vacuum forming

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Tools
1

I was wondering if anyone could send me some home-made vacuum forming plans. I’m not sure what I need to make a table or frame.

2

Here are a couple of plans with instructions.
http://members.aol.com/GCGassaway/vacuform.htm
This one is a little more ‘exotic’, for lack of a better word.
http://www.halloweenfear.com/vacuumformintro.html
Or, if you would rather purchase one already for the shop vac.
http://www.warmplastic.com/or.html#canopy

3

I wrote an artcle at Armorama on how to build one out of a loaf pan. Unfortunately, Armorama is currently down to move servers. Once it comes back up, check it out under features. www.armorama.com

4

Thanks for all the help. I think what I’ll do is make a base out of 1 by 8 pne for the sides and 1/2" CDX for the bottom, and for the top I’ll take a cookie sheet with 1/8" holes drilled into it and screw it to the top of the pine sides.

5

Armorama is back up. Here is my Homemade Vacuum-forming machine article.

http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=404

6

how strong does something have to be to vacuum form over it? Could I make a master out of resin or would that be too brittle?

7

Not strong at all. Depending on the shape, the smaller and more brittle the part is, the harder it will be to remove without breaking it. I have used styrofoam and balsa wood masters without problems. I usually use the balsa just because it gives a cleaner, smoother finished product. The syrofoam can leave the foam texture on the finished product.

8

well, I am using it to vacuum form jason halloween masks so it’s not small at all.