Thermoplastic Backplate

[GilbyTwins]

Try here for the Apeks ultra-lightweight backplate …

Apeks WTX Ultralight Travel Plate

Thanks Umuntu for the link. I guess I should have been more clear in my original description. Ah, old age.... Since I've become an instructor I have aversion to paying retail costs. My shop orders through the local distributor and they are out of stock until long after I get back from vacation. It wasn't so much that it can't be had, I should have said, "it can't be gotten at the discount available to me through the store I teach at."

Thank you again though for the help with that link! -Dave

 

[lexvil]

Take a look at Pirahna they have plastic backplates for less then $15

 

[gert7to3]

Probably too late to this thread however, I think HDPE would be a better material to use than Lexan. It would be slightly flexible, probably wouldn't require thermo-forming. My Zeagle soft plate is only 3/16 in. thick and totally flat. I used stainless steel "sidewalk" screws to mount straps.

Menards carries HDPE:

https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...92-c-14048.htm?tid=7805758314787279336&ipos=2

https://www.menards.com/main/buildi...11-c-14048.htm?tid=7805758314787279336&ipos=1

Here are what sidewalk screws look like:
sidewalk screws - Bing images

 

[JamesBon92007]

Just a heads up--thermoplastic such as Acrylite and Plexiglas releases flammable gases when heated to the temperatures you need to form it. Consequently you are supposed to use a "circulating air oven." I have done it successfully in my home oven without blowing up the house but it had some kind of fan in it. It's been a while but I think the amount of time to soften the plastic is more like 10-15 minutes, not hours. I have formed 3/4" acrylic and even blew my own dome port for my camera housing.

Also, I don't think 1/8" will be strong enough--I'd suggest 1/4" but it will weigh more. If you use a sharp drill bit it may cause crazing in which case it will probably break. I suggest using a grinder on a Dremel etc instead of drilling.

I am using the old style backpack with a snorkel vest for the wing and a plastic buckle and the whole thing only weighs about 2 pounds. It has around 15 pounds of buoyancy.

 

[JamesBon92007]

View attachment 429956

Backpacks are still my favorite! I have one just like that

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I have an original Heathways plastic pack laying around. No way I’m parting with it.

 

[JamesBon92007]

I have an original Heathways plastic pack laying around. No way I’m parting with it.

That was my first backpack. Unfortunately I did not keep track of it.