Weights Question.....

[Desa]

As far as makeing your own weights, as Xanthro stated, be carefull as to who is breathing the "dust" or residue from the lead. Only other point I would make is, with the help of a buddy close at hand, make sure you can ditch the weights under water. Sometimes when we make them "fit our body" they don't want to come out easily.

26 pounds sounds a little heavy, but you will be able to trim weight off with experience. Just my 2 psi.....

PS: Welcome to diving and to Scubaboard

 

[ksk2004]

thanks everyone, I used the weights last night and all is well, I have dove with 23.5lbs and once the tank got to 1000psi, I was a bit light. Im 6' and 210lbs, and with the 7mm suit I had to fight to stay down....

Im hoping that once I get some more experience, I will relax more and get control of my breathing, I'll be able to reduce the weight a bit.

as for the weights, I used lead that was about 1/4" thick, and cut it with a course saw (no dust and the filings are large) then used accetaline torch to heat it to round the edges. each pouch has 3 plates, this way I can reduce the weight if I wanted to.

I did go into the water and ditched the weights with no problems..... so all looks like its going to be ok. (in about 6' of water)

thanks a bunch
cya
Ken

 

[Desa]

t
as for the weights, I used lead that was about 1/4" thick, and cut it with a course saw (no dust and the filings are large) then used accetaline torch to heat it to round the edges. each pouch has 3 plates, this way I can reduce the weight if I wanted to.

I did go into the water and ditched the weights with no problems.....

Be careful with the torch, as the fumes can be bad for you. Real bad. Since you can ditch the weights OK, then they sound "good-to-go".....enjoy

 

[Xanthro]

Second on the torch, lead vaporized at a real low temp, and the it's the most dangerous type of lead in that form.

Not much you can do now, but for future reference, you should never heat anything containing lead to over 600f.

Xanthro

 

[Tampabay]

It's seems like you are already getting some good tips. I agree, you should remove your weighs and make sure to rinse your gear off even if diving in fresh water. Good Luck..

 

[Grumblefish]

Just a comment on making weights - when I was a kid, I tried making lead weights for fishing - I melted down lead and poured it into moulds that I made out of plaster - the moulds were still damp I think and it blew molten lead all over me! - bloody dangerous and bloody stupid - don't try this at home!