"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance" Thomas Jefferson

The inherently robust Kettlestack design affords a very wide range of weight and shape options.
We ask that you keep to the basic rule of keeping the center stack width between 3.5" and 4.5" wide .
If you are consider 35lbs and below please scan all the way through this page and get back in touch with us if you are at all unsure about this information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To handle a wide variety of core widths, all  Kettlestack models
use

• tempered steel bands
• our patended internal  pivot design.

  Still, it's best to setup the core width between 3.5" and 4.5" (pic on the right), and that usually amounts to 3~5 plates depending on the particulars of the core.

  Sometimes, to get just the right weight, you might think you need to set up a Kettlestack with a  very narrow core width.   You really don't but to expand on the point you'll have to read along to see:

Here's a setup with

• 20 lbs of weight 2*2.5+3*5
•  1 3" bolt
• blue steel bands
• hexaxle going into the highest position (closest to the handle).
• over 1" of play between core width and the nominal position of the
  bands.
• Note how the 2.5 lb plates are outboard of the
  band? Since this is really the setup you should avoid, read on to understand but don't bother following the steps!

The key part of this setup is squeezing the band over the hexaxle so you can tighten down the 3" bolt . 

The total stack width was just wide enough that the bolt head actually came down snug against the outer 2.5lb plate before coming flush with the hexaxle, however, the flex in the bands would have kept everything tight even if the bolt couldn't meet up with the hexaxle.

Checkout the bend on that band!  It feels like you're loading a cross bow.

Even with the Kettlestack's PatPending "flexomatic" geometry and high tempered steel bands, that is really pushing the limit. Please don't go below 3" in the core width , and do back off the axle to the lowest position.

Voila !

One tight package with three 5lbs plates between the bands,

and a 2.5 outboard of each band.

In hindsight, it would be easier to stick the 2.5s inboard of the bands (shown) and back off the hexaxle to a lower position (not shown). Try to keep the core width between 3.5" and 4.5"- That's quite a spread and will accomodate many, many setups.

Please contact us if you have any questions on setup...