Great lion company freestanding dummy

[Ragnor]

HI everyone. I'm hoping you can help. I've been searching for a free standing dummy as I have plasterboard walls but all the advice i've seen is that they aren't really suitable as they move around so much.

However, just seen this one from the Great Lion Company. Looks like it comes from someone who knows his stuff but has anyone had any experience with them? I'm a beginner as well so if anyone can spot any problems with the pics anyway, I would appreciate some advice.

I'm in the UK by the way if anyone knows of any other uk based companies that do this design.

Thanks

http://www.woodendummy.net/

[jooerduo]

it looks good and fancy but i don't think its functional

the arms does not look rounded - try some wing chun moves on it and it would kill your arm

dead dummies like those are not so good as you are supposed to have some springyness in them

[Toby]

Can you make your own? Not really too difficult but it requires a few specialised tools. Mine's mounted on it's own frame and I've seen a lot like that. Mine took a while to make a few hours at a time over several weekends but you could probably do it in 5 full days if you were keen.

[Liddel]

The leg wierds me out... its like really high leaving little space between the lower arm and the leg.

The contact point at which your own leg would touch the dummies when stepping in and around it would be strange IMHO. More thigh and less shin lower leg area.

The other thing that stands out is the gap around the insert of the arms and leg. The leg looks totally fixed and the gap looks smaller on the arms compared to other dummies....
which IMO with a free standing dummy should be wider so when you issue a little force it doesnt roll away smashing up your place. :p

If good stepping and inch power are out for training on it then youd be better off with good mirror for training position etc.... prob a lot cheaper too.

I dont have this or any other jong at my house so i do the jong form in the air like SLT CK BJ...so take my advice with a grain of salt...

DREW

[Ragnor]

thanks for the advice guys. I was a little unsure as it looks like a Dalek from doctor who and also a lot of money, especially if I have to get it from the USA.

I've seen two other types of freestanding. 1 is where you put a crate of sand on a platform set at the back of the dummy and then the other that has it's own frame,(possibly like yours Toby?)

What I haven't seen though is any footage of anyone hitting or moving with any kind of force on them. As I said, i'm only a beginner but don't want to buy something that won't be fit for purpose within a year or so time.

Anyone got any theories on what Is best to do?

[Ragnor]

By the way, that's the JKD version apparently so it has a high leg (I personally don't know why) but you can reverse the arms and have the move traditional leg at the front. Thought this might give more stability as well. this might be a better link to show it.

http://www.woodendummy.net/shop/jeet-kune-do/freestanding-jeet-kune-do-wooden-dummy.html

[Toby]

... the other that has it's own frame,(possibly like yours Toby?)

What I haven't seen though is any footage of anyone hitting or moving with any kind of force on them. As I said, i'm only a beginner but don't want to buy something that won't be fit for purpose within a year or so time.Yeah, if you search google images you'll see plenty with their own frame. The wide base of the frame makes it stable, but the cross beams flex so it still moves. We used to have a bunch of them at our school and all were great. Now we have them on frames fixed to a wall, which works just as well but obviously you need to drill the wall. The frames provide the necessary flex with those ones.

[Ragnor]

Thanks Toby,

I had reservations of the frame ones as when my Sifu demonstrated with one, there had to be to people standing on the base at either side. Though maybe that was because it was a slippery floor. Mine would be on carpet.

[Phil Redmond]

I've used this dummy and it's great. You can lock the wheels or unlock the wheels and move it around the room like a real person. I plan on getting one for myself.
http://www.woodendummy.net/shop/freestanding-wooden-dummies/freestand-mantis-wooden-dummy.html

[sanjuro_ronin]

I've used this dummy and it's great. You can lock the wheels or unlock the wheels and move it around the room like a real person. I plan on getting one for myself.
http://www.woodendummy.net/shop/freestanding-wooden-dummies/freestand-mantis-wooden-dummy.html

Hey, that's the one I am saving up to get !!
I am putting those arms on a "JKD" type though, the type with a throat/neck section.

