Chishi

[cheesefrysamurai]

Does anyone know the specs for making a chi ishi?

I know there are usually thicker and thinner diameters and different lengths.

Thanks in advance for your help

[Wastelander]

I've made a few. The method of making them is pretty standard, but the diameter of the haft is up to you, and it's hard to judge how heavy it will be based on the size of the weight. Once you have your haft (should be about knee-height for a traditional chi-ishi), put nails or bolts through the end that will be in the cement. Line your mold with Vaseline. Place the haft into the mold and then pour in the cement. Wiggle the haft so it gets thoroughly embedded in the cement. Tap/vibrate the mold walls to get out air bubbles. Let it set long enough to be firm, but not dry, and then cover the top with water. Let the cement cure while covered with water for a week, or so, then remove it from the mold and place it in a bucket of water for another week. After that, it will be ready to dry and coat with whatever protective material you choose.

Here are some little ones I made for single-arm exercises, weighing from 2.5lbs to 5.5lbs, that were molded in Clorox Wipe containers: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQgvw3rnuqo/UTYkqYCBPdI/AAAAAAAAGQI/mcnGUL4P5wA/s1600/Homemade+Chi-Ishi+Set.jpg

And here is one of my big ones that I made for double-arm and full-body exercises, which was molded in a 5lb protein powder container and weighs about 13lbs: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WOBvsAzOGO4/U5m_mN6tFJI/AAAAAAAALD4/HWSO4Rrncwg/s1600/heavy+chi-ishi+coated.jpg

[cheesefrysamurai]

Thank you.

So the size of the handle is arbitrary?