Fiberglass back plate

[deepdivered]

hmm maybe i will still make one. i have not asked about borrowing one. i know i can rent gear for free there. have not check if there are any back plates for rent. how long would you have to lay there for that back mold? i can always mack a mold out of plywood. here is a blue print.

Here's a design I've been playing around with. Local places are quoting close to $130 for aluminum.

 

[james croft]

Would it be possible to do a hand layup molded to your back. You could do the layup on a heavy piece of visqueen plastic film and as you lie face down have a helper place the layup on your back, visqueen side down. After the resin cures, trim to shape and cut out slots and holes.

Sounds like you are trying to re-invent my old Voit Snugpack.

 

[deepdivered]

Why waste time making a fiberglass BP when you can buy an aluminum one for $60 (Dive Rite). In the end, I think the FB plate will be about $30, homemade and weigh about the same.

well length of time is not a bad thing. the project would be a blast! just the fun factor.

 

[hollywood703]

If you are making it out of fiberglass, why not make to form YOU instead of an exiting plate? I would make one to form my back (with wetsuit on), not someones plate. I would ask a friend handy with fiber, and lay flat and have them put 1 layer of cloth and some quick drying resin on. this way you have a Mold of your back to work with, that conforms to your body perfectly. Once the mold is dry, you can make one mold and many prototypes after that.

 

[Sideband]

Just realize that it will ONLY conform perfectly to your back while you are in the same position that you molded it in. Also, DON"T make a mold using fiberglass. If you want to make a back mold, make it out of plaster. Then lay the fiberglass into the plaster mold. Watch what kind of plaster you use though as it generates a LOT of heat as it cures. There are mixes made specifically for human casting.

 

[Ron Brandt]

Sounds like you are trying to re-invent my old Voit Snugpack.

Nice..sounds like my old AT-PAC. It had a channel in it for lead shot.

Ron

 

[deepdivered]

well i geting more involved in diving again and am thinken about actualy doing this now. but woundering if it be beter to just buy a plate. i want to built a set like the transplate

 

[lucca brassi]

Nice plate from KYDEX ( plastic with SS inserts ) a litle tricky to made it at home

Pro Fit Kydex / Kydex Backplates at divingniknaks

BTW. I see no advantage at this backplate