[Ragnor]

I don't suppose you know if there is any footage of it being used? Sorry to keep on about it but it's a big investment and I am still very new to this. I guess i'm really looking for advice on the best possible freestanding dummy, not just whether to buy this one.

[Toby]

I had reservations of the frame ones as when my Sifu demonstrated with one, there had to be to people standing on the base at either side. Though maybe that was because it was a slippery floor. Mine would be on carpet.I've got mine on bricks outside. But I've also got some rubber underneath the "feet", which might help with preventing slipping. Mine is made from a native hardwood tree trunk and it would weigh probably ~180kg/400lb all up (frame included), so that would help prevent slipping too.

[Toby]

I've used this dummy and it's great. You can lock the wheels or unlock the wheels and move it around the room like a real person. I plan on getting one for myself.
http://www.woodendummy.net/shop/freestanding-wooden-dummies/freestand-mantis-wooden-dummy.htmlI don't like the square-edged legs. I train barefoot most of the time and I know legwork would hurt on those metal legs.

[sanjuro_ronin]

I don't like the square-edged legs. I train barefoot most of the time and I know legwork would hurt on those metal legs.

yeah, I am probably gonna replace them with round pipe legs.

[Toby]

Ragnor, how much of a beginner are you? I wanted a dummy as soon as I started learning the form. You can use it right from the start too if you just want to work it freestyle. But honestly, if you're a complete beginner there's no rush. It might be worth making one yourself. All you need by way of tools is an auger bit and a hand brace (or I used a Forstner bit with a hand drill). Then, a couple of chisels and a hammer were honestly very effective (I made square/rectangular holes in my trunk to prevent the arms/leg twisting). You get a few blisters but that's part of it. My frame has mortice/tenon joints and a just a few screws and bolts. My timber was from a scrapyard and my trunk was free from a well-seasoned dead tree in the country (you can also pick up trunks cheaply from a rural lumberyard). It's surprisingly easy to do and very cheap even factoring in the cost of tools (if you don't already have them). The only cost is your time. The satisfaction of doing it yourself is very high though.

[Toby]

yeah, I am probably gonna replace them with round pipe legs.Even with shoes on sweeping/reaping would hurt your lower leg with the square profile. Welding together a round-legged replacement wouldn't be hard, and even if you outsourced it it shouldn't cost much.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Even with shoes on sweeping/reaping would hurt your lower leg with the square profile. Welding together a round-legged replacement wouldn't be hard, and even if you outsourced it it shouldn't cost much.

I am a qualified ASME welder, I can do that myself.
I remember that at one point I contemplated making the whole dummy out of steel !
That's how I roll baby !!

[CFT]

I am a qualified ASME welder, I can do that myself.
I remember that at one point I contemplated making the whole dummy out of steel !
That's how I roll baby !!Oooo ... I'm told that 'chisauking' from this forum had a steel (or was it chrome?) dummy in his pub.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Oooo ... I'm told that 'chisauking' from this forum had a steel (or was it chrome?) dummy in his pub.

Like I said, I contemplated one, more so when I cracked my last home made one, the issue was the padding.
I may still make one....

[Ragnor]

Ragnor, how much of a beginner are you? I wanted a dummy as soon as I started learning the form. You can use it right from the start too if you just want to work it freestyle. But honestly, if you're a complete beginner there's no rush. It might be worth making one yourself. All you need by way of tools is an auger bit and a hand brace (or I used a Forstner bit with a hand drill). Then, a couple of chisels and a hammer were honestly very effective (I made square/rectangular holes in my trunk to prevent the arms/leg twisting). You get a few blisters but that's part of it. My frame has mortice/tenon joints and a just a few screws and bolts. My timber was from a scrapyard and my trunk was free from a well-seasoned dead tree in the country (you can also pick up trunks cheaply from a rural lumberyard). It's surprisingly easy to do and very cheap even factoring in the cost of tools (if you don't already have them). The only cost is your time. The satisfaction of doing it yourself is very high though.

