Prop: Shop - How to Make a Vacuum Forming Machine

Bill shows you how to quickly make a vacuum forming machine from cheap hardware store supplies.
-Check out our new BIG Vacuum Form tutorial: • Hardware Store Vacuum ... -
Music by the Andrew Allen Trio: andrewallentrio.com
Fon Davis's Vacuum Forming Video
• DIY Vacuum Former with...
High End Vacuum Former Stan Winston Video
www.stanwinstonschool.com/tut...
Materials & Tools
Aluminum Solid Angle 1/16" x 1/2" x 1/2"
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Miter Box/Saw
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Corner Braces 1.5"
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1, 2, 3 Block
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Countersink Bits
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Screws
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Nuts
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Styrene Plastic
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PETG Plastic
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Binder clips
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Dremel Rotary Tool
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Toaster Oven
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Pegboard
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Forsner Bits
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Shop Vac
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Wood Glue
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Clamps
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Spring Clamps
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[@punishedprops]

Check out our NEW tutorial for making a BIG Vacuum Form table using materials from the hardware store: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWicYYKsh95kqMU

[@saborguerito]

These are really helpful videos you guys are awesome but I really am having a hard time finding the plastic bars I see people using to hold a two-part vacuum mold together in order to make things like candles. Is there a place you might recommend?

[@Clockwork6655321]

Made one... great stuff. I found that the sheets sold for the makyu form box are perfect for a 21cmx21cm frame and the plastic is nice...$40 for 30 pieces 2 day shipping

[@ij20man35]

Hi i was just wondering what were the dimensions you used for the vacuum former box? Was the size decided by the inside dimensions of the toaster oven?

[@HandmadeProps]

Lol, since my son watched your tutorial and built his own vac former all of my sheet stock vanished!!.....he has turned it into Poke Balls:) ........Thank you!!......I think ;) Wonderful tutorial!!

[@jeffnovak5965]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for, putting out these videos. I am pretty new to casting and vacuum forming. it's nice to have a visual guide to these techniques. it makes it seem like way less of a daunting task.

[@Doobie3010]

Always like workshops that ACTUALLY look like people work in em! Cool vid too!

[@HiggsDeposition]

Replying so this comment gets more attention

[@BroughtToYouByDDean]

Then you'd love mine 😂 😅😅

[@defiance42]

Amazing, great quality,interesting ideas,clear speach, accurate tips, inspiring as hell,thanks for making this)

[@WillSway]

Dude you are awesome ! thank you for all your techniques ! And thank you for your good mood, it's always a pleasure to see your videos !

[@theyarehere8919]

I'm very glad to find your channel. I was watching you and Adam Savage build a foam gauntlet. So I came over to Punished Props Academy to look around. I liked what I saw so I stayed around by subscribing.

[@punishedprops]

That's great, thanks for subscribing!

[@ryansizemore5064]

Really enjoy clear informative tutorials like this. Great links in description and simple instructions. Really look forward to trying it out.

[@StephenMattison66]

6 second intro, perfect! Thx for being smart!

[@MadZaxx]

Awesome tutorial and excellent presentation. I really appreciate your style and down to earth personality.

[@ruthatguy]

I've used a many a commercial Thermoformer to make big things back in the "real world", this is a great way to make your own. Well done sir!

[@ramsildor]

LOVE your videos, and your books are great also. Make some more!

[@thomasproske2436]

This was super helpful! I'll definitely be making one, thanks!!

[@MrRhovanion]

yeoow!!!! that was way cool! always thought i'd need a big framework and all that other stuff.. this is so compact and easy to make ......love it!! gotta do it ..thanks!!

[@alastorfan1172]

I really love this video, planning on starting to make vacuum formed hockey masks soon! 8 years later and this video gives all the best info on how to make them, Thank you for this info punishedprops! I'll be having fun following these steps and making my own forming machine,

[@blacksmithsbenchstudios6453]

I have that same bourbon st. sign in my painting room..... great video. thanks!

[@valic000]

Great clip..I need to make one for the canopy of the model aircraft. ..Will copy it one for sure!! Thanks for sharing!

[@chrissharp5073]

Just stumbled across this video from prop shop. Just the ticket for my modelling needs, I found it informative and an easy to achieve project. Cheers mate.

