how do i make a master to vacuform a visor?

[kroenen8]

hi guys, been over here for a while and im always really impressed with everyones work simply amazing!

got a question if anyone can help i will apreciate it very much.

How do i make a master so i can vacuform a visor for a helmet


power ranger helmets, clone trooper helmets etc..

any tips will be much apreciated

 

[rollerboi]

Are you new to vacforming (with no equipment at all), or do you have a table and just wondering how to pull a clear piece?

 

[clonesix]

A visor? Most visors (Power ranger, clone, etc.) are flat lenses. A source is a green face sheild.

back to your question: Vacuforming makes clear material wonky, and less optical. So the mast must be pristine smooth. There are many methods, ranging in price and complexity.

1) plaster carving
2) MDF and Bondo
3) sculpt in clay, mold, cast and smooth out

It would help to see what your talking about with a picture.

my recomendation, buy a motorcycle visor.

 

[kroenen8]

hey guys thnx for the quick reply

i do have a vacuforming table, ive done a few things but im no expert, so still experimenting

this is the helmet i want to do a visor for i did this helmet about years ago and just left it there, this was just my start in sculpting and casting, so no exact replica on this one

cosasnuevas88012.jpg picture by kroenen8 - Photobucket

pics not working so im leaving the link

im getting a red MMPR helmet soon i need to work on so i wanted to see if i can do a visor for both

thnk you guys

 

[Abelugo]

Hi I'm pretty much new here, but have vacu-formed many pieces, essentially you have to make the pattern out of wood or a combination of foam and bondo. Make sure when you are making your pattern it is slightly smaller that the intented size as the thickness of the clear piece will make up the difference. Also leave a flange so you have something to glue or mount the lense within your helmet.

As far as pulling clear, I've had the best luck with clear styrene or PETG, I've seen two type you can get from the plastics stores, but the best is with the clear film on both sides- there is also some with blue film. You also want to avoid plexiglass as it will crack when heated. You should look at about .040-.060 thickness.

I have found to get the smoothest pull and clear when you pull some really thin .020 or .030 styrene over the pattern, then clean the edges and suction holes and then pull yout clear over that. If you keep the film on both sides it will release from one another.