TS280

Thanks for all the info guys, I really appreciate it. I'm going to go ahead and start working on molds and we'll see how it goes.

I wasn't quite sure where to post this since I'm really just looking for input / a general consensus. I'm looking into making some bubble lenses for a couple buckets I have lying around, but I was curious what if any demand is there for bubbles. I'm most likely going to make molds for myself and some friends anyway, but I wasn't sure if that is something the community has a need for ?

Great build, I'm really digging the SE-44C. I've been saving for a prusa i3, the print quality to price point is hard to beat. Definitely taking notes on this build.

Just a few tips that work for me, are using risers under the molds to lift them up higher off the platen, and actually raising the platen helped a ton. I raised my platen up an extra 1 1/2 in from where it used to. It seems to help the plastic seal, it stretches almost 2 in above the edge of the clamping frame. I also use a 60 gal storage tank. hope that might help, happy pulling...

I have built a few 24 x 24 machines and the best reference I've found was The Prop Builder's Molding and Casting Handbook by Thurston James. https://www.amazon.com/Prop-Builders-Molding-Casting-Handbook/dp/1558701281 Some of the info is a bit dated, but there is a chapter on building a Vac-table. I built the version from the book, then modified the frame for a second over and under style. The heating coils and ceramic insulator posts were purchased through MOR Electric heating 22Ga NiCrome coils and ceramic posts here http://www.morelectricheating.com/products/NICHROME%20WIRE%20COILS%20AND%20ACCESSORIES.aspx It is not as difficult as you may think. My first heating source was a set of 5 halogen shop lights mounted in a wooden frame... crude but worked pretty well in 1997 Lol... good luck.

Oooooooooo Nice work, me needs one

Your set up looks great, congrats you'll have fun. My only advice would be, if you're going to be using a shop vac, start out with HIPS (high impact polystyrene) it's cheaper than ABS and pulls easier. ABS has more of an elastic type quality and tends to spring back a bit on real tight areas resulting in a "soft" pull. I have a vac pump set up and still prefer using HIPS, but on the off chance I do pull ABS I use .060 from GE Polymereshapes AKA Sabic plastics See if this helps ---------- Good luck and happy forming.

I love that orange and with binocs....too cool This is my take on the concept, Been working on this off and on for a while and added the vac-formed mohawk and side vents, could be interchanged in an unlimited number of ways.

Hey there Indy, I'm fortunate to have a plastics Co. about 5 min from my house, but... I have used G.E. from time to time over the past 5-6 yrs. Just search for the location closest to you and give them a call. I've found if the local branch doesn't have what you are looking for, they'll search all of their U.S. inventory and have it shipped to you. You can also request to have the sheets cut down for both ease of use and to help on shipping costs. Hope that helps a little, here's their web addy. www.sabicpolymershapes.com