Tungsten weights for scuba

[Storker]

For any given volume, solid lead blocks will be denser than packed tungsten shot.

With... what in the voids?

You're comparing apples (solid lead blocks) with oranges (tungsten shot). Try comparing red apples (solid lead blocks) with green apples (solid blocks of tungsten particles and some other metal as the matrix) or oranges (lead shot) with tangerines (tungsten shot).

The size of the shot isn’t relevant

As mentioned already, the size distribution is very relevant. A mixture of large and small particles will pack denser than uniformly sized particles.

 

[Snoweman]

You're comparing apples (solid lead blocks) with oranges (tungsten shot). Try comparing red apples (solid lead blocks) with green apples (solid blocks of tungsten particles and some other metal as the matrix) or oranges (lead shot) with tangerines (tungsten shot).

The point was made earlier that tungsten's high melting point will make it difficult to mold into belt weights.

 

[Storker]

The point was made earlier that tungsten's high melting point will make it difficult to mold into belt weights.

solid blocks of tungsten particles and some other metal as the matrix

Do read for comprehension before replying.

 

[Snoweman]

Do read for comprehension before replying.

Fair enough. But that wouldn't be apples to apples. That would be apples to some sort of pie.

 

[Storker]

that wouldn't be apples to apples. That would be apples to some sort of pie.

Fair enough

 

[St John the Diver]

With... what in the voids?

You're comparing apples (solid lead blocks) with oranges (tungsten shot). Try comparing red apples (solid lead blocks) with green apples (solid blocks of tungsten particles and some other metal as the matrix) or oranges (lead shot) with tangerines (tungsten shot).


As mentioned already, the size distribution is very relevant. A mixture of large and small particles will pack denser than uniformly sized particles.

Let me know when you find solid tungsten blocks in a size suitable for diving weights, since you can’t cast your own.


“interstitial”. Google it.

 

[St John the Diver]

With... what in the voids?

You're comparing apples (solid lead blocks) with oranges (tungsten shot). Try comparing red apples (solid lead blocks) with green apples (solid blocks of tungsten particles and some other metal as the matrix) or oranges (lead shot) with tangerines (tungsten shot).


As mentioned already, the size distribution is very relevant. A mixture of large and small particles will pack denser than uniformly sized particles.

It will never even approach the density of a solid. This is basic matrix geometry.

 

[The Ruttmeister]

Let me know when you find solid tungsten blocks in a size suitable for diving weights, since you can’t cast your own.


“interstitial”. Google it.

High pressure sintered with a nickel binder... Not something you can do at home, and while its not hard to have done, might be a bit pricey for something as big as a dive weight.

Anyone emailed China to ask for a price yet?
(Ok, yes I have. Lets see).

 

[davehicks]

Neutronium shot weight pouch. You only need a single shot bead the size of a (small) grain of sand, and you'll be over-weighted a bit...

 

[lexvil]

It will never even approach the density of a solid. This is basic matrix geometry.

Not that I really care but if one were to drill a hole partly through a block of lead, fill that hole with tungsten shot followed by linguists lead, or fill the hole with liquid lead followed by heated T-shot wouldn’t it end up more dense (heavier) than the original lead block?