DIY rowing machine with Odometer/Speedometer!

Learn how to build your very own rowing machine following this step by step process. Limited tools and knowledge needed, and the best thing is 👉 it's all under $200!!
Materials⬇️⬇️⬇️
* 1/ 90mm x 90mm pine @2000mm (main frame)
* 2/ 70mm x 30mm pine @ 320mm (back legs)
* 2/ 70mm x 30mm pine @ 500mm (front legs, must be cut at 30 degrees)
* 2/ 90mm x 10mm pine @ 900mm (braces to hold bicycle wheel)
* 1/ bicycle wheel at 19inches diameter
* 1 bicycle chain
* 9/ 40mm x 300mm x 1.2mm thick, sheet metal strips (fans for resistance between wheel spokes)
* 2/ pulleys rated @ 200kg
* 1/ 10mm bunjy cord @ 1800mm long
* 1/ heavy duty connector clip (for joining bicycle chain and bungee cord)
* 1/ 25mm x 3mm galv tubing @ 400mm (rower handle)
* 1/ 6mm plastic coated stainless steel cable @ 500mm (connects to bicycle chain and rowing handle)
* 2/ 6mm cable clamps (to connect cable to bicycle chain and rower handle)
* 2/ 140mm x 45mm pine @ 300mm (foot supports)
* 2/ 140mm x 90mm x 20mm pine (connects to top of foot supports to hold rower handle)
* 2/ Velcro foot straps (to be fixed to foot supports)
* 2/ 70mm x 30mm pine @ 900mm (track panels)
* 1/ 300mm x 200mm x 20mm pine panel (rower seat)
* 4/ wheels rated to 100kg (seat rollers)
* 1/ 300mm x 200mm foam matting (seat padding, yoga mat material)
* Wireless magnetic Speedometer/Odometer (optional)
Fixings
* 20/ 75mm batten screws (for screwing legs and track to main frame)
* 4/ 200mm batten screws (for fixing foot supports to main frame)
* 2/ 65mm x 10mm bolts with nuts and washers (to fix pulleys to legs)
* 20/ 16mm metal button head screws (for fixing in sheet metal strips to bicycle wheel)
*Double sided tape (to fix matting to seat)
* 10 flathead nails (to fix straps to foot supports)
* Black tape (to tape up connectors and clamps)

[@MultiShizmo]

That's awesome, great work! Also don't let the handle bounce over the knees, instead keep legs straight until the handle has passed over the knees.

[@skylerbergeron7453]

This has old school KZbin diy vibes. Love it

[@MattLees-Nunan]

I'm all about the old school!! Thank you😊

[@rangerthederpgoat2326]

Aussies arguably have the best slang! Thanks for the video, I think I'm going to use your template and try to combine it with a homemade magnetic flywheel of sorts, maybe?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hahaha there is quite a bit of slang...I can imagine it would be hard learning English in Australia😅 Your idea sounds incredible! Would love to see the finished product😊

[@billyvillacis9975]

Fantastic design! I had planned on making one and using old skateboard trucks for the seat lol nice and smooth 👍 Great video bud

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Haha that sounds like great improvising! Let me know how you go!🙂

[@andreagennari5796]

thank you, you are very kind, I will keep you informed in the next few days and I will send you the photos

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you for your kind words:) I can't wait to see the photos!

[@46754675di]

Rowing away - saying in Russia :) Exellent machine!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you🥰

[@Bob1Mack]

Good one!

[@Irony58]

Great video! First off, you show the completed rower right up front, instead of making me skip to the end to see if the machine is worth me watching the video. And then you show quick clips of the assembly with great instructions. I hate it when you're watching a "how-to" and the spend so much time showing each hole being drilled, even if it's one of many of the same type. Thanks!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi, thank you so much for the kind words. March appreciated and thanks for watching!

[@carold.7907]

This is genius! Awesome!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you😊

[@keniabeltran5678]

I love your tattoo and thank you for the video from Spain

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Muchas gracias!😊

[@ALLANE1952]

Fantastic stuff! How about putting a slight decline into the frame? or a derailleur!...great idea my friend well done!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Some nice ideas!

[@matthewbohn3996]

I do have to say congratulations on replicating the concept 2 model A erg.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you!!

