Vintage Scuba: Home Made Scuba Weights - S03E02

[@ryanconrad9811]

Love hearing your stories about how things were done in the past. You have a talent at telling a story. Have you ever considered writing a book, short stories or even campfire chat videos of your diving adventures? I have to imagine you've got some great stories over the years.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh yeah! I could tell you some stories all right. Maybe one day if I ever get finished with these comments I'll consider it. I have written a few short stories about diving in the 60's that were published. Maybe a collection of short stories?!! Alec

[@ryanconrad9811]

That would be great!

[@tomsinel8234]

Well well this takes me back... to 1978 when I first met you. You worked for a shop in Scarborough and were trying to sell me weights, which no doubt were made in the back of that shop! We did do business and I have enjoyed your knowledge and friendship since that time. I am enjoying these videos very much, and I hope you don't mind if I comment from time to time! Keep up the good work my friend! Tom

[@moclepocle]

Alec, great video. I have several of the molds you have, that I got from Ebay, just for the he k of having them . Fun stuff to talk about. Thank you.

[@maccliff2115]

Good heavens, Alec! I guess I’m a vintage scuba diver by default. I seriously melted lead shot to make my own lead weights that feed through a tool belt I pulled from the trash. I used a toilet paper roll as the mold. It worked perfectly. I made due with what I have bc I’m on a budget.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Then you are an official member of the 'stone age diver club'. Welcome and thanks for letting me others did the very same. A

[@maccliff2115]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I'm going to make a sticker decal that says "STONE AGE DIVER CLUB". Put that on my two steel 72's and my car's back window.

[@Flederratte]

Awesome stories! I am now subscribed! Greetings from Germany :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Welcome aboard!

[@rameshwarp]

Hi Alec, Thanks for your videos. I would like to share that out here in India we still make our weights the way you mentioned in the video. We get our lead from fishing weights and from tyre shops as you mentioned.

[@jolo-bolo]

Alec Boy did that take me back I learned to dive in the military I joined as a boy solider 16 in the Hussars gunner on a chieftain tank. We had to make our own weights. If you were lucky you could go after machine gun practice and dig in the target butts for the bullet heads. If you were very lucky you would find somebody's with good steady hands on the gpmg and find a good pile in a small area. If not it was a lot of digging and sieving to find your bucket of bullets to melt down for your weights. Thank you for the videos. Kevin

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Melting bullets! That's a new one to me but not a bad idea. I probably couldn't do that here in Canada. Our soldiers usually only shoot once to get the job done (see Canadian Sniper Sets record). Thanks for watching. Alec

[@richardcurrin8940]

Your videos are interesting and fun. Thank you for sharing

[@MetalSessions]

they are still expensive! i made my own belt,ankle and backpack weights also from old lead pipes.. I need to be balanced very good for spearfishing... I saved aprox. 50 Euros! I got a nice knife instead... cheers from Croatia! Mirno more!

[@luisizquierdo9293]

this is so fascinating... really enjoy this unknown history before it's erased completely from all history.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@Jacob-F-88]

Excellent, interesting videos keep them coming :-). You ever thought about writing a book? ;-) thank you Alec and Kevin.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's been suggested many times. I have written several published short stories about diving in the 60's. If I could get away from all these comments (which I love!), i might have time! Alec

[@troop1026]

Cowboy action shooting clubs have all there shooter shoot lead. They might let you clean up lead at the range for free. I still have some exposed lead weight belts. Plastic dip or tool dip are great ideas. Keep them coming Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

As I said earlier, I'd never thought of getting lead at a shooting range. Couple of reasons for that - this is Canada so we don't have a shooting range beside every church. And, while I have belonged to a couple and used them a bit, it was more for 'sighting in' than "a fun day at the gun range with my grandkids". I'm sure some Canadians are really into shooting just for fun, (while actually I know some are, I know them!), generally shooting is not considered a day-to-day family sport here. Not like hockey, baseball, biking, etc. Hunters and shooters in Canada usually learn at their father's side while outdoors rather than a range. I have 2 ranges here at my place. The best is a 100, 200, 300 yard set-up from my back deck!! Thinking about the ranges I have been to, I'm not sure how much fun it would be digging out the lead. Whatever, with all the lead in Western gun ranges in the USA, it's little wonder Nevada is the lowest state and is probably still sinking LOL. Good to hear from you. Alec

[@joshuawade8319]

