About Vacuum Forming

[Denster]

Pretty much any source that will establish a vacuum will work. Remember it is not the suction that does the work it is the difference between the air pressure inside the bag and the pressure of the air outside the bag. When a vacuum is established the pressure inside the bag is 0 outside of the bag it is about 18 ftlbs/sqin give or take a little depending on your elevation. The flexibility of the bag is an important issue which is why I recommend poly over vinyl. Having a dedicated vacuum pump is important to folks like Particle, Dwight, Sooper Jake and myself who conduct a business as time really is money. It is not necessary for the hobbyist and good results can be obtained without it.

[hestes]

Here is a picture of the one I did using the space bag. It only held up for 1 holster. When I tried to do a second one, the zipper edge broke. Oh well, it was a cheap bag.

Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the results. I've bought a pump from HF (Thanks to a 20% off coupon) and ordered some of the other supplies from veneer supplies. I can't wait to get them!

[Denster]

Nice looking holster.

[hestes]

Nice looking holster.

Thank you! I'm still working some of the kinks out, but I was pretty happy with how that turned out.

[Dwight]

Yay, . . . hey, . . . hey, . . . good looking holster.

May God bless,

Dwight

[hestes]

Yay, . . . hey, . . . hey, . . . good looking holster.

May God bless,

Dwight

Thanks!

[specialcases]

Thank you all for this thread. i have read in in line with others on press forming. I have a question related to both methods but thought I would ask it here.

In your experiences which method is best for forming when there is already stamping/tooling/carving on the piece? Such as mag pouches or cell phoen cases as well as holsters. I think i read mention of it in one of the the many threasd but woudl like a one stop source of feedback.

Thank all again and in advance and Dwight thanks for blessing and may He bless you.

[Dwight]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, . . . but detail forming a stamped / tooled / carved piece, . . . for the most part, . . . just does not work.

The press or the vacuum bag will distort the tooling, . . . and there just isn't much that can be done about it.

You can tool, . . . form, . . . and as it is just about dried from forming, . . . take your tools and "touch up" your tooling, . . . but it will not be as good as it was before you formed it.

If I had a customer who demanded and was willing to pay the extra labor, . . . I'd make sure he knew he was paying for two toolings and it may not be to his total satisfaction.

And I would definitely use the vacuum bag method. A press will work over your tooling like a 2 year old in the chocolate frosting with his fingers.

May God bless,

Dwight

[specialcases]

Thanks Dwight,

Not all bad news and not completely unexpected. I guess for cases and magpuches etc. which are shaped and tooled I should proceed as I have which is to shape then tool with a metal bank or anvil underneath. up until know I shape by hand and as taught by Al Stohlman in his books on case making.

I think as for new ways of forming I will try a variety of methods depending on the piece and quantities...and without a huge capital outlay. I am a super small producer and can McGiver up most gagdets I need for small production. experiment = experience

Great pieces on your site by the way and great experience to be shared on the forum.

I will post some pictures later of my experiments and results.

Thanks again.

Blessings,

Murray