I've only been learning around 6 months so I'm not even starting on the form yet. The initial reason I wanted it is for is related to the walls as I can't hang a wall bag anywhere in my flat and it was suggested that I could get a dummy and use a bag on this (as well as learning correct shapes and movement for my basic combinations)

I was with you on the building yourself right up to "auger" and then i had no idea what you were talking about!!:D I'm not sure I could build my own.

[Toby]

I've only been learning around 6 months so I'm not even starting on the form yet. The initial reason I wanted it is for is related to the walls as I can't hang a wall bag anywhere in my flat and it was suggested that I could get a dummy and use a bag on this (as well as learning correct shapes and movement for my basic combinations)You can get a heavy bag and a free-standing stand. I prefer that to hanging it off a roof. It'll vibrate the whole structure that it's attached to and it'll potentially cause damage. An average free-standing heavy bag should only cost maybe 100GBP.


I was with you on the building yourself right up to "auger" and then i had no idea what you were talking about!!:D I'm not sure I could build my own.Auger bit picture attached. Basically a big drill bit designed especially to drill big, long holes in wood. You drive it with a hand brace (the old-school hand drills). You could think of it as a training exercise, since it'd use significant energy to drill 6 holes through a hardwood trunk. Forstner bits (like I used) are designed more for drilling shallower holes but I took my time and used an extension bar and drilled each of my holes through from each side meeting in the middle. My trunk is 11" diameter so it is a bit bigger than average (standard size is 9" IIRC). After drilling a hole (e.g. mine were 1" diameter) you can choose to square off the holes with a chisel to fit the arms in (like a massive mortise/tenon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortise_and_tenon) joint) or just do round arms (in which case they'll spin unless you fix them some other way - easy enough to do).


I am a qualified ASME welder, I can do that myself.
I remember that at one point I contemplated making the whole dummy out of steel !
That's how I roll baby !!You read my mind. I've got a bunch of bits and pieces and drawn up some sketches to make a steel one. I've got industrial springs and some tubing for arms and legs. I know of industrial pipe suppliers near me who sell secondhand pipe of large enough diameter for cheap. I want a sprung frame and sprung arms and leg (and maybe sprung knee, not sure). The industrial springs provide good action on my prototype arms. We've got some commercial spring arms at the school on one dummy and I really like them. For padding, initially I was going to use dense EVA foam although I'd prefer custom leather filled pads. There are suppliers nearby who'll cut or extrude foam in any shape you like for suprisingly little. I've also got some heavy roller bearings (about 3" diameter, with each bearing about 1/3-1/2") to maybe attach the dummy to the frame in conjunction with old scooter shock absorbers to provide horizontal action.

I've also seen wood trunks on top of fixed car springs so the trunk moves around like the old blow-up punching bags you used as a kid. I prefer the idea of horizontally moving dummy so that's why I'd like the sprung frame/dummy method.

I'm kind of handy and a bit of an inventor. Now all I need to do is learn to weld :D.

[Toby]

I found an old picture of my dummy on my old harddrive. Basically I took measurements off my favourite dummy at the school. After a while I preferred it higher so it's on bricks now. If I did it again I'd make the frame wider since I occasionally kick the side stands of the frame. That little looking thing weighs at least 350lb. There are 400lb of weight inside the window behind and it feels heavier than that. I can lift one side at a time alone, I really struggle getting the whole thing off the ground. I need to replace the leg since I broke the knee joint once, screwed it up again and I've now mostly broken it again although it's still holding. The frame uprights are 4"x4", the frame cross beams are ~3"x1" (actually 70mm x 30mm). The frame feet are 2"x4". The arms are about 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" diameter (from memory). The leg is about 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" (from memory, and a bit ovalised near the "thigh"). The hose clamps help prevent cracking, and so does a hole drilled in the top that I keep topped up with linseed oil (and thinners, depending on the season). It's pretty stable now but when I first made the dummy the holes must've dried out the centre a bit. Surprising, since it was a very weathered trunk. It's treated with organic, non-toxic decking oil. You've gotta be careful what you put on it if you're going to be spending a lot of time banging it around with your hands.

