Hobby-Vac Construction Plans

Plans for a tabletop vacuum forming machine that can mold flat plastic sheets into complex shapes using heat and vacuum. This versatile machine was designed to be an easy 2 or 3 weekend project using ordinary parts and a wood cabinet. It features a built in 110 volt oven and powerful vacuum system. This is the largest size you can run on a residential house circuit. The comprehensive construction plans include a 100 page illustrated assembly manual, 2 large photo pages, 32 drawings, sources and a large cut away drawing. This little powerhouse can form up to 1/4 inch thick plastic sheets. The sheet size is 12 x18 inches or smaller and depth of draw is up to 6 inches. You get Industrial strength performance and a perfect size for the hobbyist or small business.

110 Volt Heating Element kits  are available to speed up construction and guarantee good results.

There are no comparable small machines currently being produced with this level of performance. Estimated cost to build this machine is $250 to $350 depending on the vacuum system chosen. Perfect for the serious hobbyist or small business. Ask for a free information sheet. Build it Yourself and Save!

Proto-Form Construction Plans

Plans for a larger vacuum forming used to mold flat plastic sheets into complex shapes by using heat and vacuum. This machine can be built in three sizes, 2x2, 2x3, and 2x4 ft. (sheet Sizes) These machines are ideal for prototyping, packaging and short run production of larger parts. Form up to 1/4 inch thick plastic sheets with a 12 inch depth of draw. The 220 volt oven is mounted overhead so it takes up minimal floor space, and a rugged manual lift linkage transfers the plastic sheet between the oven and the platen. Removable platens let you change sizes easily. Build this machine for 80% less than a new unit with the same performance. A steel chassis with wood exterior panels make it both rugged and attractive. Easy to build with no machined parts. Plans include a 100 page assembly manual in a three ring binder, parts and material cut lists, 27 parts drawings, 3 full size cut-away blueprints and 36 actual color photographs. Custom heating element kits are available. Ask for a free information sheet. Build it Yourself and Save!

Vacuum Forming for the Hobbyist

Over 25,000 copies sold! This little book has introduced thousands of modelers to vacuum forming (molding plastic sheets) Learn how to get 5 times more vacuum than any vacuum cleaner, and form up to ¼ in thick plastic sheets. Written in plain English for the hobbyist, this book shows you how to build low cost equipment from ordinary parts. Includes a wealth of information on plastics, low cost vacuum sources, how to use your oven most effectively and using alternate heat sources. Plenty of tips and examples will save you time. If you want to make a few parts on a budget, you need this book!

Secrets of Building a Vacuum Forming Machine

An easy to read book loaded with illustrations and photo's. Shows how to build a machine that operates on 110 volts and forms a 12 x 15 plastic sheet. A bit more complicated and harder to build that our Hobby-Vac plans, but full of clever ideas like an adjustable clamp frame and moving platen. Many aspects of this design can be scaled up successfully or used on other machines. A great source of additional information for anyone custom building a machine

Mold Making and Casting Guides

One of my best sellers!... This is a very popular set, it covers every common material plus some unusual ones used in the special effects industry. A four book set includes a 67 page Moldmaking guide, 82 page Casting guide, and a valuable Source book containing addresses and phone numbers for 290 sources of 216 materials. There is also a 55 page Bonus guide with lots of other good stuff. These books are printed with plain covers and stapled together, but they contain the largest collection of practical information on every type of mold or casting materials you are likely to find. The Source guide alone is worth the price. Well illustrated and easy to read...

Prop Builders Molding and Casting Book

This book shows how to do mold making and casting for theatrical props, but some of the materials and techniques also work well for vacuum forming molds. Covers many common materials and some you never heard of, shows each one in use with over 450 photographs and 236 pages. Also suggests clever uses for materials you can find at the hardware store. Includes one chapter on building a simple vacuum forming machine suitable for thin plastics, and shows how it can be used. also gives tips on painting and decorating various materials.