[@TimpBizkit]

It's a Concept 2 by 4

[@sahg1991]

Please make a video how to make water rowing would be great of you

[@MattLees-Nunan]

That would be cool

[@jhornsby1012]

Does it matter what length of cord you use? If so, what were the dimensions? Awesome detail in the video! Really appreciate this

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi! Thank you so much! The material list will be in the description😊

[@miguelschlieter851]

Excelente video 👌 saludos desde Argentina 🇦🇷

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Muchas Gracias y saludos de Australia😁

[@9xqspx6]

Great vid. I only wish you had better explained how it actually works!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yeah, that would've been helpful!

[@tomasvallejos1004]

Excelente trabajo!! Me ayudo demasiado. Te ganaste un suscriptor mas

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Gracias hermano! Mi siento feliz que lo disfrutas😍

[@andreagennari5796]

Good job

[@zulazmih]

Can i have a close up on the mechanical from start to the end of the puller.

[@anandprabhu7226]

Hi Matt. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful idea. Can this be scaled down to make a kids rowing machine?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi and thank you! I don't see why it couldn't😊

[@FaisalAlanson-pt4hy]

Cool

[@Kingmonkeywantbanana]

Nice 👍

[@mikegraham3356]

Great design - I'm making one. I can't seem to source pulleys like the ones shown: can you provide a weblink to them please?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-64mm-zinc-plated-swivel-pulley_p4220772?gclid=CjwKCAiA9vOABhBfEiwATCi7GD6KHSUnDjwD8o_EKCs88G2ZxLIi2bD-XE0hEweV3Ukavxd35ZBCJBoCAdoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds Hope this helps! Please feel free to send through a photo on instagram and I will re-post it😊

[@christianrolls8902]

2021 here and lumber is to expensive so I will just buy a rower lol

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Haha it is quite expensive, you're right!

[@Hiro-Sakamata]

It’s very cool, my i don’t your technic of creat. Very cool thank you

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you😊

[@panossss9416]

Very nice construction my friend! Ι am planning to build one because it's very expensive to buy a good rowing machine. I want to ask you something. Is sense of the resistance using this machine similar with an air rowing machine of the market?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yes, similar. If you want to make it with more resistance, then you would need to increase the size and amount of the metal fins:)

[@davorinrusevljan6440]

foot rests seem at somewhat steep angle

[@MattLees-Nunan]

They probably are slightly

[@jpmillan9985]

Dude you'r awesome

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you. We are all awesome in our own special ways😊

[@Pies.]

This guy tho It's Arms, Bodies rocked over, stroke and repeat

[@zaidragde7094]

Excuse me, what is the length of the chain?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Roughly 900mm😊

[@savata71]

Nice! Only maybe the steps should be installed at a slightly lower level, because the knees seem to be quite high when bent.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yep, not a bad thought there!👌

[@simonnowak3370]

In rownig boats you set the angel of the foodstretcher between 40°and 44° to the horizontal. And the heel depth 15cm-19cm vertical distance below the plane you're sitting on. All depending a littel on the athlete just try waht feels right is mostly good enough. And can prevent you from lower back pain in the future, mostly if training is rampt up faster than the core muscles can develop. But this is very specific knowledge I hope will help you but over all great great work and courage it putting it out there, for everyone to comment on. On a personal recommendation if you feel the seat even padded is to uncomfortable during longer sessions and you feel dissuaded to do the sport you obviously like. You may can get a sliding seat top from a rowing boat manufacturer repacementpaarts there are not all carbon fiber wood is quite common too. Or you can look at their pictures for the geometry and cutouts, match the distance of your hip ones and diy crave your own.

[@simonnowak3370]

And I can't give you the reason why but in most slides there is a ever so slide slope towards the feet. Like 3cm over a meter travel or something like that. Haven't picked up on it and maybe it enhances your experience on the rower. Maybe this will improve

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Very helpful advice and I appreciate your comments😊

[@Braddaddyx]

I do not get how the handle goes back, do you use a stretching band? if yes, they have a really uneven tension/resistance curve that makes a big quality malus.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi Brad, yes kind of... it's a bunjy cord which you can find in hardware stores. I hope this helps. Full list of materials in the description:)

[@Braddaddyx]

@@MattLees-Nunan That is a great idea, much better than those stretching bands for training. I will try that bunjy band. Thank you!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Great, let me know if you have any other questions!

