From BCD to BPW: The Evolution

[lowviz]

...//... It is the nonslip shoulder ring that will not thread over the double layers. ...//...

Yep, it won't.

Keep at it! I'm betting that you re-invent something that Mr. Main would dive. It is all about the journey...

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Please let me know how it works because I plan to steal your hard work for my friend. I upgraded to a Sailrite sewing machine earlier this year. My work is ugly but strong. Some before and after photos would be a big help to everyone following this if it isn't too much trouble.

You should consider installing keepers or stops to prevent the narrower soft webbing from pulling into the lower slots. I'm thinking it could jam up.

This probably doesn’t apply but I think it is worth mentioning. Riveted connections dominate commercial diving harnesses because floating hydrocarbons would attack the thin thread cross-sections and fail unexpectedly. We would dive in some pretty contaminated water to repair leaks though.

It is a good idea to periodically inspect sewing for deterioration. It obviously isn’t a big problem or suits and BCs would fail more. Just a heads-up.

And of course using polyester or nylon double strength thread.

 

[Akimbo]

And of course using polyester or nylon double strength thread.

You really want polyester because Nylon doesn't hold the knot/stitch as well. I'm not sure you could even get a proper stitch in resin-impregnated webbing with single strength thread.

 

[Locus]

I know I'm late to the webbing discussion, but I was looking at the strapworks stuff last week and noted that the flat nylon specifically says its not good for water apps - even they recommend the polyprop stuff for water. And for what its worth, I have a yellow trident weight belt. That stuff is crazy stiff, at least what I got. Maybe it would loosen up over time, but it definitely has a mind of its own.

Unless someone has tried strapworks' polypropylene webbing and found it to be lacking, I'll take one for the team and order some to try out as a continuous harness. A 14' length comes in under $10 shipped so it's not risky if it turns out to be unsuitable. Anybody already using this?

 

[Akimbo]

The big problem with the un-impregnated webbing is it is harder to don and doff because it is so limp. They Nylon is very comfortable even against bare skin. I have a friend that uses it in really warm water, but doesn't use a roller so jamming isn't an issue. The difference in stiffness between Nylon and Poly is negligible. IMHO, the Nylon is softer to the touch and less abrasive to waterlogged skin. It does absorb more water so takes longer to dry and both will accumulate dried salt if not aggressively washed.

 

[maniago]

Unless someone has tried strapworks' polypropylene webbing and found it to be lacking, I'll take one for the team and order some to try out as a continuous harness. A 14' length comes in under $10 shipped so it's not risky if it turns out to be unsuitable. Anybody already using this?

I'm about a month out before I order any webbing, so if you're on the bubble then have at it. I'm totally listening to what you find out.

 

[jongles]

this is just great. here I am trying to figure out what scuba toy I can next afford to buy and after reading this thread(no pun intended) I'm leaning towards a sewing machine.

 

[uncfnp]

this is just great. here I am trying to figure out what scuba toy I can next afford to buy and after reading this thread(no pun intended) I'm leaning towards a sewing machine.

Only if you like to spend HOURS on something you could just go out and buy...

 

[jongles]

yeah think I'll start working on a dry suit. Some old tyres and seat belts and lots and lots of glue.
Heres my first schematic.

 

[divad]

yeah think I'll start working on a dry suit. Some old tyres and seat belts and lots and lots of glue.
Heres my first schematic. View attachment 174727

Eeeeexcelent.