How to Build a Vacuum Former_Hobbies and Crafts_Common Sense of Life

Part 1 Part 1 of 5: Making the Vacuum Former Box

1 Measure and draw your guidelines.
- On 3/4 inch plywood, draw three squares, 5 inches on a side.
- Draw another, smaller 4 inch square centered inside each square.
2 Cut along the inner squares on all three frame pieces.
3 Cut along the outer guidelines to finish each frame piece.
4 Build the main box by stacking and gluing the three frame pieces together.
5 Clamp all four sides of the box and allow the glue to dry.
6 Drill a hole on one side using the hole saw so the vacuum hose (or adapter) will fit snugly.

Part 2 Part 2 of 5: Making the Platen

1 Measure and draw outside frame.
- On the 5mm MDF, draw a 5 inch square.
2 Measure and draw a grid.
- Start in from a corner at 0.5 inches from each side, draw straight vertical lines every 2/3 inches for a total of 7 lines.
- Repeat the pattern for horizontal lines creating an intersecting grid pattern.
3 Drill 3/32 inch holes at each intersection.
4 Cut the final platen out of the MDF along the outside frame lines drawn earlier.
5 Glue the platen to the top of the former box created in the previous step, clamping all four sides until the glue dries.

Part 3 Part 3 of 5: Making the Bottom / Mount

1 Measure and draw cutting guidelines.
- On the 5mm MDF, draw a 5 inch by 9 inch rectangle.
2 Cut frame from MDF.
3 Glue this final piece to the bottom of the vacuum former box, clamping the two flush sides until the it is fully dried.

Part 4 Part 4 of 5: Making the Sheet Holder Frame

1 Measure and draw guidelines.
- On the 5mm MDF, draw two 7.5 inch squares
- Centered inside each square draw another, 5.5 inch square.
2 Cut out the inner square of each frame piece.
3 Cut along the outer guideline to finish the frame pieces.

Part 5 Part 5 of 5: Using Your New Vacuum Former

1 Mount the box.
- Set the box on a sturdy table.
- Using the clams / quick clamps, firmly clamp the box to the table.
2 Attach the vacuum.
- Firmly push the vacuum hose or adapter into the hole on the side of the former.
3 Gather your materials.
- Cut your desired thermoplastic into 6 inch square sheets.
- Choose or 3d print shapes to be formed.
4 Place the objects to be molded on the platen (top). Take care to space the part around the holes to maintain clean edges.
5 Clamp the thermoplastic sheet between the frame pieces with the binder clips.
6 Hold frame with grips to keep heat away from your hands.
7 Heat plastic using slow, even motion with the heat gun. Keep going until until the plastic sags about 1.5 to 2 inches
8 Turn on the vacuum.
9 Lower the heated thermoplastic onto former over objects.
10 Continue to heat the thermoplastic around edges and fine details to ensure a clean mold.

How to Build a Vacuum Former