[@nicolasrodriguez1840]

Great build! How many hours did it take you to make?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you! It took one day of planning how I was going to do it and 8hrs to build it😊

[@kowollik1]

Perfect

[@lorenzogigi9941]

Hi matt 😊 can you please send me the measures of the woods??? And the mechanical parts please 🙏

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hello, so the parts list should be in the description🙃

[@dangelico]

Nice! How much resistance can you get out of the bicycle wheel with the sheet metal attached?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Quite a bit. The larger the metal fins and the more = more resistance

[@eaj12001]

You need to package and sell them on your own website

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hahaha not a bad idea!

[@norarossetti7877]

Stupendo!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

GRACIAS😁

[@ConstructiveMinds100]

Dark wooden varnish would hide all of the wholes significantly.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

That would look nice:)

[@mirkocaruso5366]

Awesome!! Do you have a project of this work?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi Mirko, in the description there should be a list of materials and fixings. Hope this helps!

[@andreagennari5796]

congratulations your rowing machine project is beautiful, is it possible to have measurements and suggestions? I would like to make it the same but in aluminum thanks

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you very much! Out of aluminium🙌 cool! So the measurements should be in the description. Let me know if that helps!

[@coleride]

how do you increase the resistance? And how does the odometer pick up the strokes/speed? Thank you.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

If you were to increase resistance you will need more fins between the wheel spokes😊 The Odometer is set to a 19 inch wheel and is a wireless device which calculates the distance through revolutions recorded.

[@coleride]

@@MattLees-Nunan thank you

[@davorinrusevljan6440]

you row harder

[@zulazmih]

Can i have the detail of the component for the mechanical. As what i saw is.. 1. Bicycle rear wheel 2. Gear 3. Chain 4. Rubber cable .

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Sure!😊 Could you please send me your email, so that I can send photos?

[@zulazmih]

@@MattLees-Nunan [e-mail]

[@haiinh8858]

@@MattLees-Nunan [e-mail]

[@haiinh8858]

Can i have the detail of component for the mechanical, send for me mail [e-mail]. Thanks you!

[@ConstructiveMinds100]

Please can someone justify/explain the price over 1200 pound price of wooden shop equipment. Labour from 3 world country? Material that was bought in bulk? .....

[@ConstructiveMinds100]

Kudos for this guy. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yes, inflation makes things difficult:(

[@arquimedesmendes7208]

Very nice work man. You dont't have to spent big bucks on a water rower.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hahaha correct!

[@stavros1774]

Congratulations it's a great build but what type of wood is this ;

[@stavros1774]

Also I will try to make one , thanks for the tutorial

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you! It's just pine😊

[@kmpatricio]

Perfect

[@pauloxavier8026]

TODOS SOMOS IGUALES COOL TATTOO

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thanks! I live by this motto😊

[@fit-with-eaz2627]

1957

[@dvtto2646]

Your're better off just getting a used concept2 model c for that price

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yes, but that's not as fun🤪

[@TimpBizkit]

If you keep the tyre on you get a better flywheel.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

I like your thinking!

[@glautonribeiro371]

Quanto você gastou para produzir o aparelho?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

El preció a todo? 200 dolarés

[@johnmalaihollo]

Nice!!! So the black rope underneath is an elastic band?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

It's a bunjy-like rope. I picked a 5m length from Bunnings up for around $10😊

[@johnmalaihollo]

@@MattLees-Nunan cool so the bungy is mainly for the repeating/retraction of the motion while the bulk of the resistance comes from the "propellor" blades. Are your blades removable to add more resistance?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

@@johnmalaihollo Exactly!🙂 So when you're putting it together you want quite a bit of tension on that bunjy rope to allow it to spring back. It might take a bit of "trial and error" Yes, you can add or reduce propellers to increase or decrease resistance. You don't even need to screw them in there. If they're tight enough in the spokes they AIN'T going anywhere!😉

[@johnmalaihollo]

@@MattLees-Nunan awesome and thanks for replying! Have an awesome weekend!

