My Vacuum forming table and my easy heating solution

[XRobots]

Thanks for the quick reply

Heres an image of what I have to do:

<image removed>

TBH I'll probably need it to be a bit bigger :unsure

Yes that's a large one isn't it. I think it won't have to be quite that size, but probably 3-4 times the size of mine in total surface area. The piece is quite smooth/curved, with not too many details so you might get away with a Dyson still. As long as you can suck the air out before the plastic cools it should work fine.

 

[STpropguy76]

I was wondering if it is possible to Vacu Form something made from Resin?
Or would the hot plastic worp, melt or bond to the Resin peice that was being used.
Also does the thickness of the plastic matter? :confused

 

[Celtic007]

Great idea! I wanted to try a homemade vacuum form, but most of the videos/tutorials I saw used the home oven, which i didn't for the same reasons you mentioned. This is something I am going to have to try at some point.

 

[JBD]

I used pegboard inside mine, but put a few support beams inside (not all the way across, of course). Works fine.

Scott

Thanks! That makes sense.

I guess the pressure wouldn't ever get to be more than 1 or 2 PSI on the top surface with a standard vacuum. I was about to calculate something like 14 psi by 2.5 sq ft. :lol

 

[voice in the crowd]

Loved the tutorial.

C3PO's bottom - not only informative but polite as well

Great stuff :thumbsup

Cheers Chris

 

[Tuesday]

This was pretty awesome, mate! One of these days when I attempt to tackle the beast of vacuum-forming (and I want to), I'm definitely going to keep this in mind.

 

[Vegas Vader 2]

Great thread! and thank you for being so kind to share I
This with us

 

[Lukea]

Mine is a 2KW model, it cost about £ 40 GBP from eBay.

Thanks but what does that mean in American? :confused Sorry I can't figure this out. I mean what is a 2 KW heater in American talk?

 

[defstartrooper]

........

 

[asemblyrequired]

That is a wonderful idea.

-Jsmes

 

[exoray]

2 Kilowatt tis the same on both sides of the pond.

But, the 110 volt vs 220 across the pond makes a difference...

220 volts @ 13 amp = 2860 watts available
110 volts @ 15 amp = 1650 watts available

You won't find many if any residential plug in 2K watt heaters in the US, most are capped at 1.5K or slightly exaggerated ratings above that...

 

[defstartrooper]

........

 

[XRobots]

So the power rating is interesting then, we're on 240V on the UK, so the absolute max for an appliance is 3kW, so appliances that need it all are generally rated at something like 2950W

I guess you'd have to try with a smaller heater if you're in the US, which no matter how you look at it be less power/not as much heat, although you could of course get two smaller heaters and plug them into two outlets.

 

[asemblyrequired]

So the power rating is interesting then, we're on 240V on the UK, so the absolute max for an appliance is 3kW, so appliances that need it all are generally rated at something like 2950W

I guess you'd have to try with a smaller heater if you're in the US, which no matter how you look at it be less power/not as much heat, although you could of course get two smaller heaters and plug them into two outlets.

Yes , that what i just started looking out. I can see this heating design with a hinged holder that would flip onto the buck like the conventional design you see. Would not be as much lifting and chance of misalignment. I really like the heating idea if the heating source can melt thicker plastic as well. This is a perfect idea for us that don't have a production need.

-James

 

[XRobots]

Hi all, I've made a follow up video with a closer look at some of the parts including he heater:

XRobots - How to build a vacuum forming machine part 2 follow up - YouTube

.

 

[Halo1963]

Great idea thanks for sharing.
So how powerful is the dyson vacuum?

 

[Halo1963]

Just watched the follow up video and the Dyson is 1400 W

Regards
Halo1963

 

[tictoc]

I too loved this video and the solutions, thanks. Are there any guidelines to the size or power of the quarts lamp or the vacuum? If I go to the Home Depot and get something will it work? Will this one work or do I have to buy a $300 one?quartz heater

Or this Shop Sunbeam Quartz Tower with Manual Thermostat Electrical Space Heater at Lowes.com

Some of these have an auto shut off if it tips over. I wonder if it would refuse to work while on its side.

EDIT: Here we go. This is the style XRobots is talking about...except as exoray stated, max 1500w. Anyone have a Menards nearby to test it out? http://www.amazon.com/Howard-Berger-Ceiling-Mount-Quartz-Heater/dp/B002R686FQ

 

[exoray]

I guess you'd have to try with a smaller heater if you're in the US, which no matter how you look at it be less power/not as much heat, although you could of course get two smaller heaters and plug them into two outlets.

Short of installing or using an existing 220/240 outlet (we do use in the US for certain items) yes you generally have to use multiple circuits for larger vacuum tables...

Using three circuits is not uncommon, 2 circuits for two heaters and a third circuit for the vacuum, problem is that you have to identify the different circuits, lots of outlets in a house can and do share the same circuit no real standard either so you have to trace and map the circuits out...

Some of these have an auto shut off if it tips over. I wonder if it would refuse to work while on its side.

No they will not you will have to override the safety feature to get them to work laying flat... Be safe and be smart about it...

 

[tictoc]

Anyone give this a shot yet?

I had some scrap wood and made a quick box. I covered it in some old dishwasher insulation. Not sure if it will make a difference. I am going to line the inside of the box with foil or flashing and then try to use an old camping griddle. The griddle is 1500 watts and its highest temp is listed as 400 degrees.

Not particularly hopeful. I think two electric heating elements from something like an old Hibatchi or Farberware grill might be a better idea.