable. If you can provide measurements of the area where the monkey bar set will go I can draw you up some basic plans. I've attached some pictures to give you an idea of how the monkey bar set might be assembled. I recommend drawing a basic plan on paper especially if you have a particular look in mind for the set.
Please note that the measurements I've placed are for reference only, please adjust them to your needs. Due to the current restrictions, stores might not have any D.I.Y. classes going. Please check with your local branch for more information.
Please keep us updated I look forward to seeing your plans.
Dear @EricL
Thanks a lot for picking my request and providing some very good info to start. Could you also help me with the type of wooden post(4) and 2 horizontal bars, i need to buy from bunnings if it has to be sturdy?
thanks a lot
It's good to hear you're moving forward with your project. I suggest using Pine Untreated Non-Structural 70 x 35 x 2400, please call your local store to make sure they have it in stock. If you decide to use bigger timber just make sure that they are untreated and safe to use indoors.
I recommend using Brasshards 20 x 600mm Galvanised Pipe for the bars. You can use wider ones but you will need to adjust the width of the framing of the monkey bar. You can lock the bar in place using Brasshards 20mm Galvanised End Cap. That will prevent the bar from sliding out while being used. Make sure to wash the bar in soap and water to remove any oil and grease residue.
Here is another sample of play equipment you might find useful protecting outdoor play equipmentkforyourtime
Please keep us updated, we would love to see some photos when you start your project.
Good Info! appreciate your quick response. I did had a look at the 'Pine Untreated Non-Structural 70 x 35 x 2400' at Bunnings, if I need to make a stronger one which untreated bigger timber would you suggest from Bunnings? Also, I am not sure, does Bunnings offer wood cutting services?
Thanks a lot again for your help.
Regards
If you wish to use the next size of timber you can use 90 x 45mm MGP10 Untreated Pine Timber Framing. Please make sure to call your local store to make sure that the item is in stock. Please note that the cut shop will only do straight cuts and will not be able to do complex or miter cuts.
If you need more information please let us know.
Hi @JohnC5 , as well as considering @EricL 's suggestions for how to build the project, please also give consideration to attending to safety factors for it. Are you able to anchor it to the floor? If it were outside it would (or should) be bolted into the ground because a child's weight swinging is likely to pull it to the side & tip it over if free standing. If you can't bolt it, I suggest widening the end pieces considerably. To make it easier to store, you could make them as triangular shaped stabilisers on each corner (instead of the short fixed ends in the original design) and hinge them so they can swing in out of the way when not in use. Otherwise, can it be connected to a wall, even if by temporary means when in use (eye bolts & ropes, or poles)? I know that adds a little extra complication, but better than a trip to the hospital.
Hello @TedBear Thank you for the advice. Really helpful.
We are planning to put the monkey bar inside our unit for time being and we cant connect it to a wall too 🙁 . When you say widening the end pieces, are you referring to pic 1 or 2 or something else? sorry I am very new to this..
1)
2)
Actually, I got this idea from one of my friends who have it indoors.. like this.
ALso @EricL I am wondering, What all tools I might be needing like Circular Saw, Driller, etc..
Thanks again for your help.
Cheers.
Hi @JohnC5 , yes I was thinking of something exactly like the extensions in those first 2 pictures. It would make the unit safer given that it can't be anchored in your circumstances. It will be interesting to see your project when you make it and the benefits that you are wanting from it.
I have just started to learn some woodworking during the lockdown from the online videos. I am planning to build an indoor monkey bar something similar to the images below. I am planning to use 90*45mm or 90*35mm untreated pine.
Joint 1 Given the height of the monkey bar is approx 1.75 meters, what's the best and strongest method to join the vertical and horizontal? dowel or tenon & mortise or screws? or any other?
Joint 2: This will act as a supporter of the vertical post. Can I use a bolt here?
Joint 3:
It's great to see that you have made a start to your project. I recommend using screws such as the Zenith 8G x 75mm Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws - 16 Pack. I suggest two screws for both the bottom and top parts of the brace. Please remember to drill pilot holes for the screws so that you will avoid snapping the heads off. You can use thicker screws like the Zenith 10G x 75mm Countersunk Rib Head Chipboard Screws - 50 Pack if you want it stronger.
Let me tag our experienced members @LePallet and @Brad for their recommendations.
Please keep us updated, we look forward to seeing your project assembled.
Books have been written on joints.
I would use a lap joint on the corner and screw in the braces, given the length I would expect to use a router. Coach bolts are commonly used but if gluing dowel pins can also be used.
Through mortice and tenon mot likely the strongest joint you can make for a structual joint, not for a novice in DIY.
Floating tenons mostly cut by an expensive machine and has many fans but I am not one of them.
