Well since imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (or copyright infringement) I decided to try my hand at making an aluminum belt similar to the one Skeeter and Bazz made over at: http://www.360tuna.com/showthread.php?t=809&page=3 I decided to make it failry similar except the dimensions are 10"x18". Took some 6061-T6 sheet, tube and angle stock and went to town with a hacksaw and dremel. The hardest part was putting a slight bend in that thing. Everytime I thought I had the thing bent it would got right back to it's original shape. Anyway after drilling all the holes, sanding her down and adding a light coat of epoxy spray coating I mounted most of the hardware and gave another coat of epoxy spray for a sealing coat. I don't think I'll be making a harness like they did since I suck at sewing and might just use an off the shelf variety. The droplets are actually water from washing off some dust that had gotten on there. I'll probably be re-doing that rod gimbal in a bit. I've made one with a straighter angle using the hacksaw
I used a few sheets of foam that I had to sandwhich together using epoxy and silicone. I tested it out to make sure it would bead water. I couldn't find anywhere that sold thick neoprene. Know anywhere?
Hey feeder! You need to find "closed-cell" material. If you go to a big-box hunter/fish supply, in the hunting section, you'll find what they call seat pads. I guess they're for sitting on in a deer blind or on the ground hunting turkeys, but it is very dense, only compresses a little, but bounces back after pressure is removed.
BIG LOTS, the discount store, used to have some closed cell foam for kneeling on in the garden.... pretty stout stuff and would be cheap. I used the stuff for lure making(cut little pieces out)... then it disappeared into some stupid ficus tree my wife has, to help it stand up straight.... I would rather the tree stand in the dumpster... LOL! Its basically the same thing Tom is talking about, only in brighter colors... (yellow, red, blue )
Thanks for the info guys. I went to Home Depot and picked up some closed cell foam kneeling pads similar to: http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Seasons-Kneeling-Cushion/dp/B000LNW0Q8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-1442294-5792113?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1176167385&sr=1-1 I'm not too wild about the color (pastel green ) but just wanted to know if this will work.
Feeder, Bring the belt to BPS if you planning to come on the 14 What time are you guys planning on meeting? If I can make it I'll be sure to bring it along.
Hey Feeder Looking Good .. very sturdy plate and gimble for sure! Your angle attachments also the Gimble Cup look good, and the stainless hardware will last. The closed cell foam padding will keep the saltwater from getting underneath and causing corrosion. Only thing I'd recomend for improvement is opening the holes for your Drop straps up so the clasp has plenty of room to move and is easy to attach or remove. A Unibit will work... just push inward toward the plate so it cuts way from the outside edge. Bazz
Hey Feeder Looking Good .. very sturdy plate and gimble for sure! Your angle attachments also the Gimble Cup look good, and the stainless hardware will last. The closed cell foam padding will keep the saltwater from getting underneath and causing corrosion. Only thing I'd recomend for improvement is opening the holes for your Drop straps up so the clasp has plenty of room to move and is easy to attach or remove. A Unibit will work... just push inward toward the plate so it cuts way from the outside edge. Bazz Thanks Bazz. I was thinking of making the drop strap holes larger too. I might mount some hardware on it to make detaching it easier although I'm not sure yet. I'll have to play around with it a bit more to see what my options are. Out of curiousity who gets to use the one you and Skeeter made?
Good job Greg.What did you use for glue on the foam.If you keep this up I'll put you to work in the race car shop.
Good job Greg.What did you use for glue on the foam.If you keep this up I'll put you to work in the race car shop. Just used some slow cure epoxy and spread out an even coat over the metal. I was going to use a spray on adhesive but I thought this might be more durable.
