Avaliable in two Models: Hobby-Vac and Proto-Form

Make Your Own Vacuum Form Machine!

More Tips on Vacuum Forming

The basic theory of vacuum forming is simple. You simply heat a piece of material to the point that it becomes pliable then immediately place it over a mold and suck the air out. After the material cools, which isn't long, you can remove the material from the mold.

Despite their simplicity, vacuum form machines can cost several thousand dollars. Big machines will cost $60,000 or more and large custom machines will cost more than Uncle Fred's house at the lake.

A few years ago the creator of our plan sets made a wonderful little machine that employed a simple "2 Stage" vacuum system. Most other machines, including many small industrial machines use vacuum cleaner motors as the only source of vacuum. Some very expensive machines use large tanks to hold vacuum until it's needed. The little Hobby Vac used TWO sources of vacuum. The primary source of vacuum is your home or shop vacuum. This stage removes most of the air in the mold chamber. This is what most machines will do anyway with their vacuum cleaner motor, but the Hobby Vac went one full step better. The Hobby Vac also used a secondary vacuum pump. A vacuum pump creates high vacuum which is needed to pull fine details out of your mold.

This approach really makes sense. If you were to use a vacuum cleaner motor alone you would never be able to reach the high vacuum needed to produce excellent detail. If you were to use a vacuum pump alone, you would need a very large tank or very expensive vacuum equipment to evacuate air out of the mold area. With the two-stage system you use the best of both systems and save money by doing it.

Save thousands by making your own vacuum former!

If you have researched vacuum form machines then you will know that machines of this size cost more than $7,000 -- if you can find one, and none of them can out perform the machine shown above. Easily constructed in-shop with even limited fabrication experience. Excellent investment, as a used machine can be sold for several times its construction costs.

Perfect for model-makers, inventors, design studios, theaters, special effects companies, etc... The Proto-Form machine is excellent for prototype parts and packaging, display models, signs and even volume production of high quality parts. Now the alternative to those high priced machines is to build your own. The concept is very simple and the parts and materials don't cost much, so any business with fabrication capabilities can save a bundle.

Oven: Infrared design uses tubular type elements, these are the industry standard because of their low cost and reliability (1500-2000 hrs.) Plans also give sources for radiant panels and quartz elements that can be adapted to fit the oven box. We sell oven packages that include the heating elements and contactors.

Temperature Control: Two separate zones (center and outer), can be adjusted with simple controls available from any appliance repair store.

Vacuum System: Plans show several choices to achieve up to 28 inches of vacuum. Standard pump and tank system (medium performance). Two stage system with no tank (better, cheaper), and a two stage hybrid system with tank (best performance). Plans show how to use a small air compressor as vacuum pump.

Clamp Frame: Simple, rugged manual lift system is hard to beat, it's smooth, fast and provides plenty of leverage. Design allows for easy retrofit to air or electric actuators later, Plans show cost effective way to hold plastic sheet with spring-clips as well as other quick change options.
Platen: Unique design uses all metal air tight sandwich construction over a wood base which is removable from the machine. Make as many different sized as you need.

Construction Plans -- Now only available on CD. Here is what you get! Complete dimensioned drawings of each part, plus assembly drawings where needed. Includes sources for a all parts, a Bill of Materials, photos, and diagrams throughout. Whenever purchased parts are used, sources are given along with complete specifications and advice on how to make substitutions. Not only will you learn how, but you will also learn why it works, The sections on vacuum system and oven installations are filled with practical information on installing using and customizing these elements. Finally the section on operation will have you up and running fast, useful tips on troubleshooting, common problems, and advice on choosing the right plastics.

[REFERENCE PHOTOS] [CONSTRUCTION GUIDE BOOK] [FULL SIZE DRAWINGS]

Hobby-Vac Construction Plans on CD

Now only available on CD, the Photo shows what it looks like when printed out. You can take the disc to Kinko's and print the full set, or view it on your computer and print only what you need.

HOBBY-VAC PLANS Specifications:

Hobby-Vac is 5 times more powerful than a Shop-Vac and has a built in oven.
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. 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.

Please call for information on heater element kits.

Proto-Form Construction Plans on CD

Now only available on CD, the Photo shows what it looks like when printed out. You can take the disc to Kinko's and print the full set, or view it on your computer and print only what you need.

PROTO-FORM PLANS Specifications:

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 now on CD, include a 100 page assembly manual, parts and material cut lists, 27 parts drawings, 3 full size cut-away drawings and 36 color pictures. Custom heating element kits are available.

This set contains specifications for all three sizes.

Please call for information on heater element kits.