Distributing weight of four legs evenly over surface

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concern of distributing the weight of a stepper exercise machine, which has four legs, evenly over a canvas shelf to prevent tearing. Participants explore potential solutions and implications of placing the machine on such a surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a thin metal plate, such as 1/8th inch thick aluminum, under the legs to distribute the weight and prevent damage to the canvas.
  • Another participant raises a concern about the cyclical loading of the stepper potentially wearing out the canvas regardless of weight distribution methods.
  • There is a question about the purpose of placing the machine on the canvas shelf, with a suggestion that it may be for storage and that the machine would be moved to a solid floor for use.
  • One participant simply responds with "No," indicating a lack of support for the feasibility of distributing the weight effectively.
  • A repeated post reiterates the original concern about the potential for tearing the canvas shelf.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of distributing the weight effectively, with some proposing solutions while others express skepticism about the effectiveness of those solutions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to prevent damage to the canvas shelf.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions about the structural integrity of the canvas and the potential effects of cyclical loading that are not fully explored. The discussion does not clarify whether the canvas shelf is intended for permanent use of the machine or merely for storage.

Tan88
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I have a stepper exercise machine that stands on four legs and I would like to place this machine on a shelf made of canvas cloth ( the whole wardrobe is made of canvas ). The problem is I think the shelf would tear where the four legs are. So I would like to ask if there is any way I could distribute the weight of the four legs evenly over the whole floor of the canvas shelf?
Thanks.
 
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No.
 
Just put a plate of thin metal, say 1/8th inch thick aluminum the size of the whole machine and put it under the legs. That should spread out the force enough to not rip the canvas. Also think about doubling up the thickness of the canvas.

Why do you want to do such a thing anyway? Is this a size constriction of the machine taking up too much floor space?
 
Tan88 said:
I have a stepper exercise machine that stands on four legs and I would like to place this machine on a shelf made of canvas cloth ( the whole wardrobe is made of canvas ). The problem is I think the shelf would tear where the four legs are. So I would like to ask if there is any way I could distribute the weight of the four legs evenly over the whole floor of the canvas shelf?
Thanks.
Sounds a bit dangerous. The cyclical loading of the stepper would seem like it would wear out the canvas no matter what...
 
The canvas shelf is just for storage, right? Am I correct in assuming you will take the machine off the shelf and put it on a solid floor for use.
 

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