DIY Backplate materials

[aalbinger]

I've seen a recent thread in this forum and various links elsewhere to people doing DIY aluminum and SS backplates. The largest obstacle seems to be the price of the SS or finding a brake big enough to do the job that is still affordable.

I have been pondering if a backplate could be made by welding together pieces of regular steel and then having that powdercoated. It seems like a good welding/grinding/prep job should be able to produce a very smooth piece that would powdercoat well. I believe that it would also end up with decent oxidation resistance.

Has anyone tried this? Or is there some basic flaw I'm missing?

I realize it still may be cheaper and faster to buy a BP from one of the many folks online or in bricks-n-mortar shops, but the DIY bug has bit me and this seems to be a somewhat affordable way to get a custom BP.

-Andrew

 

[TX101]

How good are your fabrication & welding skills?

Remember this thing is going into the water. Powdercoat would help protect against corrosion - until you scratched it. It would be better to build it in stainless, but that requires a greater skill level than mild steel.

I think cutting all the slots properly would be more difficult than welding the plates together - but then again, I don't have a plasma cutter. Remember, they have to be deburred so they dont slice your webbing when you are on a dive.

I'd say if you have access to the equipment and have the skills, then go for it.

 

[fgray1]

if you use SS and can weld, they have SS welding rod . I've welded with it many time in my younger days. Bevel your edges and weld both side then grind smooth. You won't need to pwdercoat. In case you didn't know the welded area in stronger than the original metal. I'm tinking of doing one as well. Just haven't had the time.

 

[Poogweese]

Would marine grade aluminum be easier and cheaper to work with? Has anyone made a backplate from marine grade aluminum?

Poog

 

[cool_hardware52]

For marine app the first choice is usually 5052, unless you need to weld it or heat treat it.



Regards,




Tobin George

 

[scubasrm2]

Several years ago I made a plate, SS, for diving singles. I got a 12"x 24"x.120" 316 SS plate from McMaster-Carr. Cost about $45
I didn't bend a channel only a slight bend for the contour of my back on a press.I see the channel as the biggest problem if you don't have access to the right tools. Cut the shape on a band saw and cut the slots and holes on a mill. Deburred with a Dremell tool. Took a couple weeks at lunch too finish.
With the channel plate for duals, it put my center of gravity high and I would turtle. With the tank tighter to me no more roll and I trim better.
Now I'm set for duals or singles, no farting around changing bladders and threading bands.

 

[redacted]

I made mine from 1/4 inch T6 (6061) aluminum that I had found. Lot of work with circular saw, jig saw, drill, and dremel tool. 10 degree bends with no channel. Comes in at ablut 4 pounds. Love it, but not worth the work.

 

[sauga]

It all seems to come down to time and tooling. I considered building my own, but after initial investigation, I determined it wasn't worth the investment. Not sure what the press would cost, but figure $50ish+ for materials and then all the time for planning and actually building one, the $130-180 seems reasonable. Also don't overlook the FredT plates. I've not seen one, but they are rumored to be high on the bang/buck list.

Now video camera housings, there's where you make a killing by building your own...

John

 

[Potapko]

Anybody ever build their own plastic plate?

 

[fgray1]

Anybody ever build their own plastic plate?

I used a Peice of 4 inch schedule 80 pvc from home depot.
They came out good but I only use them I a BCD like a Zeagle Ranger as a back brace.
You can heat the plastic up and contour it to your.
Fred