MAKE A “NO VAC” VACUUM FORMER

This DIY workshop accessory is less than $40!

- JOHN JENNINGS

This simple, inexpensive shop accessory is an easy to build vacuum former that lets you form canopies, cowls and other details up to 7x7 inches in size. The plastic for forming is cheap (or even free) by reusing grocery store packaging or fast food outlets. You probably already have all the tools and half the materials on hand.

The platen (forming surface) is 8x8 inches. My prototype setup creates vacuum using a piston in a 12-long piece of 4-inch diameter PVC pipe. It produces more than enough vacuum for forming, more than is available from a household vacuum cleaner. I tried using a longer piece of PVC pipe but there was no noticeable increase in performance.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

You’ll need a coping saw, electric hand drill, a 1/16- or 1/8inch diameter drill bit, a 1/2-inch spade drill bit, sanding sticks, pencil, ruler, and a scratch awl. A crosscut wood saw would be nice for cutting the PVC, but the coping saw gets the job done. A scroll or band saw would be ideal, but not really necessary.