Large vacuum formers are super awesome, but can’t just be purchased like other equipment. Bill teaches you how to make your very own large vacuum form machine using materials from the hardware store!
Links:
- Bob’s Vacuum Former
- James’ Vacuum Former
- Our Small Vacuum Former
- Instructables WardWorks Build
- Volpin Protoform Build
- The Prop Builder’s Molding & Casting Handbook: Thurston James – Amazon
Materials – Vacuum Former:
- Patio Heaters (x2) – $240 – Amazon
- Wood Screws – $4 – Amazon
- Super 77 – $10 – Amazon
- Wood Glue – $8 – Amazon
- 4 Corner L Brackets (x2) – $5 – Amazon
- 6’ Long 1/8” Thick x 1-1/4” Aluminum Angle Bar (x3) – $80 – Amazon
I only found 4’ long pieces on Amazon, you will need to buy 4 to get the total length you need. Also I recommend making your frame a little smaller than 24” square to save on aluminum. Cut the raw material into 2’ segments, then cut the miters on the ends. Assemble the frame, then build your platen to fit inside the frame. - 8-32 x 1/2” Screws – $8 – Amazon
- 8-32 Nuts – $8 – Amazon
- Sash Locks (x4) – $12 – Amazon
- Thin Steel Plate – $10 – Amazon
- Shop Vac – $120 – Amazon
- Metal Mesh – $10 – Amazon
- Striped Duct Tape – $5 – Amazon
- 30” Continuous Hinge (x4) – $35 – Amazon
- Aluminum Tape – $10 – Amazon
- Aluminum Foil – $10 – Amazon
- Wood – Locally Sourced
1/2” 2’x4’ Plywood (x2) – $40
3/4” 2’x4’ MDF – $15
1/4” 2’ x 4’ MDF (x4) – $30
Total: $660
Tools:
- Jig Saw – Amazon
- Band Saw – Amazon
- Table Saw – Amazon
- Belt Sander – Amazon
- Power Drill – Amazon
- Drill Bits – Amazon
- Countersink Bits – Amazon
- Extension Cords – Amazon
- Thermometer – Amazon
- Circular Saw – Amazon
- Bear Hand Saw – Amazon
- Miter Box – Amazon
- Spindle Sander – Amazon
- Palm Sander – Amazon
- Horizontal Metal Cutting Bandsaw – Amazon
- Countersink Bits – Amazon
- Metal Hanger Strap – Amazon
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