TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 10, 2008 Report Share Posted August 10, 2008 (edited) I've finally started my vacuum form table build. I decided to make the frame out of steel for longevity and stability. Also I've got a welder and need an excuse to use it. I thought I would share my build with you guys. I started by making a set of plans so I could work out all the measurements and adapt it to steel. I'll post them soon in case someone is interested in the details. I'll update the plans as I go. If this table turns out viable I plan on remaking some of the troublesome parts of my FX armor. Hopefully, making it a lot more screen accurate in the process. My ultimate goal is just to make it fit better. Then there's all those other costumes I want to make. So here it is as of today. -John 1st Frame section Two down one to go Welded frames. Edited February 1, 2021 by Sly11 Edited to restore images Sly11 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanasoo Posted August 11, 2008 Report Share Posted August 11, 2008 Cool! How come the one side is so much lower? I'm assuming that's for the oven, but it still seems low. How are you planning on attaching the two plastic holding pieces together? I'm still thinking how I'm going to do that myself (It's the last thing I need to do!) I want something quick, so I picked up a few latches at the hardware store, but I haven't had a chance to mess with it lately. Doesn't look like you'll need it, but let me know if you need anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2008 I was going to do something like what is shown on this website: Material frame latch As far as the oven side being low, by the time it's all together it should be just right. Otherwise I'll be making changes. Either way I'll be posting my progress. If you come up with a better way of making the latches let me know. -John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomG[501st] Posted August 11, 2008 Report Share Posted August 11, 2008 Interesting to see another vacuumforming machine. Funny is, that you probably discover. That this construction of machine is good for start not for wide use. When you push limits of this construction, if you want sharp pulls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2008 You are right. I've got to start somewhere. What better education than building one from scratch and learning what works and what doesn't. I suppose I could have gone out and spent $7000 dollars on a commercial unit but that wouldn't be any fun. Besides, it's just a hobby. That's all I'm planning on using it for anyway. RC car bodies, airplane cowls some trooper parts. You know, hobby stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VacTrooper Posted August 17, 2008 Report Share Posted August 17, 2008 cool! another TJ machine. you forming styrene, ABS, PETE...? looks good! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tech151[TK] Posted August 18, 2008 Report Share Posted August 18, 2008 I contemplated making my own table and molds and such, but i heard it costs just as much if not more than buying a pre-built kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 19, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 Hey Alex, I'm planning on ABS eventually. Does your table use a single hole platen? I'm a little on the fence about which way to go. It's a little it of an investment but I'm going to use the heck out of it. My list of vac formed projects are piling up fast. I picked up my surge tanks today. I'll have about 22 gallons of surge vacuum and a shop Vac supplement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murray1134[501st] Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 Does your table use a single hole platen? I'm a little on the fence about which way to go. I know next to nothing about Vac-forming, but I did attend a panel held by Spat at a local con where he went into his setup. He used a multi-hole pattern and it seemed to help. just throwing that out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VacTrooper Posted August 19, 2008 Report Share Posted August 19, 2008 i use a single hole platform. it works MUCH better than a multi-hole set-up, and is MUCH easier. just go on the tk560 boards and see that folks have done over there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 Thanks Alex, that's a great forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandman[TK] Posted August 20, 2008 Report Share Posted August 20, 2008 Best of luck John, that's one giant undertaking. It will be interesting watching your progress. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkamino Posted August 21, 2008 Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Nice progress so far John. I've started with a single hole table like studio creations. I've since gone to a multi hole setup. I prefer the multi hole for more versatility but does seem to require a better vacuum source. I have quite an elaborate vacuum system now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2008 Nice progress so far John. I've started with a single hole table like studio creations. I've since gone to a multi hole setup. I prefer the multi hole for more versatility but does seem to require a better vacuum source. I have quite an elaborate vacuum system now. Hey Chris, are you using a dual vac pump/ shop vac setup? