Thank You! IMHO, this is, and I'm echoing other posters here, the best vacuum forming set-up I've seen on TH-cam... by far. I love the dual capability of your press; excellent job!
Great idea! There is a product called Starboard, a composite that is used extensively in boats that might work better than the cutting board. It is really nice to work with. Worth a look. Fairly readily available. As for the leather drying in the box, try setting a piece of cheap 1/8" door skin plywood under it. I do this when I use the wife's Seal a Meal for forming and it sucks up a good bunch of the water, leaving your piece almost dry. Set it aside when you are done and let it dry, use it again I am going to build one!
Beautiful build. The wet leather will sublimate water vapor under a vacuum, so your completely air tight table will fill with off gases. Which sounds fine.
Awesome job. No excuses needed! Simple, inexpensive components that put together the way you did makes it look way more expensive. I love that you could have done some crappy base but went with the elegant legs. I haven’t looked at the goods you make but I already know they are going to be equally elegant.
This is such a wonderful build, my hat is off to you Mr. Awesome Fabricator. Thank you very much for taking the time to film, explain, edit & post this "Best of Class" build. YOU THE MAN!!!!!!
I have used the cutting boards from Sam’s Club and they are pretty decent. One suggestion from a longevity standpoint is that the vacuum connection on the under of the table would benefit from being a 90 degree bend. Something like a barbed fitting with threads can also be found in gray plastic for sprayers and whatnot at farm supply stores. Brass is nicer, but plastic is lighter and less prone to stressing the connection, especially if the tubing itself isn’t causing lateral pressure. The beauty of hdpe is that you can heat and form it as well; you can make a hemispheric bulge and thread into the side of it, allowing the depression to act as a trap of sorts as well (if you didn’t have the pot)
This is a great build. The only thing I saw that I probably would have done differently is where you terminate the weather stripping, as I suspect this is probably the source of your air leak. If I decide to build one, I think I would skive each end of the gasket, making a scarf joint of sorts and probably add a touch of rubber cement. Just my $0.05 worth. Again, you did a great job on it.
Very impressive Build. I heard you mention in the video you’re losing a little vacuum. You may be getting a little bit of flex with your clamping hardware This will give you uneven pressure on your seal. If there was a small frame on the outside edge where the two plates match so your clamps will bottom out on the frame. Even if it was temporary, you could see the amount of flex in the top part and adjust each clamp to minimize it.Thanks for sharing, definitely in inspirational!
The other weak point I saw was how the pressure gets released. Putting a T and another valve would be more effective. Having to unscrew the line all the time introduces a leak point.
Cool build! Videos like this popping up in my feed are pushing me toward trying vacuum forming around 3d printed parts instead of trying to print molds to cast food safe plastics in. I can't recall if it applies to HDPE, but for many plastics, especially polycarbonates, they cut better with the saw blade backwards. Then rather than melting while also cutting, the heat generated is working in your favor to give a smoother cut.
Looks great!! But expensive!! I made mine with a $70.00 vacum pump.. $ 60.00 2'x2' bag.. about $ 50 in brass fittings and hose.. awesome addition to forming/ molding. Unbelievable results. Yes you have to have something on inside, bottom to keep airway design , off of your leather.
I hear ya. This is not the cheapest option out there…but still a lot cheaper than the other dedicated vacuum forming presses out there. The garage works holsters kit alone without the vacuum pump is over $500 (they look awesome by the way, but too pricey for me). And with this design you get a chamber to use for resin projects like making handle material. I also plan to make some dummy knives with resin for sheath forming…so this design made sense to me for what I want to do. I also don’t have to worry about moisture working its way back to the pump or accumulating in the tank…and I didn’t have to worry which fittings to buy or pressure gauge etc. because most of it came with the pump/chamber. I will say though, that the construction process was not necessarily fast or easy…so it may not be for everyone. Thanks for the comment!
Maybe add another valve between the pot and the vacuum table; close the valve at the pot to save the vacuum that has been established in the pot, then open the added valve to release the vacuum at the table. This way you run the vacuum pump less. Faster cycle time as well.
This thing is freaking awesome! I actually started out with the other video of you building it. The only thing I would do is maybe put a floating hinge on the frame. Please note the comment on that video too.
Great project, think i´ll build something a little bigger. Just thinking, if you put the heat insert on the oposite side and put the screw throug the boards, that should be a stronger connection. That way its not possible to rip the heat inserts out, had that problem a few times with some 3d printet parts where i used them.
You can reduce the footprint and expense of this by using a one way check valve and eliminating the vacuum reservoir and valves. It means you have to supervise the setup a bit more though.
4:13 I know this build is complete but just as a heads up, the barbed fitting you have could be replaced with a 90 degree barbed x male adapter. It would prevent possible kinking and you could use smaller legs/supports. (I love the legs though so I wouldn't change them even with the 90)
Yeah I looked all over for a 90 and finally gave up and put in what I had…so far I actually think I like it better because I feel I can have the chamber on any side of the table and it wouldn’t make a difference…so that’s nice. I know they make swivel elbows, but I’m not sure how they would perform under vacuum.