[@punishedprops]

Right on! We're so happy you found the video helpful!

[@jordanmusleh6305]

Sweet.....finally I can make my own things now..!! thanx dude..!!

[@blacksmithsbenchstudios6453]

also noticed the Khorne berzerker on your pc background at 4:54. building chaos armour is the exact reason I'm looking at making a vacuuformer! great video +40k awesome points.

[@mattd390]

Thank you for listing all of the material links. 👍

[@the_amazingspidey_6686]

Great tutorial Bill! I can't wait for the tutorial on how to make a buck to vacuuform.

[@solarismoon3046]

The rubber sanding block was neat! Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@punishedprops]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@jaimesvideochannel242]

@@punishedprops what is the thickness of the PETG that you’re using for this tutorial?

[@timbroderickjr]

New subscriber- loving your channel! I think this little vacuum former would work well for the kydex projects I'm planning on- thanks for the info!

[@jorgeluishuertamastache8715]

excellent video, just what I was looking for, thanks for sharing, greetings from mexico city

[@Zen_Modeling]

This just gave me a great idea for a small sanding or drilling table, with the vacuumed area catching all the dust Ect... Tired of my workshop shelves having 1/8th of dust every month.. No need for the Vacuum Forming, but I guess it’s there if I do... Thanks....👍👍LEBIII

[@luisrobles3062]

JUST PICKED UP A FEW OF THE BOOKS CANT WAIT TO READ THEM

[@Theopheus]

I know this video is old, but it's clear, concise, not very long. I really appreciate it. If you're still watching the comments, do you need any kind of mold release? What keeps the vacuum formed plastic from sticking to the buck? Also, how thick should the plastic be?

[@punishedprops]

A powder can help the plastic release from the buck. Here's a time stamp of us showing the process on a newer project: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWndlnp_h8igi9k

[@Leonardo.Rodrigues]

Great video, Bill!

[@aldoalisa4512]

really cool videos cant wait to get back home and start doing my own cosplay. not as big in Australia but still will be fun :) keep up the great work mate ;)

[@coppercatapothecary7746]

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[@MaxBrainDevices]

Amazing work

[@pinkfroth4968]

I had an idea like this only I over complicated things, thanks this is a good reference

[@DIRTYYETTI]

Super easy! Thanks for the vid!

[@azmike1956]

Having done vacuum forming before (4' x 8' sheets) I really appreciate your video. I'm really looking forward to doing some small projects at home. Thanks for the inspiration!😉👍

[@punishedprops]

Thanks very much, we're so happy to help!

[@brettaylor2661]

Cool! Thanks for the video. I'm going to do this.

[@WilliamStoneman]

Awesome Tutorial!

[@ClantonCombatives]

Thanks for posting this, Bill. This pushed me to get back into Kydex holster making. Have you seen the use of a silicone membrane to place on top in a frame to get even more detail? Another technique is placing a piece of rope in a circle around the item, helps create an even tighter vacuum apparently.

[@velocitymg]

Stayed for the content, subbed for the N7 gear 👍🏻

[@punishedprops]

Thanks so much for your support!

[@howtimflies204]

Hydrastone works well as a plug/buck too. The last 50 lb bag I got was about $30. Works like Plaster of Paris but is much harder and dries without cracking.

[@thenar]

Thanx PP, this was informative...and useful.

[@punishedprops]

You're very welcome!

[@sshepard1102]

Very cool! Definitely building one soon, however I am curious, if you scale it up do you have to worry about loss of suction power at all and if so, how do you compensate?

[@RestorationAustralia]

Very creative well done.

[@punishedprops]

Thanks!

[@censusgary]

When I was a kid, I had a Vac-U-Form Toy. It had a small heating element and a hand pump to create the vacuum. This is simply a homemade version of that toy.

[@UniverseCafe]

This is a really good idea thanks! I have a bunch of poly carbonate we will se how it goes!

[@ekimba]

Thank you, really enjoy and learn a lot

[@jerrym995]

looks like a nice way to make tool box drawer liners, so you can tell what's missing

[@2300Kenzie]

I would have made the frame to fit the width of the oven so you don't need the pan. Also for shapes that are glossy, sometimes it is good to use a velvet coating so wrinkles don't form. It makes a smooth matte finish that hides tiny imperfections. Also a list of melting temperatures for the plastics and an IR thermometer can be handy.

