Build Your Own Lawn Striping, Lawn Striper, Mower Attachment!
These directions are for the JK7000 Model Lawn Striping Attachment.
Yours may vary.
Fair Warning: If you build this exactly as it is here, it will not work. Version 1 didn't come out so hot. However, the general concept is correct. There are a few things you can do to make it work properly. The main thing is to create a rotating pin. So, instead of attaching the weighted roller directly to the mower, it should attach to a mounting bracket in 1 spot. This 1 point will create a 'pin' type attachment that will allow it to freely rotate. That mounting bracket would then attach to the mower. During the next cutting season, I'll re-build my striper and post photos and new instructions. Until then, see horrid diagram below.
Step 1.
First off, make sure you have a workspace that is clean and free from obstacles that could cause injury. Especially when using power tools.
Step 2.
Ensure you are wearing proper footwear for using said power tools. Safety first.
Step 3.
Organize the materials you will need. I am using 4" PVC pipe, with 2 4" PVC end caps. I will be mounting the attachment to the mower using 3/4" oak plywood. I will be attaching the PVC to the mounting bracket with 5/16" x 2" hex head bolts and hex nuts. I'll be also attaching the mounting bracket to the mower using the same 5/16" hex head bolts. I am also using 2 washers on the outside of the mounting bracket on the mower side, 1 washer on the inside of the PCV end cap, and 1 washer on the outside of the mounting bracket. So, in total 6 washers.
Step 4.
We now need to drill a 5/16" hole (or whatever size bolts you are using) in the PCV end caps. We want these holes to be in identical places (or as close as possible) on both end caps. To achieve this, I have placed 2x4's in a 90 degree angle, and slid the end cap against both 2x4's.
Now, I place a scrap piece of wood over the 2x4's and measure 4 inches from each end and mark the spot where they intersect. 4 inches is the magic number because 4" PVC pipe is 5 inches wide (it's measured based on final interior dimension), plus, I have 1 1/2" of 2x4. So, divide the 5 inch PVC by 2, which is 2.5", plus the 1 1/2" inch for the 2x4, equals 4".
Step 5.
Meausre your mower to determine the proper lenght for the PCV pipe in the middle. Be sure to take into account room for your mounting hardware and the end caps. A regular miter saw will cut the PVC just fine.
At this point, we have our major components.
Step 6.
We're gonna use the table saw. Put on your safety googles. Dora says, "Safety first!". Oh yeah, and turn on the blacklight. It's easier to cut that way.

(dear god, don't do that.)
I ripped a piece of 3/4" oak ply to 2" wide. Then crosscut it to 10" long strips.
Two 10" long, 2" in wide strips.
Step 6.
Use the bolts and washers to attach the mounting bracket to the end caps. Do not overtighten, as this needs to roll.
Just in case you couldn't figure out how to attach it on the inside. Complex stuff here.
Step 7.
Test fit the mo-fos. DO NOT GLUE YET.
Step 7.
To get am assebly that would attach to my mower and still be wide enough to stretch to the ends of the mower wheels, I needed to add some shims. So, I cut the same 2" wide 3/4" oak ply into 4" long strips.
I attached the shims to the INSIDE of the mounting bracket using 2 screws on each shim.
Step 8.
I attached the mounting hardware to the mower deck where the handle support is bolted to the deck. I replaced the 1" bolt with 2" bolts and a washer on the outside. Leave this just slightly loose so the attachment has a little give to move up and down over bumps in the lawn.
Once you have verified everything fits properly, you can remove it from the mower, pop off one end cap and fill with a material of your choice to add weight. I'll be using sand and BB's. For this size striping attachment, I want a total weight of around 35lbs. Once you have used the device and are happy with the results, you can easily paint it to match your mower (mine will be black).
Happy Striping!