@@wyomingwright that is a great point about the mobility of the vacuum pump. I did not think of that. I would agree about the swivel 90's. I'm not sure what the gasket material is rated for on those under a vacuum. You've sent me down a rabbit hole of turning small air compressors into vacuums for this purpose, so I'll be blaming you when my wife asks why our extra portable tire inflator removes air instead of filling up the tire 😂. I'm also making a vacuum cannon now thanks to you. How dare you inspire people like this. 😉
Might be worth trying. One nice thing about the silicon membrane is it provides a little protection against the heat when you’re dealing with hot materials like kydex.
That’s part of the reason I wanted the pot in the system. It can catch any moisture and, since the lid is removable, it can be cleaned and dried…but so for since I’ve been using it, I haven’t found any moisture in the pot at all.
Why does the vacuum pump need an air chamber? Does it act like the air holding tank on an air compressor to keep the pump from being on the entire time you need a vacuum?
Hmm leather moulding, ehh. Something I'd never appreciated before, somehow assumed it just existed. Now I know better. Before I disappear down the leather rabbit hole, is the leather a special type/need to be wet? Too late, I'm slipping...down I go. How long is a vacuum treatment?? Thanks for posting.
A regular straight edge to score deep followed by a hot razor with a metal guide may be a cleaner way to cut those boards. Nice build though, thanks for sharing.
You might get a little more initial molding if you leave the pump running and open the valve to the vacuum table. Thanks for the informative video!
Thank You! IMHO, this is, and I'm echoing other posters here, the best vacuum forming set-up I've seen on TH-cam... by far. I love the dual capability of your press; excellent job!
Thank you!
Great idea!
There is a product called Starboard, a composite that is used extensively in boats that might work better than the cutting board. It is really nice to work with. Worth a look. Fairly readily available.
As for the leather drying in the box, try setting a piece of cheap 1/8" door skin plywood under it.
I do this when I use the wife's Seal a Meal for forming and it sucks up a good bunch of the water, leaving your piece almost dry.
Set it aside when you are done and let it dry, use it again
I am going to build one!
This is probably the nicest looking diy vacuum table I've seen.
Thank you!
hands down
I'm more impressed with how that wireless mic is working. It sounds great.
Beautiful build.
The wet leather will sublimate water vapor under a vacuum, so your completely air tight table will fill with off gases. Which sounds fine.
Great build. These two videos are perfect.
Nice build, very well executed!
Great work. We shared this video on our homemade tool forum last week 😎
Awesome, thank you! I’ve got another video dropping this week on a homemade stropping machine so stay tuned!
Awesome job. No excuses needed! Simple, inexpensive components that put together the way you did makes it look way more expensive. I love that you could have done some crappy base but went with the elegant legs. I haven’t looked at the goods you make but I already know they are going to be equally elegant.
This is such a wonderful build, my hat is off to you Mr. Awesome Fabricator. Thank you very much for taking the time to film, explain, edit & post this "Best of Class" build. YOU THE MAN!!!!!!
That’s very generous, thanks!
I have used the cutting boards from Sam’s Club and they are pretty decent. One suggestion from a longevity standpoint is that the vacuum connection on the under of the table would benefit from being a 90 degree bend. Something like a barbed fitting with threads can also be found in gray plastic for sprayers and whatnot at farm supply stores. Brass is nicer, but plastic is lighter and less prone to stressing the connection, especially if the tubing itself isn’t causing lateral pressure. The beauty of hdpe is that you can heat and form it as well; you can make a hemispheric bulge and thread into the side of it, allowing the depression to act as a trap of sorts as well (if you didn’t have the pot)
This is a great build. The only thing I saw that I probably would have done differently is where you terminate the weather stripping, as I suspect this is probably the source of your air leak. If I decide to build one, I think I would skive each end of the gasket, making a scarf joint of sorts and probably add a touch of rubber cement. Just my $0.05 worth. Again, you did a great job on it.
Yes I debated that. I did add some barge cement off camera, but you might be right about the scarf joint…
Very impressive Build. I heard you mention in the video you’re losing a little vacuum. You may be getting a little bit of flex with your clamping hardware This will give you uneven pressure on your seal. If there was a small frame on the outside edge where the two plates match so your clamps will bottom out on the frame. Even if it was temporary, you could see the amount of flex in the top part and adjust each clamp to minimize it.Thanks for sharing, definitely in inspirational!
The other weak point I saw was how the pressure gets released. Putting a T and another valve would be more effective. Having to unscrew the line all the time introduces a leak point.
Thanks. I think you did a great job. I subscribed.
A superb and creative solution! Great work!
Thank you very much!
Wow, I'm very impressed. Good job sir.
Thanks!
