I'm pretty sure my weight bench is too small. I feel scrunched up when I try and bench anything. Is 1 1/2 feet too narrow? I had thought bout getting a new olympic bench for the basement, but I already have a couple hundred lbs of standard weights.

http://webpages.charter.net/enderle/workout/bench.jpg

It's certainly more fun working out when you feel comfortable with your equipment. .. I can't see the lower part of your bench, but maybe you can replace that white round bar that separates the 2 supports with a longer bar so the supports are further apart?

the 2 verticle bars (Which hold up the barbell) are welded to the bench. There is no moving them. The white horizontal bar you see is what allows me to adjust the angle of the bench. When I bench, my hands are practially next to each other. A foot and a half isnt too wide. I think that is a bit too narrow of a grip.

Ok, I see. Well I would suggest to buy a sturdy bench and a 7 ft long barbell that will fit standard weights. Meanwhile, if you can't afford a new bench, I'll give it some thought to see if I can think of a way to modify that bench, but I can't see the lower part of it.

Of course just buying a 7 ft long barbell that will accept standard weights would solve your grip problem, so that might be all you need for now, ... so maybe first buy the barbell, then as funds permit you can buy a new bench or modify your existing bench, so to have more room for your shoulders between the uprights.

My last post might have been a bit confusing, as I assumed you would feel ok about placing your hands on the outside of the supports. Although you could do that now except it doesn't look like there's much room between the plates and the supports, so you might be in danger of pinching your hands when placing the barbell back on the supports. Also to place your hands on the outside of the supports I guess you would have to lay on the bench so the barbell would be above your forehead, as opposed to above your chest... otherwise the supports would be in the way. .. at least that's how I imagine it would be. Well, anyway, those are just some brainstorming ideas I had. Don't know if they will help.

right.. there is not enough room outside the supports for me to put my hand. I didnt realize how small it was untill I went to the gym and was using their olympic benches. Plenty of room there! I know they are a lot wider than 1 1/2 ft! Getting a longer bar would help, as then I could put my hands outside the supports, which isnt ideal, but better than having my fists practially together. I suppose it works a different part of my pecs close grip.

Another thought. If you have been working out that way for awhile, I think you owe it to yourself to get a nice solid bench as soon as funds permit. You have shown yourself that you are motivated enough so that you will get good use out of it. Actually, if there's any way you can do it, a solid power rack would be a great investment. You could then just cut the supports off of your current bench, but then you would have to also buy a longer barbell to fit on the power rack. In my opinion, you can't go wrong exchanging money for your health... the ability to have a great workout at home in safety is a way to relieve stress as you build health and confidence. It's worth it to buy quality. If there's not enough room for a power rack you might be able to find someone to build you a slightly smaller version of one.

Here is something very cool that I just found. Called the free spotter.

http://www.shermworks.com/xworks.html

It might be perfect for you. I have a squat cage and just ordered a smith machine and if I had the room for the free spotter I'd get it too. I'm going to bookmark the page incase I later find room for it.

i had that rpoblem, upgraded to an olympic bench but had standard weights and bar. I got a 7foot bar from nybb. Works fine, but i wish i hadent wasted my 50 bucks on it and just saved up a bit and bought an olympic set for 100. I plan to buy an olympic set, maby two when i get the money.

the 2 verticle bars (Which hold up the barbell) are welded to the bench. There is no moving them. The white horizontal bar you see is what allows me to adjust the angle of the bench. When I bench, my hands are practially next to each other. A foot and a half isnt too wide. I think that is a bit too narrow of a grip.

I ran into that same problem for some amount of years, buying my equipment as cheap as possible from the local department stores. It seemed that the uprights were always right where I really wanted to place my hands. I worked with what I had for as long as I had too. I still made gains...just not the same type gains I'm able to make now, with having the ability to place my hands where ever I need too.
Work with what your budget allows. Right now, what would you benefit more from? A new bench, or a new weight set?
Standard plates weigh the same as olympic plates.

Right.. I hate to get rid of the current bench, as its only a few years old. However I am serious about lifting, and feel that this bench is so cheaply made I might need to get a decent one. Its not like I'm going to use it to hold clothes or boxes :)