Oh, I forgot some other tools I used - power sander (all over) and power carver (to rough shape the arms and leg). You could do it with hand tools (like a spokeshave or plane or power planer). Whatever you're comfortable with. My power sander was a random orbital attachment for my 4" angle grinder. A variable sander/polisher with a soft pad would've probably been easier. And a power planer for the rough shaping.

[Toby]

If you wanted to do it easier you could make a PVC trunk and buy commercial arms/leg. Sounds like sanjuro_ronin had a PVC trunk (unless the one he cracked was a hardwood trunk - or steel :eek: :D). Ironfist who used to be active on the main and training fora used to have plans for a PVC dummy. If you want wood or PVC and you're not very inventive you'll find plans all over the internet you can follow. Otherwise do what I did and measure your favourite and replicate that. Basically you want the upper arms to match your shoulders, lower arm about your dan tien and leg your leg. I think that's right on all counts. It's not essential anyway - a taller dummy is like training with taller people, smaller with smaller people. E.g. if you're small you might like a tall dummy since you'll mostly be fighting people bigger than you, it's up to you. With mine like I said I started with it smaller than it is now (raised on bricks). I liked the smaller dummy when I started but mostly I train with bigger people these days. I'm not small myself but my teacher has a couple of inches and ~75lb on me and most other guys I train with have 20-50lb on me. A guy from forumland I met yesterday had 2" and 80lb advantage. :p Maybe I need to make it bigger still.

[sanjuro_ronin]

You read my mind. I've got a bunch of bits and pieces and drawn up some sketches to make a steel one. I've got industrial springs and some tubing for arms and legs. I know of industrial pipe suppliers near me who sell secondhand pipe of large enough diameter for cheap. I want a sprung frame and sprung arms and leg (and maybe sprung knee, not sure). The industrial springs provide good action on my prototype arms. We've got some commercial spring arms at the school on one dummy and I really like them. For padding, initially I was going to use dense EVA foam although I'd prefer custom leather filled pads. There are suppliers nearby who'll cut or extrude foam in any shape you like for suprisingly little. I've also got some heavy roller bearings (about 3" diameter, with each bearing about 1/3-1/2") to maybe attach the dummy to the frame in conjunction with old scooter shock absorbers to provide horizontal action.

I've also seen wood trunks on top of fixed car springs so the trunk moves around like the old blow-up punching bags you used as a kid. I prefer the idea of horizontally moving dummy so that's why I'd like the sprung frame/dummy method.

I'm kind of handy and a bit of an inventor. Now all I need to do is learn to weld :D.

I have heard mixed things about spring arms so I would suggest you make it so you can have both options.
Easily done by using a thread female coupling welded to the body and the arms ending in a male thread.
If you are gonna spring the leg, make it only under the "knee".

[Toby]

Like I said I really like the commercial spring arms on a dummy at the school. But there's no spring leg so yeah, I'm unsure about that. I already decided I wanted removable/interchangeable limbs (hadn't thought about threads though - good idea). The problem is I'd want the springs' central bending axes as close as possible to the trunk (so there's as much limb as possible to work with). So with threads and springs I'd be trying to fit a lot into as small a length as possible. I though about cutting a larger hole and having the limb/trunk attachment "inside" the trunk in a sunken welded-in recess. Then you could have the spring with one end aligned with the trunk's surface (or maybe slightly inside). Best springs I found were the C780's (http://www.stocksprings.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_6&sort=20a&page=6) on this link (if it works). Even then they could be stronger ... they're just enough I reckon. They're very stiff in compression, but with a fixed end and a ~1.5' long piece of 1.5" diameter steel tube they bend easier than I expected.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Like I said I really like the commercial spring arms on a dummy at the school. But there's no spring leg so yeah, I'm unsure about that. I already decided I wanted removable/interchangeable limbs (hadn't thought about threads though - good idea). The problem is I'd want the springs' central bending axes as close as possible to the trunk (so there's as much limb as possible to work with). So with threads and springs I'd be trying to fit a lot into as small a length as possible. I though about cutting a larger hole and having the limb/trunk attachment "inside" the trunk in a sunken welded-in recess. Then you could have the spring with one end aligned with the trunk's surface (or maybe slightly inside). Best springs I found were the C780's (http://www.stocksprings.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_6&sort=20a&page=6) on this link (if it works). Even then they could be stronger ... they're just enough I reckon. They're very stiff in compression, but with a fixed end and a ~1.5' long piece of 1.5" diameter steel tube they bend easier than I expected.