[@MechDickel]

Super cool! I'll try to build my own!

[@punishedprops]

Heck yeah! Share what you make with us on Twitter: twitter.com/chinbeard

[@TAG-rq7ii]

I love the Mass Effect Hoodie!!

[@andjon3710]

OMG, Frank Ippolito has a twin brother!

[@Frostfly]

that was my reaction too...

[@chrisevan3353]

so much help, thanks bill :)

[@saviolaoz7154]

Incrível. Bom trabalho mano

[@CottageontheCorner]

Hi, very helpful video. I am new to vacuum forming and I'm having a hard time finding where to buy the plastic sheets (preferable ldpe) or the least toxic and most transparent. I will be using resin so also something that will release the cured resin. Any suggestions on where to buy?

[@kvossman2492]

Thanks for making this. I though I was going to have to buy an actual whole vacuum molding machine for this

[@supermrt]

Love the hoodie!

[@SAINTSFCTV]

Nice video I shall be trying to form my own 1mm -2mm clamshell packaging for my start up business ill use petg, hope it picks out the small detail

[@Duci1989]

This is awesome!

[@designsketchdz6392]

Thank you for this video and a great work❤️👌

[@punishedprops]

You're so welcome, thanks for watching!

[@soarer282]

Do not forget to use a release agent like talcum powder to help get the thing apart after it cools and shrinks onto your item you are trying to mold. just a dusting of it on the mold before you vac form it is enough and helps a lot.

[@gabohXD]

Thank you so much for this, do you think there is any recommended limitation in size for this? I would like to make something about 60x60x20 (cm).

[@kinghoffbeers4221]

Awesome video thanks 😁👍👍

[@lylapayne2992]

Hi, i have been looking at how to make conrete leaves and i wonder if it would be possible to vacuum form leaves so i could just fill with concrete and use as a mould many times ?

[@grafton261]

I can see a use for it to make a mold for fiberglass motorcycle parts, very useful to copy parts that can no longer be bought from the makers or even 2nd hand

[@Sango-po5pi]

Def gonna try!

[@crchart]

Do you think you could 3D print some of those vacuum forming bucks? I know pla has a low melting temp but it should hold its form for long enough I would think to make the plastic case

[@babyhealz1987]

The toaster bit got me... I love this

[@punishedprops]

Heheh, we like to have fun with our projects :) Thanks for watching!

[@nicholasvinkler1635]

This is fantastic

[@bashnichcorner]

Can you use Eva foam as a template I'm working on symmetras proton gun and I want to use acrylic for the covering

[@martinwalters1954]

Can you tell me what that small drill bit chuck is that is inserted in the drill press chuck? Kinda nifty.

[@ronnewton606]

great.. on my list of things to make

[@pablobarrera2797]

Great idea, thanks

[@violenceandlace]

I've wanted to learn to do this for so long for mold making! What type of plastic do you recommend for vacuforming molds that will be used with resin?

[@deltajohnny]

Really interesting video. Thanks a lo!!

[@punishedprops]

+Delta Johnny You’re welcome!

[@LodniKranazon]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ChozoSR388]

Props for using the Dragon Priest mask footage! Which one was that?

[@gr6e]

Haven't touched my toaster oven since I got an air fryer, I'm definitely gonna have to repurpose it now

[@petercane6376]

Just exactly what I needed to know to make clear canopies for model aircraft. The expensive or hard thing to get will be a toaster. What about a hot air gun? Will that work? Thank you greatly for the video.

[@morrisl7]

Whats a better method for high detail works? Thanks

[@personone6881]

