Here are a few shots of the Phlatformer up close so you can get a better idea of the quality of this kit. Attached files
Nobody should be able to complain about the quality job you have done with this kit and its contents. Excellent job of the machine parts and the kit is complete and nicely packed. I gotta give you two thumbs up on this one Mark and Trish! (don't have mine up and running yet. I have had too many interruptions. I am anxious to get started with some simple projects). Chuck ...somewhere in Indiana...
George ( aka Thunder Hawk ) added the dual vacuum ports so we could do pulls with the shop vacuum attached on either side, just in case we had to do pulls at the table on the other side of the studio. Space is limited. Notice the vacuum port covers. More about those below. The port covers are "Shepherd Hardware Products" Model #9364 caster cups for wooden floors. They are 2-3/8" I.D with a cup depth of 3/8". You can get them at Home Depot. George's first pull was of a Sullivans Narrow fuel tank. As you can see it was a very successful first try. You can see the letters that were molded on the tank. The Phlatformer captured every little detail even the seams on the tank. Now I'm off to find some other things to Phlatform.
AWESOME! I love the double port idea guys. Nice job, thank you for sharing. BTW how are you heating the plastic? We are using the Rival skillet from Walmart (20$) for ours. Mark and Trish Edit: I see you have the skillet in one of the pics
Thank you Mark and Trish. You have one AWESOME vacuum former. We are using a Rival 11" square electric skillet. Very nice unit. Cost was $19.95 at Target. I almost bought 2 of them I had a good time right off the bat vacuum forming the fuel tank. I cut off the vacuum hose attachment 1/2" back on the second step away from the flange. Then taped the pipe on to each vacuum hose adapter. I have a large shop vac. Opening up the ports really helps when it comes to getting air out in a hurry. I found the caster cups to be a great way to close off the ports. They fit tight. For more info on the caster cups go to: http://www.shepherdhardware.com. Cheers. George
Get Tip on the caster covers and opening the port adapter! I can tell by the pics you were getting a lot of vacuum. Another tip for even more suction, and it may be obvious but if you take the filters out of the vacuum that makes a big difference as well. Glad to hear you guys are up and running. Great job on the build and all the mods! Thanks for all the nice comments Mark and Trish
Hey guyz. One of our Phlat Club Members, Mike P., shared these awesome pics of a project he is working on with his Phlatformer. Check it out... Attached files
Hey guyz. Check out EdwardG's Phlatformer. He just completed his build and has done an awesome job Attached files
!!!Great paint job, and color scheme.!!! Bright & Happy colors. It has a Fisher-Price look to it. VERY COOL. Cheers. GHB
Wow that came out really nice! The holes you cut came out perfect. How did you cut them? Mark and Trish
Thanks guys.It does have a Fisher-Price look to it but I went with a WW2 military paint scheme used on the Stearman PT-17 trainers at that time.I will admit it does not look professional, but no one will see it but me and it works perfectly.The Phlatprinter will have a more industrial look to it with all of the safety wording attached to it when complete.