If you are going with 4" pipe, we are still talking about a steel dummy right?, you can put the arms coming off the sides or even behind the body, so you cna have as much meat as you want on them before you get to the thread.
ex:

http://www.wingchundummys.com/Product_93.html

[sanjuro_ronin]

I prefer solid arms to spring loaded ones unless I am doing something of the "press and feel" category.

[Toby]

If you are going with 4" pipe, we are still talking about a steel dummy right?, you can put the arms coming off the sides or even behind the body, so you cna have as much meat as you want on them before you get to the thread.
ex:

http://www.wingchundummys.com/Product_93.html4"? Anyway, I attached a high-tech Paint image. Cut off the flange (or cut it to the diameter of the male threads), and try to get the male threads welded to the arm as close to the spring as possible. Weld a large nut inside a recess in the dummy and thread into that so when the limb is screwed in the spring is as close to the dummy trunk as possible. To make this idea work you'd need a very large diameter threaded rod, the larger the better to make the attachment stiffer. And obviously a large female nut (as long as possible). Is this what you meant by the threaded system?

[sanjuro_ronin]

4"? Anyway, I attached a high-tech Paint image. Cut off the flange (or cut it to the diameter of the male threads), and try to get the male threads welded to the arm as close to the spring as possible. Weld a large nut inside a recess in the dummy and thread into that so when the limb is screwed in the spring is as close to the dummy trunk as possible. To make this idea work you'd need a very large diameter threaded rod, the larger the better to make the attachment stiffer. And obviously a large female nut (as long as possible). Is this what you meant by the threaded system?

That is one way to do it, sure.

[KPM]

Here's my recommendation for a free-standing dummy:

http://www.riograndewingchun.com/subpage.html

[couch]

Here's my recommendation for a free-standing dummy:

http://www.riograndewingchun.com/subpage.html

I just got the same one about a week ago. While I highly recommend getting it because it does rock - I had a few issues:

-The order form said that it would 2-6 weeks. It didn't arrive for 10 weeks and I had to call and call. I never got a call back or an e-mail back - I only got to talk to Lee when I caught him on his cell. He did apologize and say that my order slipped through the cracks and told me it would be mailed out by a specific day. A week went by and nothing came. I rode him a bit more and said he'd personally take care of it. I told him to call me with a tracking number to prove he mailed it. It came 3 days later.

-All the parts were there except for the pin that holds the leg in. Not a big deal, but still - I expected all my parts. I was tired of waiting so I didn't bother calling. I just went to Home Depot and got a 1 1/2" hex bolt and washers, etc.

Overall...I love my dummy, but the service kinda ticked me off.

Best,
K

[KPM]

Hey Kenton!

Sorry to hear you had problems. I didn't have those problems, but who can say what is going on with the maker. I get the impression his business is a very small "garage" operation. Still...service should be better than that when people are putting out that kind of money! I've only had to do two modifications to my dummy since I got it, and I work the thing pretty darn hard! I had to use small screws to hold the rubber stoppers on the upper arm pins because they kept falling off. The lower arm pin was OK. I also had to put some black electrical tape across the top of the notch in the front of the base because the big pin that attaches the trunk to the base kept backing out. So these are only minor modifications and aren't even visible. I took the leg off and don't use it. It has nothing to do with the dummy construction, just personal preference. I find it gets in the way when I work on things that aren't exactly "classical" Wing Chun. ;)



I just got the same one about a week ago. While I highly recommend getting it because it does rock - I had a few issues:

-The order form said that it would 2-6 weeks. It didn't arrive for 10 weeks and I had to call and call. I never got a call back or an e-mail back - I only got to talk to Lee when I caught him on his cell. He did apologize and say that my order slipped through the cracks and told me it would be mailed out by a specific day. A week went by and nothing came. I rode him a bit more and said he'd personally take care of it. I told him to call me with a tracking number to prove he mailed it. It came 3 days later.

