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Backpack-DIY Internal Frame Set - Guidance Requested

Fuse Dude

Fuse Dude

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2020
Messages
582
Location
South Louisiana
I am considering making myself an internal frame for a SOG Opocord back pack.

Question:
Has anyone ever split and flattened some pvc pipe and then shape it accordingly with a heat gun?

And

What's the best way to shape it for the contours of one's back?

Thanks in Advance
 
I've heated plenty of PVC but never made a pack frame.....I would image u would need a template in the shape of ur back contour silhouette. Heat gun and patience. If splitting pipe to get a flat panel I just score with a razor knife over and over and it'll split. Lay the PVC in the V of a piece of metal angle and use that as a straight edge for scoring.
If u plan on heating a bunch of PVC I'd recommend getting a higher quality heat gun. I got a Wagner furno 500 and i wish it was a 700. Sch 10 pipe is no problem but sch 40 in bigger pipe it can take a long time to get to bending tempScreenshot_20210713-131546_(1).png
 
I rip a groove down mine on the tablesaw. Works well if you have access. Heating a large piece uniformly is best done I the oven. I heat to 300 degrees. Wait until it is all soft. Doesn't take long. Then you can use a heat gun as needed to fine tune spots after the initial shaping.

However in my experience, shaping really isn't needed. A flat frame sheet will work just fine.

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Would kydex be better material for a pack frame? Easier to work with?
 
LeanMachine said:
I rip a groove down mine on the tablesaw. Works well if you have access. Heating a large piece uniformly is best done I the oven. I heat to 300 degrees. Wait until it is all soft. Doesn't take long. Then you can use a heat gun as needed to fine tune spots after the initial shaping.

However in my experience, shaping really isn't needed. A flat frame sheet will work just fine.

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Click to expand...
Do u have a separate oven or do u use the same 1 u cook in?
 
LeanMachine said:
Very married. My wife is used to my shenanigans after 11 years. That is the least of them.

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Click to expand...
I bake car parts in mine, I have dried shell casings, and even dried meat in there. They are very forgiving if you clean up before she gets home from work.

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Fuse Dude said:
I am considering making myself an internal frame for a SOG Opocord back pack.

Question:
Has anyone ever split and flattened some pvc pipe and then shape it accordingly with a heat gun?

And

What's the best way to shape it for the contours of one's back?

Thanks in Advance
Click to expand...


As an alternative to PVC, have you considered using aluminum stays? A couple of backpack manufacturers have used them successfully. (Kifaru, Badlands, etc.). Firm enough to provide support, yet malleable enough to fit the contours of your back. A couple pieces of aluminum stock, nominal dimensions to fit your needs. Can be cut, shaped, riveted, and filed to meet your needs. Perhaps a bit better to work with versus PVC for this application.

If you are focused on PVC, an internal frame can be constructed.

forums.bowsite.com

Homemade load lifters for X2

Bowhunting and Archery Information Article
forums.bowsite.com forums.bowsite.com
 
I am sewing a backpack from scratch right now. I am using aluminum tent poles as a frame. I purchased straight lengths of poles and 90° corners pre formed from https://www.questoutfitters.com/. I am not finished yet but it seems to be working well. I would think it would be easy to incorporate this into your pack as well. Good luck!
 
nighthawkF-117 said:
I am sewing a backpack from scratch right now. I am using aluminum tent poles as a frame. I purchased straight lengths of poles and 90° corners pre formed from https://www.questoutfitters.com/. I am not finished yet but it seems to be working well. I would think it would be easy to incorporate this into your pack as well. Good luck!
Click to expand...

SPOT-ON CHAMP!

I've always wondered where I could find such parts, but alas I have some PVC begging to be used....
 
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