Cool build! Videos like this popping up in my feed are pushing me toward trying vacuum forming around 3d printed parts instead of trying to print molds to cast food safe plastics in. I can't recall if it applies to HDPE, but for many plastics, especially polycarbonates, they cut better with the saw blade backwards. Then rather than melting while also cutting, the heat generated is working in your favor to give a smoother cut.
Really useful video. WRT your leak; you may have one but you will probably also be getting some vapor boil off from the wet leather.
Looks great!! But expensive!! I made mine with a $70.00 vacum pump.. $ 60.00 2'x2' bag.. about $ 50 in brass fittings and hose.. awesome addition to forming/ molding. Unbelievable results. Yes you have to have something on inside, bottom to keep airway design , off of your leather.
I hear ya. This is not the cheapest option out there…but still a lot cheaper than the other dedicated vacuum forming presses out there. The garage works holsters kit alone without the vacuum pump is over $500 (they look awesome by the way, but too pricey for me). And with this design you get a chamber to use for resin projects like making handle material. I also plan to make some dummy knives with resin for sheath forming…so this design made sense to me for what I want to do. I also don’t have to worry about moisture working its way back to the pump or accumulating in the tank…and I didn’t have to worry which fittings to buy or pressure gauge etc. because most of it came with the pump/chamber. I will say though, that the construction process was not necessarily fast or easy…so it may not be for everyone. Thanks for the comment!
Maybe add another valve between the pot and the vacuum table; close the valve at the pot to save the vacuum that has been established in the pot, then open the added valve to release the vacuum at the table.
This way you run the vacuum pump less.
Faster cycle time as well.
This thing is freaking awesome!
I actually started out with the other video of you building it.
The only thing I would do is maybe put a floating hinge on the frame.
Please note the comment on that video too.
ii have that vac setup and was thinking of doing the same thing lol. thanks for confirming this works.
Looks great brother man!
Thanks 👍
Thanks for sharing
You bet! 👍🏼
Fantastic!
Beautiful!
Thank you!
Great project, think i´ll build something a little bigger. Just thinking, if you put the heat insert on the oposite side and put the screw throug the boards, that should be a stronger connection. That way its not possible to rip the heat inserts out, had that problem a few times with some 3d printet parts where i used them.
i appreciate your humility, but you're a pretty good fabricator :)
I appreciate that 😁
You can reduce the footprint and expense of this by using a one way check valve and eliminating the vacuum reservoir and valves. It means you have to supervise the setup a bit more though.
4:13
I know this build is complete but just as a heads up, the barbed fitting you have could be replaced with a 90 degree barbed x male adapter. It would prevent possible kinking and you could use smaller legs/supports. (I love the legs though so I wouldn't change them even with the 90)
Yeah I looked all over for a 90 and finally gave up and put in what I had…so far I actually think I like it better because I feel I can have the chamber on any side of the table and it wouldn’t make a difference…so that’s nice. I know they make swivel elbows, but I’m not sure how they would perform under vacuum.
@@wyomingwright that is a great point about the mobility of the vacuum pump. I did not think of that.
I would agree about the swivel 90's. I'm not sure what the gasket material is rated for on those under a vacuum.
You've sent me down a rabbit hole of turning small air compressors into vacuums for this purpose, so I'll be blaming you when my wife asks why our extra portable tire inflator removes air instead of filling up the tire 😂.
I'm also making a vacuum cannon now thanks to you. How dare you inspire people like this. 😉
That's a cool way to wet mould. I wonder if you could go straight to the wax and the vacuum form while its still hot and malleable?
Might be worth trying. One nice thing about the silicon membrane is it provides a little protection against the heat when you’re dealing with hot materials like kydex.
Looks great!
I have no idea how vaccum pumps work... Is the moisture the wet leather introduces not gonna be a problem over time?
That’s part of the reason I wanted the pot in the system. It can catch any moisture and, since the lid is removable, it can be cleaned and dried…but so for since I’ve been using it, I haven’t found any moisture in the pot at all.
@@wyomingwright Good to know. Thanks for the answer!
Great build 👍😊 would you please tell me the specification of the silicone membrane?
1/32” transparent silicone sheet. Got mine off eBay
Why does the vacuum pump need an air chamber? Does it act like the air holding tank on an air compressor to keep the pump from being on the entire time you need a vacuum?
I like it!!
Hmm leather moulding, ehh. Something I'd never appreciated before, somehow assumed it just existed. Now I know better. Before I disappear down the leather rabbit hole, is the leather a special type/need to be wet? Too late, I'm slipping...down I go. How long is a vacuum treatment?? Thanks for posting.
Moistened veg tan leather molds the best. I leave it in the vacuum for an hour
Chop saw blade has too many teeth and you can just leave pump on it won’t hurt it. Pretty sweet setup
👍
"Toggle Clamps" FYI
A regular straight edge to score deep followed by a hot razor with a metal guide may be a cleaner way to cut those boards. Nice build though, thanks for sharing.