-All the parts were there except for the pin that holds the leg in. Not a big deal, but still - I expected all my parts. I was tired of waiting so I didn't bother calling. I just went to Home Depot and got a 1 1/2" hex bolt and washers, etc.

Overall...I love my dummy, but the service kinda ticked me off.

Best,
K

[sanjuro_ronin]

I just got the same one about a week ago. While I highly recommend getting it because it does rock - I had a few issues:

-The order form said that it would 2-6 weeks. It didn't arrive for 10 weeks and I had to call and call. I never got a call back or an e-mail back - I only got to talk to Lee when I caught him on his cell. He did apologize and say that my order slipped through the cracks and told me it would be mailed out by a specific day. A week went by and nothing came. I rode him a bit more and said he'd personally take care of it. I told him to call me with a tracking number to prove he mailed it. It came 3 days later.

-All the parts were there except for the pin that holds the leg in. Not a big deal, but still - I expected all my parts. I was tired of waiting so I didn't bother calling. I just went to Home Depot and got a 1 1/2" hex bolt and washers, etc.

Overall...I love my dummy, but the service kinda ticked me off.

Best,
K

I Agree, I emailed them a few times and have yet to hear back.

[IronFist]

How about one with a normal stand?

See the link in my sig ::coughcough::

[Ragnor]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I'll probably miss replying to a few but I have read them all.

So as far as i can see, it's a straight choice for me between a free standing frame one or one with a weighted base.

I'm leaning towards the frame ones, maybe because they look more traditional but also because I may have the option to wall mount it in the future. So really, I take it it will majorly depend on the weight as to whether it will move too much?

Toby, That picture of yours looks perfect. I really don't think I could make one though. I'm not chickening out but i'm really not that guy. :D

But,,,the dummy is what I'm looking for I think, especially if the weight yours is is pretty standard (though it looks a lot more sturdy than ones i've seen on the net.)
I guess one option could be to buy the dummy and make the frame as heavy as possible?

I think what i'm saying is....Come to England, i'll feed you and let you sleep on my floor while you spend your days making me a dummy before disappearing in the night like some sort of wooden dummy Littlest Hobo.

[Ragnor]

Sorry, I'm probably really boring people know but I watched this youtube clip and thought it was good for showing that the frame ones can be pretty solid. Can I ask from you experienced guy though. Is he striking hard in the vid. It certainly looks that way but am I being fooled by the dummy not being very stable?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7iEnp8JxTwk

[Toby]

^ If mine moved that much I'd be pretty annoyed. It's obviously fairly light. Trunk's skinnier than I like too. Basically you're trying to emulate an opponent, so for me an 11" trunk is still much skinnier than me (even my waist :() but it was still workable to lift and woodwork.

You could always approach a semi-retired woodworker and ask how much to make one for you? If you supplied the materials etc. Like I said, secondhand wood (all of mine was recycled housing timber) and a raw trunk from a timberyard (cheap because they don't have to process it).

Or yeah, just choose a commercial one. I'm sure there are plenty in the U.K. Ring up some kwoons and ask where they got them from. My school resells the ones we use, or a bunch of students have just made their own like me.

If you want to make your own it's really not hard, even for an amateur. But I understand if you're not confident to try, it's a big job. Not hard, just lots of measuring and lots of hand labour. IMHO though, the end result of making your own is much more satisfying than buying one. Logistics could make it difficult though, e.g. if you lived in a flat in central London or on a second story floor.

Lastly, if my choice was frame or base I'd choose frame unless I didn't have the space. Occasionally you want to tread close to the base of the trunk (e.g. practising throws, sweeps, etc) and if it had a base that stuck out from the trunk it would annoy me.