How to Cast your own Plastic Parts

This is a highly detailed 30 page report that focuses on casting Epoxy, Polyester, Acrylic and Urethane resins, into Silicone rubber or Urethane molds. This is the technique you would use if you want to make plastic parts that look like they were injection molded. Very concise and focused, you get honest advice and sources for the best materials. Great way to reproduce an existing or broken part. Valuable knowledge for anyone involved in modeling, product design or restorations.

Making Latex Molds Video

This two video set is 3 1/2 hours long, and takes you step by step by step through eight projects from beginning to advanced. Latex is an inexpensive, thick brushable liquid that dries to form a durable soft rubber. It can be used to make highly detailed molds that will "peel off" of shapes with severe undercuts, It can then be backed up with a plaster mold for support if needed. Use latex molds to create polyester, urethane or plaster parts. There is no substitute for seeing how it's done.

Silicone Mold Making DVD Video

This informative 35 minute DVD video shows how to make Silicone rubber molds. Also called RTV, silicone is a thick two part liquid that cures to a durable rubber with good release properties. The flexibility makes it very useful for molds with deep undercuts and it reproduces fine detail. Silicone is compatible with polyester and epoxy resins, as well as plaster and other materials. Make one or two part molds and cast liquid resin to make rigid plastic or soft rubber parts.

Magic Molding and Casting Video

This 48 minute video shows how to make a mold from a persons face using a non toxic material called alginate, and then cast a plaster replica from it. This water based material is great for making quick 5 minute molds of any object. It is extremely pliable and picks up very fine detail. Cheap and easy to use, yet not many people know about it. Used extensively in the special effects industry.

Secrets of Building an Injection Molding Machine

Injection molding is a process where molten plastic is forced under pressure into a cavity where it cools and forms a part. On the surface it appears to be a technology well beyond a home shop. This book shows you how to build a simple inexpensive tabletop machine from ordinary parts. You will need to weld angle iron for the frame and you should have a lathe or at least a drill press to make an accurate hole for the injection cylinder. Sources are given for the heating element and thermostat. A very simple machine you can build in a weekend. Use simple molds made from aluminum, steel, epoxy or even plaster. Purchased molds are also available. The best part is that you can use recycled plastic bottles for the molding material. Easy to build and a lot of fun. A great introduction to this important process.

Woodshop Dust Control

If you work with wood you need this book. An in depth look at the best methods for controlling dust in the workshop. Goes beyond the obvious and explains the different types of dust and the methods to filter or exhaust it. Reducing dust at the source is far preferable to filtering it out of the air. Discusses face masks, dust collection systems, and air filtration systems. There are more ways to do it wrong than right. Includes plans on how to build an effective air cleaning unit. Dust is a serious health hazard, don't ignore it.

Index

Beginning Powder Coaters Handbook

Vinyl Graphics How-To

Anodizing Aluminum Parts

Finally a practical guide to anodizing aluminum at home. Anodizing is a very hard surface treatment that can be dyed to produce brilliant colors on aluminum parts. Sure you can find short tutorials all over the web, but this info is the real deal. It starts at the most basic level then goes far enough that you could actually start your own business. The results you can get with this book are as good as they get regardless of cost. Save  money or make money with this great book.

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Trellis Craft

Decorate your garden with ordinary copper pipe

Use plumbing parts to enhance your deck, patio, and garden with your own copper pipe creations. Build copper trellises, arches, arbors, obelisks, and spirals. Make copper plant stands, plant shelves, trellises for pots, and row cover supports. It's easy! Copper garden trellises help provide shade and privacy so you can grow beautiful flowers and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. You will enjoy improving your garden or yard and gaining new space to grow all types of flowering vines. Copper trellises are strong and permanent. They don't rust. They don't rot, and best of all don't need maintenance. You won't even need a workshop or power tools to make them.

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