Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => General Discussion => Topic started by: wollins on December 23, 2014, 10:54:17 AM

Title: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: wollins on December 23, 2014, 10:54:17 AM
Can anyone in the GTA help me out by pulling a canopy for me? I don't have a vacuum former but I do have the plug and the plastic so my appeal is to anyone who has a vacuum former.

The canopy would roughly be about 6 inches by 5 inches x three inches. So I would supply the plug and the material. I'm willing to pay for this of course.

Thanks!

Colin
Title: Re: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: piker on December 25, 2014, 11:02:23 AM
I've always wanted to mare a vacuum former.  Maybe now would be a good time  ;D    Let me look into it a bit over the next few days.  For now we're heading to Kingston to see family.
Title: Re: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: Papa on December 25, 2014, 11:44:53 AM
I have one but it's only 12" x 12" and I'm not sure it would work for that size plug.
My experience has been that the closer to the edge the plug sits the greater the chances of creases forming.
I intend to make a bigger one, maybe 18" x 18".


It works well, I used perforated peg board glued to box with a frame of 2" x 1" with a connector for my shop vac.
It has a 5 H.P. motor and sucks very strongly. I attach the film to a frame and heat it in the kitchen oven. I use two bricks to raise it off the racks. The vacuum box has a foam seal that matches the frame with the film. When the film sags in the frame I whip it out of the oven and on to the running vacuum. You have to be fast as it cools quickly.


Your welcome to try it.


jack.
Title: Re: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: Andy Hoffer on December 25, 2014, 04:15:45 PM
Quote from: Papa on December 25, 2014, 11:44:53 AM
I have one but it's only 12" x 12" and I'm not sure it would work for that size plug.
My experience has been that the closer to the edge the plug sits the greater the chances of creases forming.
I intend to make a bigger one, maybe 18" x 18".


It works well, I used perforated peg board glued to box with a frame of 2" x 1" with a connector for my shop vac.
It has a 5 H.P. motor and sucks very strongly. I attach the film to a frame and heat it in the kitchen oven. I use two bricks to raise it off the racks. The vacuum box has a foam seal that matches the frame with the film. When the film sags in the frame I whip it out of the oven and on to the running vacuum. You have to be fast as it cools quickly.


Your welcome to try it.


jack.


How does Mary like the aroma of plastic in her oven?!!  Must make for some interesting flavours, too, both in food and family discussions.  ;D


Andy
Title: Re: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: Papa on December 25, 2014, 06:50:45 PM
Shusshh! I try to do it when she is out of the house.


So far I think I'm in the clear.


Jack.
Title: Re: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: wollins on December 25, 2014, 08:49:15 PM
Thanks guys!  That's awesome.  Yeah Rob, you should make one ... you know you need it! ;) 

Colin
Title: Re: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: wollins on December 25, 2014, 08:52:21 PM
Quote from: Papa on December 25, 2014, 11:44:53 AM
I have one but it's only 12" x 12" and I'm not sure it would work for that size plug.

BTW Jack, just measured and the actual size of the plug is exactly 4.5 inches by 6 inches. Would that still be too big? Incidentally, my main problem is the heat source ... I'm sure I can get this done without a vacuum former but my heat source sucks and unlike you, I can't take the chance with my wife's oven. (I've been warned! lol!)

Colin   
Title: Re: Anyone have a vacuum former in the GTA?
Post by: Papa on December 26, 2014, 12:47:40 AM
I like to live dangerously and "what the heart doesn't see the heart doesn't grieve for".


Jack.