Castcraft vacuum forming machine plans

Vacuum Forming Machine Plans

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"Hobbyist" Vacuum Forming Machine Plans

Hobby Vac vacuum forming machine

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 Elements are used. 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. Sources of supply for all parts included.

Use this link for detailed specs: Hobbyist Vacuum Forming Machine

By Doug Walsh.

Hobbyist Vacuum Forming Machine Plans $40.00 +S&H

Order Policy:U.S. addresses only - Credit Cards and PayPal Accepted

"Professional" Vacuum Forming Machine Plans

Proto Form vacuum forming machine

Plans for a larger vacuum forming machine, 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. Complete parts list and sources of supply are included.

Use this link for detailed specs: Professional Vacuum Forming Machine

By Doug Walsh.

Professional Vacuum Forming Machine Plans $122.00 +S&H

Order Policy:U.S. addresses only - Credit Cards and PayPal Accepted

How to decide between these two plans:

Both of these sets of plans give detailed, step by step instructions so you can build complete vacuum forming machines, with built-in ovens for heating the plastic. Both sets of plans give complete sources of supply for all special parts, including heating elements and controls.

The main differences are:

The Hobbyist machine has a smaller plastic sheet size, 12" x 18". If you want to form from sheets up to 2 feet by 4 feet (for larger parts or faster production of smaller parts), build the Professional machine.
The Hobbyist machine heating element runs from a standard 110v wall outlet. The larger Professional machine heating element requires 220v. A typical house may have 220v outlets near an electric water heater, an electric oven, or an electric dryer, or an electrician can add a 220v circuit for you.

Tip - Both of these plans are all about building the machines, with very little information about vacuum forming itself. If you are new to vacuum forming and want to know how to make vacuum forming patterns or which plastics to use, please see the book "Do-It Yourself Vacuum Forming", by the same author as these plans.