Help on setting up a vacuum forming rig?

[AUDIHenry]

Hey guys,

I want to get my hands ditry with vacuum forming and wanted some help vis-a-vis fittings, hoses, and the like. The vacuum I bought (Edwards) has a KF-25 (flat) fitting: what's the cheapest adapter to 1/4" or some other normal size that I can find? Haven't seen anything under $40. Also, what kinds of hoses can I use with vacuum? Can I use air compressor hoses in its place?

Thanks in advance!

 

[wickeral]

Where are you located.

 

[jj mack]

It depends on what size parts you are trying to form. But for the best results you need a tank and a hose that can move alot of cfm. An air hose will not do it. I hooked the vacuum pump to an 80 gallon airtank separated by ball valve. I had a 2" ball valve connected to a Swimming pool hose, yes they work and are cheap. The hose connected to a fitting on the mold. You pull a vacuum, close the valve between the pump and the tank. When you ready, open the 2" valve.

 

[AUDIHenry]

It depends on what size parts you are trying to form. But for the best results you need a tank and a hose that can move alot of cfm. An air hose will not do it. I hooked the vacuum pump to an 80 gallon airtank separated by ball valve. I had a 2" ball valve connected to a Swimming pool hose, yes they work and are cheap. The hose connected to a fitting on the mold. You pull a vacuum, close the valve between the pump and the tank. When you ready, open the 2" valve.

That's exactly what I plan to do, except I need something to go between the tank and the vacuum pump. Would an air hose just collapse? The pool hose sounds like a really great idea!

I'm in Los Angeles. Any idea on suppliers, online or local, for these sorts of things?

 

[nehog]

That's exactly what I plan to do, except I need something to go between the tank and the vacuum pump. Would an air hose just collapse? The pool hose sounds like a really great idea!

I'm in Los Angeles. Any idea on suppliers, online or local, for these sorts of things?

Between the pump and the tank you could probably use anything. IMHO any good air hose won't collapse, the stuff is just way too stiff with too large a cross-section to ID. But if you are worried, maybe pipe or copper tube?

 

[jj mack]

I used copper between the tank and vacuum pump.

That's exactly what I plan to do, except I need something to go between the tank and the vacuum pump. Would an air hose just collapse? The pool hose sounds like a really great idea!

I'm in Los Angeles. Any idea on suppliers, online or local, for these sorts of things?

 

[gorilla]

Schedule 40 PVC pipe will work for vacuum piping as will copper pipe, Kurt Lesker corp. is a good source of vacuum fittings

 

[AUDIHenry]

I used copper between the tank and vacuum pump.

What did you use on the ends of your copper tube as connectors?

 

[jj mack]

fittings from home depot

 

[slopecarver]

For once PVC, Air and Pump can go in the same sentence without flaming!

Anyways, I can tell you that Air Conditioning hose is rated for near vacuum (a few ppm). I would imagine braided stainless hose and hydraulic hose would work well too. Check out the hardware supply sites for fittings, McMaster Carr and Grainger come to mind. A local welding supply company may also have what you are looking for.

 

[AUDIHenry]

For once PVC, Air and Pump can go in the same sentence without flaming!

Anyways, I can tell you that Air Conditioning hose is rated for near vacuum (a few ppm). I would imagine braided stainless hose and hydraulic hose would work well too. Check out the hardware supply sites for fittings, McMaster Carr and Grainger come to mind. A local welding supply company may also have what you are looking for.

Thanks much, will give those places a closer look!