Repair station how to get started (baby steps)

[mainedvr]

I am in the DIY section and well that say's it all. I want to start maintaining and repairing my own gear and well am looking for some input on how to get started.

A bit of back ground on myself. I am a Master Electrcian, I have worked in maintenance or construction for the last 23 years, and prior to that have worked in various other fields of construction. Currently I work in Tech Maintenance for a local municipality in the waste water end. I work with mechanical equipment and test equipment on a daily basis, and know enough to know that I want to start slow and work my way into this.

That being said, can anyone direct me to some reading material like manuals or anything like the chilton manuals but for dive gear. What would be a good first project to under take? I have an old bc that the inflator hose weld came apart so I could take all that apart and see how it works, I do not have any old regs around but could buy a few off ebay.

Thanks for any input and while I know it will be subjective, I will see it for what it is.

 

[Skooter]

Here is a good starting point

Airspeed Press Homepage - Books For Serious Divers

 

[Wookie]

Read this: Regulator Savvy (Spiral Bound) Then go hang out at this website: Store - Air Flow Analyzer, Bench Fixtures, Pressure Gauges, Regulator Test Instruments . Drool over all of the goodies. Then start buying stuff.

 

[decompression]

Go to Diverightin.com to the tools link. It has a very solid text about regulators in general. Each manufacture has its own maintenance guide for its regs, they can be found online in a few places, frog kick diving is one. Things like BCDs are an easy thing to disassemble and repair. Regulators are a bit different. With your background it would seem you have a lot of the general tools and you are sure to pick up more along the way. Many of us have hydrosonic cleaners that can be found cheap and are priceless when it comes to cleaning metal parts. Enjoy!

 

[j2s]

Frogkick.com for manuals and Scubatools.com for good quality tools....W/your background you won't have any problems and you'll see how easy 'self-maintenance' is.......

 

[NotSure]

I think Skooter gave you the best place to get started. Vance Harlow's "Scuba Regulator Maintenance and Repair" is the essential starting point. His book explains in simple language how all of the different types of regulators work and I my opinion that is much more important than the specifics of how to repair a particular regulator. He also covers many of the tools you might need and even how to DIY a few. When you are ready to start spending the big bucks I would defiantly recommend an ultra-sonic cleaner, mine cost about a $150 and works great. You will also need an intermediate pressure gauge (0-300psi), watch Ebay for old industrial gauges, they are high quality and often sell cheap, mine cost 15$ and is six inches in diameter so it's easy to read. Also watch for a cheap magnehelic gauge in the 0-3" range. I got one new in the box for $20 plus shipping. Some of the tools you will need will be specific to the type/brand of regulator you plan to service. Good luck, with your background working with your hands you will have no problem repairing scuba regs.

 

[emoreira]

Go to Diverightin.com to the tools link.

This site seems not to exist.
Perhaps it's this one :
http://www.diverightinscuba.com/

 

[decompression]

This site seems not to exist.
Perhaps it's this one :
Dive Right In Scuba | Plainfield scuba diving lessons and scuba equipment. We also provide scuba certification for the Chicago area.

That's the one.

 

[mainedvr]

Thanks everyone, this will definitly get me started and when I think I have an idea of what I am doing, I will post something and you can point out all my mis steps and then I will really be learning

Thanks again...

 

[spectrum]

+1 for the Vance Harlow's book from Airspeed Press

We haven't set the date but at a future Maine-iac Divers meeting we will be having another regulator clinic or primmer. It's not a repair event or class but Luis presents a lot of background of how regulators work along with the care and feeding. Once you now that you should be off to a good start with your experience.

Lining up a source of parts can be the biggest trick depending on your brand.

Pete