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkamino Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 Hey Chris, are you using a dual vac pump/ shop vac setup? I use a vac chamber and shop vac system. I use a 2" check valve in the shop vac line for when I give it a short "blast" with the vacuum chamber to keep it from losing suction through the shop vac. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomG[501st] Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 I use multihole system too. You can make more complex shapes and you will have sharp pulls, if molds are prepared correctly. But you need stronger vacuum pump and vacuum chamber. Working process: 1/ fix plastic sheet into frame and start heat it 2/ put mold on forming table 3/ when plastic is almost ready run vacuum pump and make underpressure/vacuum in vacuum chamber with closed valve to working table. 4/ move heated plastic to mold and open valve 5/ when cooling stop heating VacTrooper: may be, this is why you haven´t that sharp pulls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VacTrooper Posted August 25, 2008 Report Share Posted August 25, 2008 I use multihole system too. You can make more complex shapes and you will have sharp pulls, if molds are prepared correctly. But you need stronger vacuum pump and vacuum chamber. Working process: 1/ fix plastic sheet into frame and start heat it 2/ put mold on forming table 3/ when plastic is almost ready run vacuum pump and make underpressure/vacuum in vacuum chamber with closed valve to working table. 4/ move heated plastic to mold and open valve 5/ when cooling stop heating VacTrooper: may be, this is why you haven´t that sharp pulls you'd be right, i just use a 5 HP shop vac... don't have to money for a pump... yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomG[501st] Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 It isn´t always about money. I had luck to buy cheap older vacum pump. And it is working fine, it only needs three phase motor to operate. you'd be right, i just use a 5 HP shop vac... don't have to money for a pump... yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 (edited) A lot of my parts came in this week. Oven parts from Mor Electric. Holding frame clamps from Rockler woodworking. A Gast vacuum pump from Ebay and some air tanks from Pep Boys. I went over my dimensions a 4th time and sure enough I made a mistake on the oven side. Matt you were right it is low. About 3 inches. Looks like I'll be fixing that next. Measure 6 times redo it twice is my motto. Edited February 1, 2021 by Sly11 Edited to restore images Sly11 2021 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZeroRoom[TK] Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Damn this is looking good! You should go into the vac table business! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darth 456 Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Looks nice so far! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkamino Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 Looking great John. I really like the cam lock idea. Let us know how it works. My suggestion would be to use four (4) cam locks on three sides with a continuous piano hinge on the fourth. 2 cam locks opposite the hinge and one each adjacent side. As for suction. I was able to build a vacuum chamber pretty cheap. I use an Gage 2067 Oil less vacuum pump bought for about $35. I had some old motors around but if you don't have any this would be the biggest expense. I have a 1 1/2 HP motor which I eventually did buy for about $40 (I got lucky I almost spent about $200 on a new one). For the chamber I use an old 20 or 30 gallon propane tank which was going to be scraped. Add maybe another $50 to $80 for suction hose, pipe, valves, fittings, gauges, etc. I haven't hooked up the gauge yet but it pulls very very well for my uses (mostly ABS). I only use the chamber for difficult pulls like a helmet and a few other pieces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VacTrooper Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 VERY nice work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomG[501st] Posted August 26, 2008 Report Share Posted August 26, 2008 One thing is building Vac Form machine and another make molds. Damn this is looking good! You should go into the vac table business! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK8776 jgarrettg Posted August 27, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2008 Damn this is looking good! You should go into the vac table business! Hey, Thanks Lucas. Looking great John. I really like the cam lock idea. Let us know how it works. My suggestion would be to use four (4) cam locks on three sides with a continuous piano hinge on the fourth. 2 cam locks opposite the hinge and one each adjacent side. Thats exacty what I'm planning on doing. Great minds think alike. One thing is building Vac Form machine and another make molds. smile.gif True. Good thing I took sculpture in art school. Anyway, it should be fun. -John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.