Alec, along the same lines as vintage scuba, I've noticed on Sea Hunt that the divers use three different tank setups, a single tank, double, and tripple. I was just curious which held the most air and if there were other advantages to each set up. Thanks for the video and info.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The doubles were 38s or 42s so they didn't hold much more air than a single 72. They just looked a lot sexier!! The triples held 105 cubic feet but were a bit bulky and heavy. Mike Nelson had a set of double 38s (his favorite) made from balsa wood. These are the ones you see being tossed into the back of his Jeep. Lloyd Bridges was very fit, even into his 60's and 70's. In the Sea Hunt episodes he was only about 50 and did a lot of physical stuff. I recall in the The Birthday Present episode he climbed a long set of vertical wooden steps with his tanks on while also carrying a bicycle - one of those old paper carrier types that must have weighed 40 pounds - and while wearing fins!! Quite incredible to watch. If you watch that episode you can see that he is struggling a bit. The bicycle belonged to a kid who just got it for his birthday. The kid was Jeff Bridges! Alec

[@joshuawade8319]

Thanks, Alec. Great info as usual.

[@TomKnudsen]

Hi Alec, very int episode. Sadly my 5 star dive center still sells ledweights, all led weights on my belt too.. Anyway, will change them soon when I can afford them, pretty expencive. PS I cannot find an episode on dive lights, how about one?

[@KevinSmith-hc4pc]

Hi Tom. Look at video "Brighten My Day - S02E08". All about dive lights, primary, backup and video. Its an older one (November 2015), but still valid. Enjoy.

[@TomKnudsen]

Thanks Kevin, will do for sure :)

[@ultimatevintagescuba925]

great video, yep got on the one

[@treksymachineco.294]

I made my own weights. local scrap yard has lead for $1 a pound. I found a large cupcake tin at Wal-Mart for $3 and melted the lead at home and poured it into the cupcake tin while it was on a digital scale to get the right weight. they fit perfect in my weight integrated pouches. a little plasti dip and there ready to rock and roll

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Plasti Dip! A great idea. It's nice to see that DIY (Do It Yourself) is still alive and well out there. I'm actually working on a DIY Scuba project right now that (if it's successful) will blow you away. If it isn't you won't hear about it! Alec

[@anonpre2000]

I've been collecting tire weights for some time for this very purpose. However I don't know what to buy to melt and pour. Can you advise? I promise to coat them!

[@treksymachineco.294]

Bill M, I used a turkey fryer burner to melt because it melts the lead quickly and I can use it outdoors. you can also do it on a fire or barbeque grill, something out doors. I used a steel soup pot I found at the thrift store and welded a piece of thick rebar to it for a handle. I poured the into a giant muffin tin I got from Wal-Mart for less than $4 and zeroed the muffin tin on on a digital scale and poured the lead slow into the tin until it reached five pounds or desired weight. I've seen people use a cast iron skillet to melt the lead or aluminum frying pan. The muffin tin was perfect cause the weights fit perfect in my weight pouches and hold exactly 5 lbs. of lead.

[@anonpre2000]

thanks. Very helpful. Know anything about release agents?

[@treksymachineco.294]

Bill M, because I used the muffin tin it was coated in the high temp non stick coating to keep food from sticking, plus it had a taper to it that made the lead slip out once cooled nice and easy. I've heard of using silicone spray as a release agent but i also do bullet castings and really if your mold is made from metal that has a smooth surface with no real texture or pitting, then a nice clean mold it should just pop right out with little effort

[@jefflane4122]

in wisconsin you cant get lead from tireshops they all have to recycle but you can go to a foundry and buy some for scrap prices

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I suppose all of the old plumbing lead is long gone. Tire weights, scrap yards, some suggested bullets from a range - all good ideas.They won't be free though. Figure out what you're saving before you go crazy. Alec

[@khalidalaudin616]

Buying lead weights from our local dive store isn't cheap. Making your own weights is surely much cheaper. Tq for sharing.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! It's cheaper if you have a source of lead and some time. Good luck. Alec

[@TheVinny360]

Curious 🤔 what are those white ball stick things you have in the back ground

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If you lived in the country you might recognize those as lightning arrestors. They are on every barn and they simply capture lightning strikes and ground the energy without harming the barn. They are old and interesting so I have a couple on display to start conversations - like this one. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@TheVinny360]

Alec Peirce Scuba cool they looked like they might have been a fishing float with a signal ball on top so boats could see them, love the channel by the way watched your rebreather video yesterday that was definitely very innovative

[@Flederratte]

Watch out for tire weights made from different metal. There are also some made from zinc. Melting lead is very easy. A wood fire or gas stove is sufficient. A hot plate could also do. Just do not use pots made from aluminium! Aluminium can dissolve in lead. Use a pot from steel. A paint can or food can made from steel will also do. You can clean the lead by adding wax (only a small piece of the size of a hazelnut), but keep in mind it will burn with a great flame. Stirring will bring the not melting stuff to the surface. It will float on the molten lead.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

All good points but the young me who burned my dad's shop workbench such logic was second to actually making my own weights. Fun and crazy times.