[@wilianvicentenogueramartin2310]

Hola buenas Simplemente quería decir que esa forma de "remar" no es la correcta Los brazos en ningún momento deben de estar obligados a tener que subir para no chocar con las rodillas De echo en cuanto la empuñadura toca el pecho se tiene que volver a extender los brazos y bajar muy poco las manos

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Bueno! Gracias por las informaciónes muchacho🙏

[@abhishekkaushik9496]

Hii

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi

[@d3fau1thmph]

1. You don't even row properly. 2. Odometer is nonsensical without force meter.

[@terkanovakova2048]

The Guy is going so wrong!!!

[@rob-artfarmingnz6138]

What's that guy doing??? 🤦‍♂️ Look at the arm movement 🤣

[@MattLees-Nunan]

It's a mystery💁‍♂️

[@dansNUT]

Cool creation, but for the love of all things good and healthy, DO NOT row like the guy in this video. What was he doing!? 🤣🤣

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hahaha might need a few pointers!🤣

[@astarr8813]

Your model doesn't know how to row, I hope they don't end up with an injury 🤞 The machine Look good though!

[@Kq4hcuDan]

Good video but horrible music, from like 1990's porno

[@MattLees-Nunan]

@Kq4hcuDan Hahaha I love this!! 🤣

[@Oeschioeschi]

The technique he is rowing is wrong and not healthy for his back

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yeah, would nice to have a rowing instructor in the IsoGym. Would you be interested?

[@Oeschioeschi]

@@MattLees-Nunan yeah if you pay my flight from Germany I will come 😉

[@MattLees-Nunan]

You'll have to quarantine for two weeks in a hotel. Are you prepared to do that?

[@Oeschioeschi]

@@MattLees-Nunan haha , no i don’t think That…. Where are you living ?

[@mustdoit]

Fucking a.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

😂😂😂

[@benjaminmarks8765]

That rowing technique 😭😭🤢

[@vato3198]

Your rowing technique is terrible. Sorry, but you should check that out before your back reminds you to do so.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yeah it does need work you're right🤣

[@carmenschumann826]

. . . this is when not knowing much about rowing merges with missing knowledge about physics and bad construction habits . . .

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Feel free to comment how I could do better. Self-development is a passion of mine❤

[@b.e.1865]

This is pretty much exactly how a concept 2 model A works

[@Blockhead_teda]

Cool as fuck but $180 just get a cheap one from Amazon or Facebook market

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Buying one's no fun!

[@gabrielcoombs6891]

how much money is the wood

[@MattLees-Nunan]

$110

[@SykPaul]

i think the foot rest is too high and the angle is too tight, he cant bend his knees

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yep, feel free to adjust it for your design if you like:)

[@briangriffo2815]

did he really cut the frame to take the chain off? 😐

[@MattLees-Nunan]

It appears so🫣

[@neidsonbaiao2093]

Parabéns, muito bom!!!

[@f4v3r0]

Todos somos iguais!!!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Exactamente hermano!🫶

[@lilymalacon944]

Rocker feature is excellent, easy add on for resistance if desired

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi, just wondering what a rocker feature is?

[@naveengthomas8497]

Thanks brother, this is our project equipment ❤️❤️💯❤️❤️

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Awesome! Good luck with it all😊 Please tag on instagram of finished product, so we can share with the fans😃 @mattnunan

[@joer2946]

That amazing, i have a request. I have a spin bike. I would like to build motion handle bars in order to turn it into a "assault/air bike" i was thinking of using pvs pipe and flat bars to make the linkage. But i dint know how i would go about attaching everything to the spin bike. How would you go about it. Perhaps a video to show...

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hello! That sounds super interesting. Hmmm... I'm not sure but I believe failure doesn't exist so you may as well just practice until it works for you! Would love to hear how it goes if you would like to shoot me a message!

[@ptrigg10]

Could you not have used the handlebars from the bike for the row bar(not got a clue what that bit is called) ? My question is I have an old donated row machine with no display and want to try to make it so it works with some Ind of sensor (stroke rate or distance), any tips ?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi, great question!...The reason why I've been able to attach a Bluetooth odometer is because it's able to pick up the revolutions on the bike wheel attached. Without the wheel I'm not sure how you would do it but maybe asking someone involved in technology may be able to help you out with this one!

[@iuriproietti3957]

Si riesce a riprodurre la stessa resistenza massima del concept 2?