Biscuits more for alignment than strengh.
Dowels as much as I like them they are not best suited to this kind of project.
Pocket hole screws, novice friendly but only looks good from one side, I have the machine to drill them but I am not a fan.
There is dovetail joints and a whole lot more that could be used but wont be.
Hi @JohnC5,
It's fantastic to see @Brad has provided some excellent suggestions on the types of joints you can use.
I'd suggest joint three is going to have the most stress applied to it. I quite like the idea of having that diagonal support bolted through the side of the upright and horizontal timber, as per the first image. Personally, I would place two bolts instead of their one at both locations where the brace meets the vertical and horizontal timbers. It also looks like they've added an additional piece of triangular shaped ply to reinforce this joint which is a great idea.
Joints one and two are reasonably static and won't see nearly as much strain put on them.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
All,
I am building my first project indoor 'Monkey Bar' I was able to build a prototype based on suggestions from the previous posts.
Now for the actual one, given that there is a shortage of timber, I am not able to get UNTREATED PINE anywhere in the bunnings nearby. There are few treated ones that I am hesitating to use for indoor stuff.
Which one is better for indoor projects? MGP10 Untreated Pine Timber Framingvs F5 Structural Pine(assuming it is untreated)? what's the difference between them
Thanks in advance
I recommend using MGP10 Untreated Pine Timber Framing. Please do not use any type of treated timber as it contains CCA, which is a chemical preservative. Please be aware that health hazards may result from exposure to copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information and tips, click on the links contained in the Health and Safety section of the Bunnings Website.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Hello @EricL Thank you for the advice. Appreciate it. Could you also advise on https://www.bunnings.com.au/90-x-35mm-f5-structural-pine-linear-metre_p8031656
Do you recommend this as I don't seem to find it anywhere in bunnings?
There could be a number of reasons you are not able to get this particular timber at the moment. I will make some inquiries for you and find out. However, I still recommend using untreated timber for your project. Can you please tell me which store is the closest to you? Once I have more information I will let you know.
Thank you very much @EricL
- Northmead - 2152
- Seven Hills - 2147
These are the closest ones.
Morning @EricL Just checking if you had a chance to check on my request with the store. Thank you in advance
I've spoken to the Bunnings SevenHills store and they are currently sold out of the 90 x 35mm F5 Structural Pine - Linear Metre. I could not get a definite date when it might come back into the store. I do not recommend using this timber for your project. Because of this, I suggest using Non-structural pine 90x35 I/N 8401261 or Non-structural pine 70x35 I/N 8401260. These are the safest timber to use for your project. I will give Bunnings Northmead a call and find out if they have this in stock. As soon as I have the information, I will let you know.
Thanks a lot @EricL I shall wait for your update, I am happy to place a special order with any of the store if required.
I've spoken to the Northmead store and they have even something better for you. I recommend using the Porta 90 x 45mm x 2.4m Standard And Better DAR Pine or if you want something that is a little bit smaller the Porta 70 x 45mm x 2.4m Standard and Better Pine DAR. These pieces of timber are in stock and should be perfect for your monkey bars project. Not only are these pieces safe for indoor use, but they are also dressed. Once you've assembled the project, all you need to do is to prime and paint the timber.
Hey @EricL Thank you very much. I did have a look at them earlier, but the only thing was PRICE, they are way pricey compared to the one which I was looking for. Thanks for your help/.
I need this kind of adjustable monkey bar for my special needs child. If you were able to make it, is there any chance you would like to re sell it to us. Of course if you still aren’t using it?
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Mary14. We're pleased to have you join us and trust you'll get loads of inspiring ideas and helpful advice from the community.
Where are you based? If you don't think you have the confidence currently to tackle the project yourself, perhaps one of our wonderful members might volunteer to build one for you. We would certainly be happy to help put a smile on a young face.
Jason
Hi Jason,
I have no idea whatsoever how to build something like this. That’s why I thought it’ll be easier to buy from someone.
I live in Sydney. I can give you some information regarding the ladder. If you can make it, that would be great! Also can you provide me with a quote.
This is for her motor development.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Hi @Mary14 , I gave it to one of a parent just a month back who has a special needs child as my child has overgrown it and stopped using it.
Afternoon @Mary14
One of our members had wanted a cheerished stool repaired and someone suggested that she contact a local mens shed. She did and the chair turned out beautiful!
Maybe look up local mens sheds in your area and ask. They could have some members that would like to do that?
Dave
@JohnC5
Hey! Were you doing the Doman program?
also do you know anybody else who would have such a ladder and is happy to sell! Any leads would be great. thanks.
@Dave-1
Yes that’s a good idea. I did try some local carpenter but they feel it’s too complicated.
