I'll start off with some random bits of info as to why I wanted the stand:
- I'm 6'1", It's a challenge to get into without a tall bench.
- I wanted somewhere to put my Argon Bottle
- I like the idea of sidemounting my BOBs
- I needed someway of lifting the thing without hurting my fingers
Enter, My 3D CAD software!
In a previous (working) life, I was a mechanical designer. Specifically, I worked with sheet metal, primarily SS.
I started with a list of things I wanted the stand to have.
- No Sharp Corners - all corners were to be rounded. All edges softened
- A lifting handle that doesn't get in the way of my hoses
- Easy to Travel with - Must break down to be no bigger than my CCR
- Somewhere to fit my argon bottle
- Height, for easier Donning and Doffing
- Simple to use/install
- light - I went with Aluminum- I don't need much weight as is (I'm down to 6 lbs, with al. tanks and drysuit)
- Ability to attach 'stuff' to it, including acting like a butt-plate for sidemounting
Then I started thinking ... What about the Sport KISS. I started chatting with a SK owner and he was nice enough to take some measurements for me. The design then was made to also fit a SK, with one part being replaced.
Thus, I produced the 'Travel Stand'
It wasn't cheap to get a single, one-of, made, but I think it was a good choice for me.
Taken apart (ie, for travel packing):
And Mounted on a Sport:
After several dives, I am quite happy with the way everything worked out. I have some new ideas, and have made drawings for them too. Little things I learned from the first stand to make it fit my needs even better:
- No tools required for removing the Back-plate
- A little shorter (I was having a little trouble reaching the bottom)
- A little smaller Handle
- A place to attache zip-ties to the handle for holding extra gear (ie, zip-tie on a D-ring for holding stuff up while not wearing the unit.
- An Argon Bottle mounting bracket - so the bottle isn't right up against the side of the stand - I found it hard to attach things easily. At the moment, I've rigged somethign up that works, but kinda looks stupid (so no pictures )
Once I get some spare cash, I'm going to get the new one made. I'll try to post some pics for that too - but it may be a while
I have other stuff I need to buy first 
Some Pics of the new design:
If anyone is interested in more pictures, You can find them here:
http://s279.photobucket.com/albums/kk15 ... Prototype/
What do you folks think??
Scott
Sure is nice having your own cad system handy. Which program are you using? Bet there are allot of pennies invested in all that cutting! plasma arc or water jet ?
