My first Al back plate

[fgray1]

I just got through making my first Al back plate.
Total cost $6.25
Total time 5 hours.
Tools used
2 lp hammer
2 pcs angle iron ( for bending)
vice
drill press
files
motto tool
sand paper.
Money saved approx $60
Ya I guess is was worth it.
Also made single tank adapter from 4" pvc pipe.
Fred

 

[The Wanderer]

So.... at 100% retail markup.... that would sell for $12.50.

I'll take your next one!

 

[ShakaZulu]

At an average consulting rate of $65/hour you paid way too much for that plate...........

 

[fgray1]

At an average consulting rate of $65/hour you paid way too much for that plate...........

It's standing back and looking at it when its done and thinking how to improve on the next one.
I bought enough Al to make 4 now My freinds will get one for free.Heres a pic of the plate. the next ones will be even better.
Fred

 

[mempilot]

Nicely done Fred! You didn't even use any of those expensive tools to make it. I wish I had a shop again!

 

[JeffG]

ITS SQUARE!!!!

Nice work....

Here's mine..Based on Scott Koplins AutoCad plans he posted on ScubaBoard.

Tools

Jigsaw
Dremel
Drill press

(The bends were done by some metal worker's)

$20 Can (I bought 4 sq ft for two plates (and STA's if I wanted to make them) for $40)

I made a channel weight to get the weight up to ~6lbs

 

[j-valve]

Nce work Fred. If I hadn't bought one a few weeks ago I'd be trying to get my hands on one.

jody

 

[fgray1]

ITS SQUARE!!!!

Nice work....

Here's mine..Based on Scott Koplins AutoCad plans he posted on ScubaBoard.

Tools

Jigsaw
Dremel
Drill press

(The bends were done by some metal worker's)

$20 Can (I bought 4 sq ft for two plates (and STA's if I wanted to make them) for $40)

I made a channel weight to get the weight up to ~6lbs

Dimentions are 9.5" at the top 11" at the bottom. I wanted the outside support at the base. Length is 15 In. I curved the bottom corners to match the contour of my lower back and so the corner won't dig in. I like the weight in the middle. I think I'll give that a try. I got plenty of extra weight and I just got a semi dry suit and have no idea of my weighting with it.
Thanks for the idea.
Fred

 

[JeffG]

Dimentions are 9.5" at the top 11" at the bottom. I wanted the outside support at the base. Length is 15 In. I curved the bottom corners to match the contour of my lower back and so the corner won't dig in. I like the weight in the middle. I think I'll give that a try. I got plenty of extra weight and I just got a semi dry suit and have no idea of my weighting with it.
Thanks for the idea.
Fred

Optical Illusion...Even mine..now that I look at the picture it looks square. And its has a 9" top width...11" bottom width and 15" length. Which makes yours and mine very similar.

Channel weight...You could get ~10 lbs in there if you try.