Here is one of Rob's superb Healthways main diaphragm reproductions next to an original from a HW Scuba 1st gen that has a top plate. My question: is there any benefit (or detriment) to having a top plate affixed?
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Thanks for responding Russ. I think you're right, I don't see how it would make much of a difference other than to clamp the bottom plate tighter to the diaphragm. Not sure that helps any. If I want to be authentic I guess I could drill out Rob's pop rivet, add the old upper plate and pop rivet it all together again. Sort of sounds like overkill.Bronze06 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 05, 2018 3:06 amMy personal opinion is NO! On the original diaphragms, the top plate might have been there to ensure strength and seal protection due to the materials being used, just a guess. With Rob's new silicon diaphragms I have found no evidence of seepage into the air chamber. The top rivet point can protect the seal and in some cases, I have shortened and compressed that rivet a little more at times, so as to tweak the reg for easier breathing effort as the rivet is IMO a little high, especially in the 1955 model. I've rebuilt 4 Healthways using Rob's diaphragms and they breath great.
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