Any interest in SCBAs?

[southernfriedcj]

I'm a former Atlanta Firefighter and have a lot of experience with scbas(air packs).

I have wanted a BA of my own for a while for sand blasting and painting. The filter face masks just don't cut it for me.

I have a line on some complete BAs(face piece, bottle and pack(frame and regulator). The downside is I have to buy several dozen and spend a day plus on the road to get them.

Is anybody interested in buying one(this is a feeler only, no commitments)? They cost $5,000+ each new. I'll be looking to sell them fast for $150 or so each.

You can't fill the bottle at home. It takes 3,000-4,500 psi cascade system to fill them. That means a dive shop, fire station or industrial cascade system will need to be sourced. This could be a deal killer for some folks.

Am I wasting my time or does anyone else want on of these things?

 

[rlitman]

It might make sense for someone with access to free high pressure air. If not, a PAPR will get you all the same results and will be far more economical.

 

[driftpin]

Dress all in-black, with a black cape, and a samurai-style flared black helmet, and you'll be in big demand, as Darth Vader. Using a SCBA like that will make you sound just-like The Dark One.

Whose manufacture? Scott, MSA, Survivair, etc? Composite or aluminum tanks?

 

[Aaron_W]

These would have to be steel or full aluminum bottles or they will quickly be useless. The fiberglass and carbon fiber wrapped have a 15 year life after which they can't be hydrotested. Without a current hydrotest no one reputable will fill them. The steel and aluminum bottles will go forever unless abused. Just require a hydrotest every 5 years which is fairly cheap.

If these are older units with steel or aluminum bottles you might look into SPAAMFAA (antique fire apparatus club) to sell off your excess packs.

I see a lot of SCBA sold on ebay with aged out bottles. Not a big deal if for show but wonder how many buyers get angry when they try and get them filled. I think a lot go out of the country where they are less concerned about safety regulations.

The steel and aluminium bottles are also popular for running air tools, kegs etc. A fire department I worked for gave several of the old steel bottles to the police to run a firearms simulator they had. Saved them a bunch of money over disposable "green gas" cylinders.

 

[Lt CHEG]

What manufacturer and model? Have any pictures? Depending on what they are and what kind of shape they're in, I'd be interested. Even if a new bottle was necessary that price is pretty good for a serviceable, working SCBA.

 

[coljar]

What manufacturer and model? Have any pictures? Depending on what they are and what kind of shape they're in, I'd be interested. Even if a new bottle was necessary that price is pretty good for a serviceable, working SCBA.

Same here for information. Fortunately, I have the equipment to fill SCBA next door in my other garage and I could maybe use a spare. I only fill for a small select few due to insurance reasons.

 

[Mazdaratti3]

There are plenty on eBay... I bought a Scott 4.5 wire frame w/integral pass and mask for under $75 to my door. Flow tested great.... I had access to a couple of bottles so that wasn't a concern for me.
I bet if you looked enough you could get what you need on eBay for not much more than $150 and without a lot less hassle.

 

[ffemtdisp]

I bought a Scott IIa for one hundred dollars that was an industrial plant turn in. 30 years ago. It was rarely if ever used. My FD paid for the upgrade from demand to demand/pressure demand. I still have it, Can't use it in FF setting though.