[@Flederratte]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Yes I can imagine that. I appreciate your story. I also had some interesting experiences with melting metals. Actually my comment is for people who want to try make their own weights in future. Nothing wrong with your method back then, I did not want to criticise you :)

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

haha. last week we made about 50 kg of weights by usinv our molds :) main issue in this process is the lead fumes during melting and you really have to work on the created weights with a file...

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Boy. I can't believe that divers still make their own weights. Good for you - I guess. Alec

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

Alec Peirce Scuba we like to make our own. one of us is rebreather diver who needs custom weights, doubles need v shape weights and of course the scuba school needs to replace weights that are lost suring the day....😎And of course thd entire process is fun

[@C_K__]

Can you do your next video on normal regulators vs full face mask with regulators integrated into it

[@albijayb8064]

Great Video! Would you know where I can order the molds? I started melting my own fishing leads and looking forward to melt dive weight but can't find any store that sells the mold

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Therse are 50+ years old but Google should still show sites selling these types of moulds.

[@anderskoppang4843]

i took it to the next step, i sandcasted the mold in aluminum and then made my own wheigts, saved me around 250$ And it was fun to😀👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good job and very inventive too. Thanks for sharing your success Anders.

[@Tylerthomasmiller84]

Good God Kevin! Answer the man!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

What was the question? Alec

[@jameschartrand7962]

Another way to get lead is from pellets. Go to a pellet gun range and ask for their old pellets. You could also check with a cadet squadron/ corps because they all use pellet guns now

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's a new idea. Back in the stone age there were few pellet guns. Any kid could have a .22 or .308 if they wanted delivered by Sears to your door.

[@steveaustin9386]

Most dive shops in New zealand still sell raw lead weights and at $12 a kg they're not cheap either!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's about what we pay for vinyl coated weights, your choice of color too! Funny how if it's for scuba diving, the price goes up. You can buy lead shot for hunting for about $2/lb (~$5/kg) or lead fishing weights for $3.50 /lb (~$8.00/kg). You ought to be able to get cast-off wheel weights from a tire store for $2/kg. Buy a scuba weight mold and make your own; sell them to your buddies. At $12/kg you'd do OK. I have molds for sale in every size from 3lb to 10lb. Take care. Alec

[@Okinawa_Piranha]

I'm making weights often, but I think it's a great idea to use a mask to not inhale the fumes. I'm looking for a 1lbs/0.5kg weight.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's a smart idea today but back in the stone age, we were told lead in gasoline was good! Not something I would do today without precautions.

[@klixtrio7760]

Good video but I think you mixed up your words at 10:30. Steel has a much higher melting point :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Quite right Klix! Almost twice as high. That's the result of not having a script. I don't know how many of my subscribers know it but I don't prepare much for these vids. We choose a topic, I gather some props and think about what I'm going to say as I do so. Then I get up and start talking. Sometimes, as in this case, some facts can get switched. Thanks for catching that. Alec

[@hearsejr]

Lol my first weight belt had 2 5lb bricks that had "PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVERNMENT" " DIVISION OF U.S. NAVY" stamped in to them. Not sure why the navy had lead bricks, but I managed to get a hole in them and fasten them to a webbing I got from a military surplus cargo bag... That was rotted out. Lol

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Funny how the US Government gets stamped on so many of our 'personal' gear! I remember bolting weights to a WW2 web belt as buying one was not an option at $0.25 per hour for a kid.

[@hearsejr]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter hahahahahahahahaha. That would have been a long week of working to replace a weight belt if you had to drop it to come back to the surfac for some reason. Lol.

[@SammyPsk]

We still make our own weights :D

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's easy and kinda' fun. It also saves a lot of money if you can find a good source of old lead. Just be careful. The fumes can be very hazardous. Alec

[@SammyPsk]

Alec Peirce Scuba ohh alec, thanks for the comment. Yes, it is dangerous. Thank god were all either chemists or doctors ;). I know a guy who got burned by that stuff on the foot, pretty badly. But as u say, if youre carefull it saves money

[@mattmarsch7882]

Alec, love your videos, but I have to stop watching. You’re making me realize how old I am!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You're not old. You are experienced and highly knowledgeable. Same thing - different perspective. Take care. old guy. ASec