The Steel Guitar Forum

Here's my idea to build a pac-a-seat. Comments welcome.

I've built about a dozen seats. I found 2" foam isn't enough, even the heavy green "superfoam". The last one I built (last year) I used heavy weight (green) 3" foam mounted on a 3/4" plywood lid.

The legs I used were from a walker that I bought at a good will store and cut down to size, as I have no way of bending aluminum pipe. I have used 3/4" conduit that was cut (mitered) and welded to make the U shaped legs.

I also have backs on my seats, I wouldn't have or build one without it anymore. Boat seat hinges work good for steel seat backs (I think what one of the steel seat companies use).

Jack Stoner wrote:I've built about a dozen seats. I found 2" foam isn't enough, even the heavy green "superfoam". The last one I built (last year) I used heavy weight (green) 3" foam mounted on a 3/4" plywood lid.

The legs I used were from a walker that I bought at a good will store and cut down to size, as I have no way of bending aluminum pipe. I have used 3/4" conduit that was cut (mitered) and welded to make the U shaped legs.

I also have backs on my seats, I wouldn't have or build one without it anymore. Boat seat hinges work good for steel seat backs (I think what one of the steel seat companies use).

Jack, I've learned a couple of things from you in the last couple of days...First I was looking at audio interface for recording, or attempting to record, and found, right on the first page a comment you made on another forum, where they compared Focusrite to Line6...I got the Focusrite 2i4, thanks...then I look at this thread and see what you said about foam...I have an OLD Cush Seat I've had for maybe 25 years, and my big Hiddy Hoe is wearing it out...There never has seemed to be enough, or dense enough padding on it, and rather then buy a new seat or try and build one, (BTW, Scott your plans look really nice, I'd love to know how you made the drawing) I thought about reupholstering it, and wondered if about using a really dense memory foam...Any thoughts on that?

Dale

Scott, I would think that 12" front to back(your legs will be even closer then that because of the floor flanges), would lend itself to being pretty unstable. I have two seats, legs are 10 inches center to center, front to back. I would think you would want that as a minimum for leg spacing. I've seen guys roll off backwards, and it ain't a pretty sight. Just saying. I do like the idea of doing it yourself. Nice drawings!

Couple more thoughts.... as for the foam, I was thinking about using heavy weight carpet pad, stacked to get the 2". And for the legs, I may go 3/4", with the pipe flanges right in the corners. And it wouldn't be a problem to go 14" front to back.

I haven't tried memory foam.

The last one I built, I used 3" Lux foam from Foam Factory www.foambymail.com

Lux Foam - High Quality
Firm foam for regular or heavy use. Lux Foam-HQ is a high quality foam suggested for seats, chairs, cushions, benches and mattresses. It has a typical life of 16 years.
(2.8LB /ft3 density with a 55LB ILD)

Scott,
This is the way I did the legs..cut 45deg, and welded,also how I did the backrest, as Jack said, a lifesaver.

BF

For the foam, you should investigate seat cushions for pilots. That's what I use for my home made seat and it works as good as the best, and better than the rest! I don't remember all the details from when I investigated the foam for pilot seat cushions, but do a google search and I'm sure you'll find all the info that I did about a year ago.

Cheers,

Thanks for the tips guys. Pete, thanks for the tip on the pilot cushion. I didn't find any posts about your seat, so I'll just ask here, does the cushion just sit on your box or what ever?

Also, what is the "normal" front to back dimension of a steels seat?

Scott Duckworth wrote:Thanks for the tips guys. does the cushion just sit on your box or what ever?

I just used the foam for the pilot's seat. I used the 4" foam and it is holding up real well, and very comfortable. If you don't find it, let me know and I'll see if I can re-incarnate it!

pete

http://www.aviationsupplyonline.com/cus ... pid=548924

It comes in different densities, see the table below. Mine is 4 inches thick, but don't know the configuration. Prices are kinda high!

http://www.aviationsupplyonline.com/cat ... _id=244006

Type Texture Application
CF-NT Extra Soft Seats for infants, cover for stiffer material, bedding applications
CF-40 Very Soft Seats for children, cover for stiffer material
CF-42 Soft Seats for 115 lb. person 3"-4" seat pad
CF-45 Firm Seats for 170 lb. person 3"-4" seat pad
CF-47 Very Firm Seats for 200+ lb. person, or seat in hot-humid environment for 170 lb. person.
* This table should be used only for reference and does not represent all applications possible. For more detailed material information, refer to E-A-R’s Technical Data Sheet TDS-13 or contact the Applications Engineering Department.

You may be interested in reading this pdf document:

http://www.earsc.com/pdfs/engineering/Seating.pdf

I should add that the home=made seat I have was given to me, but was told that the foam was designed for a pilot's seat. As it was already assembled, I don't know what the laminate construction is, whether it is 3 + 1, or 2 + 2, but it is 4"

Thanks Pete. I was looking at actual cushions, not the foam....

W.C.Edgar made my seat,,,,don't know if he still makes them or not. He told me he used Motorcycle seat foam,,,had it 10+ years,,,still looks and feels new!!!

A good place to look for good foam is the Health Services and rental facilities. They handle pads and foam for wheel chairs. This has to be good foam when the person may have to spend 16 hours a day on it for months at a time. May be another source to look at. I have a seat from a wheel chair here waiting for one of my steel seats to come home to replace the pad with.

I agree on the wheelchair seat pad. I used to work in a nursing home. Of course the only problem is, anything tied to healthcare if 4 times actual cost...

this might make a good seat to add to Scott’s design

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/ ... x?a=196631

The link to the aircraft seat foam looks like the same as what I linked, except probably higher in price because of the specialty application (just like the medical stuff).

I'm 208lbs and the 3" foam holds up for me.

I don't know what Steeler's Choice or SteelSeat uses for their seat material.

Why not making it 19" ? Gives the possibillity to howl 19" stuff around.... Otherwise, very good concept!

I think I have found a seat... a little hard, but functional...

Even has a "sidecar"!

That would make a nice Dobro.

HeHaw

Any of the above is better than the original.....an empty beer case on a folding chair.

Well, got-er-done. Not as nice as "store bought" but functional...



Box is made from 7/16" Avantech. Legs are 3/4" black steel pipe, into floor flanges on the bottom. Cushion is a PFD cushion for a boat from Walmart for $9. Around $100 total.

Scott,
Do you have any pictures of the inside and bottom? I'm considering building one and would love to see more of what you did.

I don't have the inside partitioned yet, but in lew of carpet or some other material, I used the rubber coating spray advertised in TV. It dries completely dry in a day, seals what ever is sprayed, and seems to be pretty scratch resistant. I also sprayed to bottom of the lid, and bottom of the box with it.

I plan to have two - three partitions, according to equipment, and may pad the bottom with some foam. I also have two handles for the sides, but didn't have the right screws to mount them yet.

I may have to adjust the leg height as I just sold my Marlen, and am in process of buying another steel (hopefully tomorrow!)