Hey man - Great vid! I’m only new to messing around with all this DIY plastic stuff and this really helps, seems so simple and obvious now I seen one but you don’t know until you know, huh! One thing, if you don’t mind me hitting you up just real quick while I’ve thought of it - I’ve been using Thermoplastic Polypropylene Pellets just trying to mould out a few ideas and get a grasp of what can and can’t be done manually without a 3D printer (which I can’t afford or justify this early into this) and it’s been good. It has pros and cons, like all things but I want to move onto other types of plastics, even silicones and resins… Yes, sorry, I’m getting to my question LOL! - It seems important to give you a little background as to WHY I’m asking as I’m sure it will help your answer :) No doubt there is a tonne of great info out there, only the trouble I’m finding is different people use different lingo or shorten or substitute identifying nouns (“rubber” instead of “silicon” for example) and this is amplified across different global locales, regions manners of speech etc. So it can be completely discombobulating to find out after 3 months that any two “foams” are NOT the same or perhaps ARE the same but one source called it “sponge” instead of “foam” and you see where I’m going despite that terribly broad example I’ve given! Haha! So, please, if you wouldn’t mind chucking me a link to where I might acquire a small amount of what YOU know and refer to as “Styrene” here-in, I would be that much further ahead of the rest of the “Teaching Myself Class” than, well… Me. (About the same as you used in your demonstration in this video would be approx. ideal) (ebay, Ali, whats-the-other-ones… you know!) CHEERS MAN - I’ll “blackmail” you with a sub-up promise if you can!! :) (not really, you can probs have it anyway haha!)

[@punishedprops]

Check out the links in the video description! We acquire ours from Amazon.

[@user-vi9lz1dl3b]

hi there ... can you please tell me what plastic sheets you use ??? and if you can give me a link where i can order those ... ty in advance

[@AdmiralDravish]

Your guide has made me realize that making your own vacuum former isn't a scary, impossible task. I'm going to make one myself but would like to know what to look for in the vacuum cleaner. Is power/wattage what matters? is a 2400 watt model better than a 1200 watt one?

[@tek4]

David S the amount of air it moves is what is important

[@MrMilarepa108]

they need to really suck, that's all.

[@dickdomain719]

Good video thanks!!

[@shanecox954rr]

Always amazing! going to have to try it. ps sent you a email when you get the time. thanx bud!

[@skylarwalters]

What type of plastic are you using what thickness and where did you get it back

[@Bidoof_Fan7]

For the actual box part would just a regular wooden box you have around with some holes in it work?

[@markm04021979]

Nice jacket!

[@mycalbarrowclough6643]

hi there. Thanks for another great tutorial. What type of plastic are you using? How thick? Source? I'll be primarily vacuforming T-Visors for Mandalorian Helmets. TIA!

[@TheRangeControl]

Can a "Heat Press" be used for PETG and other materials (If not, please advise on what you recommend for "larger sheets" 24"x30")?

[@eross21]

do you have any ,diy acrylic sheet bending tools?

[@brettzky703]

Have you tried using worbla, or transparent worbla with the box? Or would the glue totally ruin everything.

[@HorribleGamingFun]

I have a question about the holes in the top Is it better to have holes that size? Does it make vacforming easier? I've made a budget vacforming rig and I've had trouble with my test runs getting the plast to form over the piece and I know its not the plastic as its plenty hot enough, so I'm wondering if I've made the holes too small? The size of the drill bit I was using was approximately 1.5mm wide. There seems to be good suction, but the plastic doesnt seem to want to conform all the way down over the piece so I end up with like a tenting effect where it partially forms around the tops and then angles out on all sides like a tent

[@danyforreal]

Question. I want to make a helmet for a plush doll using clear vinyl fabric. The kind you can get at Joann’s but have never worked with it. Could that be used to create two half spheres with a vacuum former?

[@tyleroger17]

what is the thickest material you could vacuum form? I'm thinking about doing this for car purposes but I think the styrene would be too thin.

[@MrShadybob]

Woohoo spied myself on your monitor at 4:41 :P

[@frikkiesmit2695]

I can use this method to make new moulds for my sockets and tools in toolbox to keep my stuff organized

[@punishedprops]

Sweet!

[@Neoxie]

came here to learn how to make Tali'Zorah's visor... and you have an N7 hoodie. Awesome haha

[@Neoxie]

unfortunately I don't think this technique would work since the piece of plastic would need to be bigge than what can fit in a toaster oven :/

[@punishedprops]

Yeah you would need to build a more custom build, larger vacuum former machine.

[@TowMan127]

Very cool

[@coloneljacobs2217]

2:07 If you're more well-versed in prop making and stuff, I'd recommend that you use an old 3D resin printer tray. I had one for an outdated printer that I never use lying around and it worked great.

[@punishedprops]

That's a very clever idea!

[@TheLegendWeeb]

was the music still alive-portal?