Date: Sun, 28 May 2006 21:25:44 -0400
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Vacuum forming


I have a 11x17 hobby vacuum former which was originally marketed to the R/C
hobbiest market. It is not available anymore that I can tell, but I wanted
to add some comments.

First, the basic machine is very simple.  Simply a hollow base with holes in
the top. If  you are using fairly thin plastic, and don't need a lot of
detail, even a shop vac is sufficient to pull the vacuum.  My machine had a
bracket to hold the plastic in your home oven. ( I know the next thought
will be to use a hot-air gun. But it is very difficult to heat the plastic
evenly.)

For round things, like eyes, a vacuum former is not necessary. You can
simply clamp the plastic to a frame and just physically pull the hot plastic
over the mold.

Finally, in Miami I came across a company which would "pull" a 48" square
sheet of plastic for you on their machine for $5, plus the cost of the
plastic.  I think it was Faulkner Plastic on Okeechobee Road. (this was over
10 years ago)  Perhaps other cities have similar companies.  Large sign
makers should have vacuum fomers to make those large illuminated signs.



Joe Dunfee  joe-AT-dunfee.com
Gordonville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Admin interface: http://lists.driftline.org/listinfo.cgi/puptcrit-driftline.org
Archives: http://www.driftline.org