It looks like it would work, but you're right after you factor in the time spent in design, sourcing the parts and construction, you'd be better off spending the $279.00.
Bad Billy doesn't have enough weight to make that thing work to it potential, get me on there and you'll see some pad dry! :wink:
Is it really the same, better, or just cheaper?
Maybe it could be the first product sold to home owners to do flood work with that built in Wet/Vac unit.