Idea for making lexan bodies

ts185r · #1 10-24-2002, 12:46 AM

I had the crazy idea today that I was going to figure out how to make pick-up body.
I had some epoxy putty that I tried to form over the plastic based the cars come on. Besides it was insanely heavy, the clearences were all wrong. This lead to another idea.....
I happen to have some bon-do on hand. I mixed up a handful tossed it on a piece on plastic wrap and sutffed it into my accord body. This more or less gave me a mold. I ground off the excess (roughed into a truck), and preoceeded to melt a piece of lexan (from the packaging) around my mold.
Go figure, I'm on to something. Of course it looks like poop. But I'm sure with more work to my mold this will definately work.
I will post some pics when I can get some batteries for me camera.

ripper7777777 · #2 10-24-2002, 08:54 PM

Try using one of these, its for sucking poly or lexan around moldshttp://www.warmplastic.com/photos2.html

MaukaRunner · #3 10-29-2002, 02:52 PM

When I was a kid, Hot Wheels made a Vacuforming set that made cool cars. I wish I had one now!

slugbugg · #4 10-29-2002, 04:31 PM

I want to learn how to vacuform lexan.
I also am just starting into cnc(hobby) and have just got a machine but I still need to learn how to use it.I was thinking that after I get familiar with the cnc machine that I could make some molds for making lexan bodies but I was wondering if instead of pulling the lexan over the mold could it be sucked into the mold.

Nightwing · #5 10-29-2002, 08:18 PM

I remember the Vacuform maker. Had one and remember pumping like crazy but it did work! Love the one way mirror plastic that was gold on one side and dark blue on the other!

Wonder if I still have it in a box some where.

verbalkint · #6 10-29-2002, 10:52 PM

Sluggbugg

What kind of cnc machine are you using?

Nightwing · #7 10-29-2002, 11:31 PM

If is a Roland be sure to get a Xlarge pizza box to catch the shavings. Its messy.

slugbugg · #8 10-30-2002, 05:04 PM

I am using a TAIG (well trying to) I just got it and I am getting it setup I seem to be having trouble getting the computer to communicate with the mill.I only messed with it for an hour or so so far and hope I will have it running this weekend.

Nightwing · #9 10-30-2002, 05:28 PM

Dont know that one. Use to Roland and Gerber plotters and routers.

Is it serial, parallel or USB? Just wondering. Also make sure is a direct connect. Most units hate going through a ton of parallel devices.

slugbugg · #10 10-30-2002, 08:15 PM

It is a parallel interface.It is fairly simple but I'm wondering if i have the port set right I am not familar with the computer I have it hooked to and need to check the settings.
I will spend alot more time on it this weekend.

Nightwing · #11 10-30-2002, 08:52 PM

Good luck!

Are you running either W2000 or XP? They block all direct communication to a port. Safety reason or just to bug programmers!