[@jr5389]

Great 👍👍👍 job..........i use to have a concept 2 but had to sell it as I was moving country. Shop bought rowers are hugely over priced because there intend for making £$€¥ from you at gyms. They have to cover millions of miles............ This rower would be great for the home..............👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yeah it's crazy the price they charge! Can't wait to hear how you go. Send through a photo on my instagram if you decide to make one🤘

[@mpmurphy00]

Woah, sawed through a bike frame to recover a rusty chain; and later apparently sawed through at least one of the links to break the loop anyways - one hooked end clearly still has the pin. Maybe could borrow a chain link tool? Or add $20 to the budget.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Sounds like you'll need a new chain?

[@riccardodegiorgio6647]

COSA STO GUARDANDO NON SI USA COSÌ IL VOGATORE 😡

[@loicadiko8658]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@paulmanning8662]

Looks brilliant, but how does the wireless odometer pick up the revolutions of the wheel?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

It has been programmed to suit the size of the wheel. Each revolution is recorded on the computer which translates to the speed😊

[@eco_guardian]

I love Auzzies - I love the sleeveless shirt too mate, clearly you work out. How about hooking a generator up to it?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hahaha thanks mate! Yeah we struggle with the old fashion concept sometimes😅 Hmmmm🤔.....a generator. Not a bad idea at all!

[@anthonycraig274]

Open source rowing machine. I absolutely love it.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thanks mate:)

[@MrPabliton]

Im here just for comments about stroke technique.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Great!

[@kaanyildirim8972]

🤮good machine but please learn to row.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Maybe you could make a video demonstration🙌

[@jr5389]

Ps I’m going to make one, cheers 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Woohoo!!😍

[@milton8586]

Hi there! Would you please give some instruction on the rail part of it. I need help with that.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yes, definitely. What is your email address and I'll forward you a photo!

[@milton8586]

@@MattLees-Nunan That's great! Please send it to [e-mail] much appreciated!!!

[@NoClueH2]

Great design. A simpler way to add adjustable resistance would be to use the brakes off the bike. You’d have to replace the blocks from time to time but it would allow adjustment. You could also probably use the Derailleur and gear set up to adjust resistance - little more complex, but gives you more options. Either way, GREAT JOB😃😃😃😃😃

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Oh wow! I never thought of that. Nice idea👌🙌

[@NoClueH2]

Thanks! Another option would be to have more bands of bungee cord with hooks on the end that you could add or take off to add or remove resistance depending on what kind of work out you wanted or who was using the machine. The first method you could adjust with levers sat on the machine, but the second one would mean getting off the machine.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

@@NoClueH2 You're a smart man!

[@davorinrusevljan6440]

that would be a significant step back from current design, which uses air resistance to mimic resistance in the boat very well, while friction resistance does not replicate boat very well if at all.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Yes, I would be a fan of that idea!

[@lorenzogigi9941]

Hi matt, can you write the measures of the woods please?

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hi! It should be in the description of this video;)

[@il_caporale7060]

Bello ma remi in un modo assolutamente disgustoso

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Si! Definetivemente, necitamos practicar😊

[@Turbokarp]

Very neat build 💪💪👍

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Thank you! Hope it came in handy🙌

[@brianlee1933]

I want one! Lol

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Get building then😁

[@victorjimenez-eu9um]

WOW GRACIAS.

[@MattLees-Nunan]

De Nada!😁

[@mattamus69]

Love it.

[@matiasarevalo4455]

Hola desde argentina, no se pueden poner medidas? Gracias!

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Dios Mio!!! Olvidé poner los materiales en la descripción😬 Gracias por avisarme! Voy a hacerlo hoy😊👊

[@matiasarevalo4455]

Ok espero, sería se gran ayuda. Muchas gracias por el video.🙂🙂🙂

[@MattLees-Nunan]

@@matiasarevalo4455 de nada hermano

[@MattLees-Nunan]

Hola Matias! Acabo de poner los materiales en la descripción. Avísame si esta bien por favor👍😊

[@matiasarevalo4455]

Siiiiiii, no se cómo agraderte. Yo are the one!!!

[@joseantoniopenafiel4079]

OMG what is that guy doing in that machine?? That's not rowing, that's a crime!