mayku vacform box 2017

[thomaswg48]

Looks interesting....BUT....always a huge red flag when they tell you everything but the price...plus shipping....plus taxes....plus extra tools...etc...

They are "shooting themselves in the foot" BIG TIME with this marketing approach

[NevadaBlue]

It is a pretty machine, but WAY too much money for such a simple to build item. Last night I found countless how-to videos and plans. If you want to form canopies or simple things like car or plane bodies, this would be the way to go.

[SJPONeill]

If that's the price I think they have way over-estimated the market...the most expensive tool I have, less the ride on mower, is my grain mill and that was less than $400...can't see myself spending anywhere that on a modelling tool...

[John Wagenseil]

A cute tool, but expensive when you consider it is competing with "smash molding*" which is almost zero investment, a stick, some stuff from the trash bin and any heat source that you happen to have at hand
(* google if you don't know what smash molding is, it is something done by pl@$ti!c modellers.)

[airdave]

I think the overall design of the unit is simple but well done.
I like the way the unit is compact and self contained.
The upright sliding frame is very cool
...and the heating element built into the upper section is very practical.

Sure, building a vacuum box might not be that difficult,
but you still have to deal with a mounting frame for the plastic sheet
and its a separate piece that has to be handled, positioned, lined up, removed, stored, etc
And the heating unit is another separate item that has to go somewhere
and has to work properly...

For the person who doesn't build stuff, this is a perfect ready to go alternative.
And if you want a compact all in one unit, this unit fits the bill.

I would like one.

But the price will probably end that desire.
And, the company is UK based, which will add to my cost.

Regardless, I have put my name on their mailing list to see what comes of it.

[Erik Zwaan]

On YouTube much information can be found on making a vacuumbox. Earlier this year I built one myself from left-over materials one can easily find for free at any DIY shop. The only investment it took were screws of the right size and a Saturday morning .

Erik

[AdmRevrac]

Parts list:
Large box made of 1/4" acrylic sheets
Heating elements from a toaster
Old school Erector Set (for building custom frames and holders)
Bulldog clips in various sizes
3hp Shop Vac
PVC pipe adaptors (to narrow from Shop Vac hose to smaller diameters - optional)

assemble parts in needed configuration and you have a vacuum former for about 1/3 the price, especially if the vacuum is purchased new!

[VinceM]

Where do you get the plastic sheets?

[airdave]

what do i use to cut acrylic sheets?
how do I glue together acrylic sheets?
how do you remove an element from a toaster?
how do you rewire a toaster?
how do I make toast now?
what the hell is an erector set?
how many Viagra make an erector SET?
bulldogs?....I need bulldogs?
I'm not even gonna ask about PYC whatchamacallits!

assemble parts in needed configuration?....I need a new toaster!
can you configure that?

this is why that vacuform machine is looking better and better all the time.

[AdmRevrac]

Gotta admit airdave, you have a lot of interesting questions....but if you aren't sure what an Erector set is, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erector_Set
Also have to admit that I've watched way too many episodes of "How It's Made" on the Science Channel and read way too many DIY books.
To answer Vince, the acrylic sheets can be ordered online pre-cut, or you can get 1/4" Plexiglass sheets at any home improvement store and cut them yourself (I recommend the online ordering myself)
More links on simple homemade vacuum formers -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BR9aayq-tw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMbX3bqfzsk