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[Brian Sommers]

As you all know I have started my pack but after assembling the tank and engines I think it will be to heavy if I use all wood. Would like suggestions on how to make it less heavy when worn. I had thought about a wood frame and use a thin plastic or aluminium sheets to cover frame. Would like suggestions or comments if anyone has used frame/ light weight panneles or if they used all wood. 

[Slade Kel]

Sintra! . Seriously, there isn't much in the way of making jet packs not-heavy. You really shouldn't need a wooden frame if you make the body out of sintra and secure the tank and engines to it. Depending on how much work you want to put into it, you can even build a frame out of 3mm sintra, by cutting it into strips.

I suggest lots of Gorilla Glue and Liquid Nails, and you can add extra support to holding the tank and engines on by screwing them to the 'back' of the jet pack, the part against your body, with 'L' brackets.

[Brian Sommers]

Were  can I find sintra? I asked the sales associate at my local LOWES and he just stared at me like a monkey doing a math problem and told me he never heard of it.

[Prometheus]

Pvc pipes are fairly light and will save you some weight. Sign shops well be able to get you some sintra, in my experience home depot and lowes dont usually carry it or dont know what it is.

[Slade Kel]

Technically, it's just a brand name for expanded pvc foam board. I usually use the following ebay seller: http://stores.ebay.com/Plastic-Craft-Products_Sheets_W0QQ_fsubZ21415563QQ_sidZ711974703QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322. They're prices have gone up lately, but still for $20 plus $15 shipping, you get four 2'x4' sheets. Not really something you can pick up at Lowes, but if you have a local store that makes and sells signs, they might be able to give you a deal on plain sheets, or even scraps.

[Brian Sommers]

Thanks a lot will check them out on my next day off.