Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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I took Cujo onto some agility equipment last night and he LOVES the A-frame, I couldn't keep him away from it, he was so proud of himself when he flew up it and down the other side, which really surprised me... but given the fact that he's been flying up and down stairs since day 1, I guess I shouldn't be so surprised <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Anyway, I would like to get some agility equipment for the back yard since it'll be fenced in soon, is all agility equipment as expensive as it seems? Or can I get a decent A frame somewhere that doesn't cost $500-700+? $300 for an A-Frame sounds more reasonable, but still on the high side considering its just 2 big boards with a hinge and a chain and a coating <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
A good friend of mine wrote a book called "Do it yourself agility equipment" and it is fantastic. It gives all the specs and supplies needed to make agility equipment - much cheaper than buying the stuff already made :-) Here is a link to the book:
We made our own equipment here at the kennel. It took a little time, but was way cheaper. The total cost was less than 1 A-frame we saw in a catalogue. It has been around for three+ years, so we must of done something right.
I belong to a dog club, and we made our own agility equipment for a "Doggie Day Out" program at the park. We have been using it for the last two years. We used excess material from around the house. An old door we cut and used. The PVC was the only thing we purchased. You can go on AKC and get the specs. It was all simple to make.. We were all a group of females and we did it fairly easy.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
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Mike, I built all my equipment ( except for the see-saw, I just think it's best to bite the bullet and buy a good quality one of those ) from the book:
I saved probably a couple thousand dollars over buying each piece by making most of my own.
*grumble*......I wish my wife had chose a different hobby.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
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Does any of this require aluminum welding? Or any welding for that matter? I can weld steel, but don't have a TIG welder to do aluminum and it's cheaper to buy the dang A Frame than a TIG welder <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
With just a little imagination, most of the plans can be adapted to pvc pipe. Web sites are loaded with pvc agility equiptment. It's just a matter of dimentions. I don't think that's really critical for most training pieces.
Note, though, the difference between plumbing-grade and furniture-grade PVC.
What you can pick up at the hardware or home store is plumbing-grade, and it lacks UV protection. If left sitting out in the sun, it becomes weak and brittle.
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