djs101

iTrader: (87)

anyone got pics of their forming machines?

Lone Star

iTrader: (3)

Im putting together an album of my forming stuff. It will be up in a couple days. Is anyone making a rearcab body for a top level car except durango? And that is so low profile its almost no-cab. I am making .060 wings that are really durable. They are arent rubbery like the last jcon pack i got, those were just short of worthless. Sad really, usually jcon is really good stuff. Bad batch i guess, it happens.

PROMODVETTE

iTrader: (70)

Here is a video of one that should be fairly easy and inexpensive to build. You could always change the vacuum/heating element to something better, put even the Dyson pulled that .078" plastic very nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maH5Ech0wK8


I have seen some bigger stronger ones that use a large tank to create a vacuum in and open a valve to suck the air down. Its really neat but would probably be too expensive/strong for the thickness of material we use.

Lone Star

iTrader: (3)

Ive read that we would need about 10 gal tank for buggy bodies. Im going to plumb a 30 gal water well accumulator tank with my venturi i use in composite work. It will take some time to get the tank to 28"hg but im in no hurry. If the pull drops it down to 20 its still over twice what my shop vac pulls.

Lone Star

iTrader: (3)

I laugh at those videos. Most are pulling HIPS, ABS, or PS plastic. That stuff forms at low temps and has a window like a barn door.

Lone Star

iTrader: (3)

One pic of my small machine and the thick wings are in my albums.

Dknuckles

Always great to see ones handiwork pay off!!!

Lone Star

iTrader: (3)

Thanks D. Ill be building a new(bigger and smoother) machine soon. When i do ill try to post the build process.

mike shielsd

I've been trying to figure this out for the last few weeks I'd like to see the pictures of your system

Lone Star

iTrader: (3)

So what do you use for a vacuum source and do you just carry the hot frame to the platten?

Manny

Yeah, I guess we do it the old fashion way! The machine shop that I work with already had this setup before I met them. They used to make headlight covers and other medium sized vac-formed accessories. Suction is achieved with an electric motor turning a supercharger. I'll take a pic and put it up.

tq_racing

iTrader: (67)

what sheets are you guys using to make the bodies? where you getting them?

Lone Star

iTrader: (3)

Try Tap Plastics in portland. If not, they should be able to get you in the right direction. Youre looking for .030ish polycarbonate. Makrolon is what i use.

Manny, how many inches does the blower pull? That would be a cool shop setup.

tq_racing

iTrader: (67)

damn $22 for a sheet that is 2'x4' i can buy a already made body for that price. i could see for wings but not a body

mike shielsd

I paid $55.00 for a 4'x 8' sheet At a place called Piedmont plastics