How To Build Your Own Diving Lung

[JamesBon92007]

My daughter was talking to an 89-year-old guy who said he made his own scuba regulator back in the 50s. He said he made it from a fire extinguisher. Naturally I had to learn more but so far have not found any good sites that show how to do it. Anyone have any links? I found out there was an article in the June 1953 Popular Science magazine but can't find the article. Given the time frame I figured this was more of a "Vintage" than a "DIY" question.

 

[JamesBon92007]

Oops, make that JULY 1953.

 

[herman]

There has to be reprints somewhere. A LDS has the article up on the wall, it was a differnt time back then.

 

[herman]

Amazing what a google search will turn up. Here you go. Archive Viewer | Popular Science

 

[duckbill]

The fire extinguisher would have been used as a cylinder, not a regulator.

 

[Thalassamania]

Cover:

 

[Gilldiver]

Ya, and you get to use a back plate too. Shows how far back plates and such go, DIR is just a refindment.

 

[JamesBon92007]

Amazing what a google search will turn up. Here you go. Archive Viewer | Popular Science

I am "Google-Impaired." Whenever I search I don't find the stuff everyone else finds. I really *did* search before asking. Thanks!

 

[JamesBon92007]

The fire extinguisher would have been used as a cylinder, not a regulator.

I don't have many details yet but I was thinking that fire extinguishers have an on/off valve controlled by a lever which (perhaps) could be used as a demand valve. Plus it comes with the air tank. I'll try to get more info from the guy via my daugther.

 

[vintagediver]

"Making an Aqualung" by E.T. Fearon

Detailed instructions on tank, regulator, and pack.