I need some help locating a vacuum forming service

[kryptosdaddy]

Hey- I have a problem with the saucer (Sci-Fi, kitbash) When I cut the top off the kit, the brittle clear styrene cracked,plus its just too thick! you know how that goes. I need the service of a vacuum form machine. i cant build one right now. Here it is....

The saucer shape is 6 3/4 inches across and maybe 3/4 inch high, the fin is of course smaller. i need two copies of each piece in clear, the thinner the better. I'm in SC- our local RC club can't help (because i cant locate them!)

I'm looking for the clear styrene now.... Thanks! CR

 

[Sharkmouth]

I edited the title as I thought you needed help vacuum forming (which I can provide) but you are asking for a service (which I can't provide).

Good luck!

 

[kryptosdaddy]

Thanks for the edit- I'll take the help, i understand if you can't provide the service. But i'm lost here trying to figure my way. CR

 

[moon puppy]

watching this because I'm interested in vacuum forming.

 

[kryptosdaddy]

Me too now!

 

[Iron Mike]

Chris and I were discussing this last night, I found this for him, couldn't be easier. We had a vacuum forming machine in high school, made all kinds of stuff.

 

[kryptosdaddy]

Yes It looks simple- I'm being lazy i guess, just want to buy the plastic and have it done! lol

 

[kryptosdaddy]

Evergreen does NOT have clear styrene bigger than 6x12 inches- but this retailer called Blick

http://www.dickblick.com/products/clear-styrene-sheets/



Sells larger stock at .05 of an inch thick- I broke out the micrometer so i could see this thinkness and its the same as a comic backing board! This should be fine as the saucer top is 3/4 of an inch high- even proped up it will not be over an inch tall, forget the fin.
They sell the larger stock in clear for picture frames! DUH!!! Why didn't I think of this? Can probably find a huge poster sized sheet at a photo store or art supply house.

My thing is the newbie factor, I'm willing to try- but I want to be carefull. As a plumber I have flooded a house before and caution is king! lol.

 

[kryptosdaddy]

Now this is a bit more complex, but I think the quality of the product is better

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-good,-cheap,-upgradeable-sheet-plastic-vacu/

http://vacuumformerplans.blogspot.com/


I have been looking at both of these for awhile (since last week) considering building one- but its gonna be the most in expensive possible.

 

[jknaus]

Here are some links I put up before https://www.modelersalliance.com/forum/modelers-lounge-/75169-vac-form#75169
Hope it helps.
James

 

[Iron Mike]

The screen frame and binder clip idea looks good, here's your frames.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_5361-15369-72253_0__?productId=3099319&Ntt=adjustable+screens&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dadjustable%2Bscreens&facetInfo=

This screen has two panels that you can detach and remove the wire.

Unless you have to buy a vac, looks like you could get started for less than $20 US. Better be sure the wife doesn't get wind of you using her oven! hmy:

 

[moon puppy]

Her Oven??

I smell a club meeting being instigated.

 

[Iron Mike]

Whether she uses it or not, it's HER oven. Trust me on that one!! :laugh:

 

[kryptosdaddy]

lol- I'm not married so its MY oven! lol

I'm not a draftsman, but I'm making an exploded view drawing now of this guys system- it's really simple. And surprisingly flexible on several points, especially on vacuum adapter attachment. Only thing is knowing when the plastic is ready- i guess that's where mechanics meets art.

I'll clean this up and post it today. CR

 

[Iron Mike]

If the plastic sags, it's ready. Hot damn! I'm finally using something I learned in high school!! :laugh:

 

[kryptosdaddy]

Ok here is my crappy drawing... notice i didn't go into the frames as they are self explanatory, but this gives the detail of the paten or plate....

CR