Happy Feet Weights

As you will remember, during the afternoon session at the annual WAAC meeting, Dawn recommended (among other things) the flat, steel Happifeet weights. We knew about these and have felt the need for them for some time, and were prompted by Dawn's presentation (thanks, Dawn) to do something about it. I priced them on line, and found the price has gone up to $400.00 plus $30.00 for shipping (ref: ). Here's another supplier of cast iron weights (ref: ), but those would be even more expensive (although easier to handle).

Judy thought she could do better than that thru one or another of the local toolmakers and suppliers she's met over the years. In fact she found someone and had someone make 4 steel weights for us. Each has a handle that's part of the weight (like the Happifeet do), each is 12" X 12" X 1" in size and weighs 42 lbs. Judy had him tap 2 holes in each to which the canopy leg can be attached with ¼" X 20 bolts). The holes go all the way thru each weight. The total cost (including tax) for all 4 weights was $300.60.

I'm attached a photo I took of one of them. (I cropped out the tips of my feet, the inclusion of which would greatly increase the price.)

I asked Dick (of Dick's Superior Welding, Inc.) if he would make more if asked to do so. He said, "Yes." One catch is he left town for vacation yesterday afternoon and won't be back until June 1st. However, Judy ordered them on 05/14 or 05/15, and he had them done as of yesterday (05/20).

I think other members of WAAC might be interested in the stability such weights provide, in saving $130.00, and in supporting the local economy. If you think so, too, here is his contact info:

Dick's Superior Welding, Inc.
4298 Acker Road
Madison, WI 53704
608-244-9332