[bakxierboxer]

... Can I ask from you experienced guy though. Is he striking hard in the vid. It certainly looks that way but am I being fooled by the dummy not being very stable?

He's not doing any more than what I'd call "heavy touching", as opposed to any kind of "striking" or "hitting" at all.
The dummy is both light and "loose" (construction-wise).

OTOH, there is a time and place for "heavy touching" and dummies "of that sort".
(although neither of those is "the last word" in training activity or equipment)

[Ragnor]

Someone has told me that you can get all weather ones for your garden and was thinking I could install this at my parents. Apparently they are really sturdy as you bury them in the ground. Anyone had any experience of this??

[Ragnor]

He's not doing any more than what I'd call "heavy touching", as opposed to any kind of "striking" or "hitting" at all.
The dummy is both light and "loose" (construction-wise).

OTOH, there is a time and place for "heavy touching" and dummies "of that sort".
(although neither of those is "the last word" in training activity or equipment)

Ah right. Seems like there are no videos anywhere of someone really putting a freestanding one though it's paces.:(

[bakxierboxer]

Ah right. Seems like there are no videos anywhere of someone really putting a freestanding one though it's paces.:(

I'm fairly sure that there are (or used to be) some "heavy duty" videos about.
Can't say that I remember the names though....

[Toby]

Someone has told me that you can get all weather ones for your garden and was thinking I could install this at my parents. Apparently they are really sturdy as you bury them in the ground. Anyone had any experience of this??It's more a matter of what you put on the wood that makes it weatherproof. Mine's outside. I've got exterior decking oil on it to protect it. You're supposed to top it up every year or so but I've never done it and the wood's still OK (could do with a top up I guess).

If you want a buried one then it's just a matter of getting an extra long trunk and burying a couple of feet of it. The problem is dummies feel better if they have a bit of movement, a bit of "life". If they don't move at all that's not so good. You want it to have movement, but springy movement not movement due to sloppiness or due to lightness (that's e.g. easily pushed around).

[TenTigers]

I had heard that originally, they were burried, and that the springyness is a recent innovation?
If you bury it, you should coat the part that is in ground with tar or some other sealant.
Century Inc. sells a mook yan jong, and if you have a school, or establish a wholesale account with a minimum order-you can get whoesale prices.

[sanjuro_ronin]

Anyone ever try one of those spring mounted ones like WLE sells?

[Dale Dugas]

I had heard that originally, they were burried, and that the springyness is a recent innovation?
If you bury it, you should coat the part that is in ground with tar or some other sealant.
Century Inc. sells a mook yan jong, and if you have a school, or establish a wholesale account with a minimum order-you can get whoesale prices.

actually when you sign up for a wholesale account at Tigerclaw (http://tigerclaw.com/help.php?section=wholesale)which is the wholesale division of Kung Fu Magazine, you can get their dummy for a whole $170.00 less than century.

so support Tigerclaw (http://tigerclaw.com/help.php?section=wholesale) and our forum, as well as save big time.

Ok, enough of my Gene impersonation. Back to being Big Bald and full of Baguazhang.

[LoneTiger108]

Someone has told me that you can get all weather ones for your garden and was thinking I could install this at my parents. Apparently they are really sturdy as you bury them in the ground. Anyone had any experience of this??

Freestanding? These guys have got that idea sorted...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-5c0jl7jEsg&feature=related

[Ragnor]

Wow! That's a pretty big trunk!!

[Phil Redmond]

Freestanding? These guys have got that idea sorted...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-5c0jl7jEsg&feature=related
Overcompensation??? (I just couldn't help that one) :)

[bennyvt]

i made my own and had little space. I thought i was really smart and made the frame a triangle that fit into the corner without bolts. I tested it with the steps and pushes etc, went great. Until i did the form and lap sao'ed the arm, the bloody thing nearly squashed me. Lucky im quick. But i just dieg it soft until i figured something out. Which was bolt it while parents weren home. Not the best idea. As now they are at me about it.