Interested in thermoforming at home? This video has all the details!
Years ago I built vacuum formers as a summer job. About 50 thermoforming machines shipped out in total. Today I try to improve on my old designs with Former #51! Once we build the machine we will test it and then tune it for the best possible performance. After all, vacuum forming has it challenges. If you have any questions about building your own vacuum former, I will attempt to answer all of them in this video. If there is anything I missed, leave a comment!
SHOPPING LIST:
METAL
½” square steel tubing – 96” (1/16″ wall thickness)
Lincane perforated AL sheet 36×36 ¾”
C-Channel 1/16” thickness (104” length needed)
WOOD
24×48 peg board (unless a smaller sheet is available)
1/2” or 12mm plywood or
MDF FASTENERS
7/8” ¼-20 couple nuts X8
2” ¼-20 bolts and nuts X16
4” ¼-20 eye bolts X2 3/8” or ½” 10-24 bolts X40
1” 10-24 bolts x4 5/8” 10-24 nuts (box of 50?)
5/8″ Flat head 10-24 bolts for handle x8
3” L-Brackets X16 ½” 4-40 bolts and nuts (for heat spreader) X14
(4) NYLON wheels at least .2ID – .75OD 1/4″?
Retention rings X2
OTHER
Heat hood pan: https://amzn.to/3fZaKvR
Heat element: https://amzn.to/3r4aUsf
On/Off Foot Pedal https://amzn.to/3G4ECla
Small Felt Pads
If you would like to build this vacuum former, click the button below for free plans! Vacuum formers are dangerous industrial machines. Use caution! By downloading these plans you recognize that The 3D Handyman and 2 Point Media are not liable for any resulting injury, property damage, or death caused by the use of this machine or the building of this machine. BUILD AT YOUR OWN RISK!