Are backplate dimensions standardized?

[Eric Sedletzky]

Well, I mean, not really, but also I believe the slot will function similarly well at 60 or even 65 mm length if this is a concern. Finagling, as mentioned at some point. I guess if you have a router then go for that. I don't.

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A chain saw sharpening file works great on the rounded ends. Just make sure you don’t push the cutoff wheel to far in or it will leave cut lines on the ends. Cut on both sides and if you still need to, use a fine hack saw blade to cut the last few mm to get the slug out. I use a small bastard file to clean up the slot, chain saw sharpening round file on the ends, a little emery or in my case a 90 degree angle die grinder with a 2” brown deburring/metal conditioning disc and I’m done.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Many of these incompatibility issues seem to be tied to the trend to use a backplate and wing without an STA when diving singles. Use an STA and many of these issues go away. Just another option.

Yeah, but STA’s add more weight (maybe not wanted), more parts, more fasteners, moves the tank further away from your body, and in some cases STA’s become a pain in the ass because the wing nuts/thumb wheels can constantly loosen unless you use nylocks and a wrench.
The STA on top of an already tall channel does not add to streamlining, it detracts from it, and puts the tank way too far away from the diver…IMO of course.

 

[jborg]

FWIW, I’m not doing any grinding on my plates, they already have the right things in the right places. I was mostly pointing out, in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek manner, that many incompatibilities can be solved. I suppose if you’re (general you) the kind of person who wants their slot to be precisely 55mm, perfectly bevelled, in exactly the right place and even a single mm of overshoot is unacceptable, then you’re probably not thinking “let’s bring out the angle grinder” either.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Yeah, but STA’s add more weight (maybe not wanted), more parts, more fasteners, moves the tank further away from your body, and in some cases STA’s become a pain in the ass because the wing nuts/thumb wheels can constantly loosen unless you use nylocks and a wrench.
The STA on top of an already tall channel does not add to streamlining, it detracts from it, and puts the tank way too far away from the diver…IMO of course.

All of that is overplayed IMO. I've used BP/W both with and without an STA. I can hardly tell the difference. I use delrin thumbwheels. Loosening is minimal. I prefer using an STA because (1) I completely disassemble my rig before and after each charter or shore dive and (2) I regularly swap between weighted & unweighted STAs, 2 different backplate sizes (5# and 10#) and 2 different wings. Not using an STA would be a PITA to support that kind of flexibility.

Non-STA BP/W setups are great. I have no issue with them. They just don't match the diving I do and the flexibility that I need.

Back when I regularly swapped between singles and doubles was another reason I used an STA. I no longer dive doubles but I still very much appreciate my STAs.

 

[garyh]

the disc will barely make a scratch in the surface before the diameter overruns the length of the slot



How about a drill and then die in a router

cut in as far as you can from one side then flip it and finish it from the other
a used smaller disc will cut in deeper
router might work but SS with be tough on the bit, alum can be done with a jigsaw
do you know anyone with a plasma cutter

 

[lexvil]

Or just buy another plate

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[The Ruttmeister]

Quick turn laser cutting and even overseas machining is cheaper and even more accessable than ever.

If you have a dxf you can get a beautiful plate made from whatever material you want.

(For example, instead of CF, how about FR4 or G10?)

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

do you know anyone with a plasma cutter

I have a plasma cutter.
It’s OK, not super clean and cuts need to be cleaned up quite a bit. For perimeter cutting they are fine because I can use a flap disc grinder to clean it up, but for slots it’s not ideal.
The best is laser cutting hands down.

 

[jborg]

The best is laser cutting hands down.

I often use vague projects as an excuse to buy more cool tools but, at that point, I think I'd get a different plate instead.

 

[happy-diver]

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