Hi,
I’m new to this forum, however, I have been doing some research for the production of a GB costume, after looking at the plans I have decided to go for a vacuum formed version, however, I don’t have access to a vac form machine (or a massive oven, for those who like the DIY approach).
I’ve contacted a local plastics manufacturer who are more than happy to produce the forms providing I supply the mold, however, the cost is very expensive for just the one form (over £200) but production of 5 to 10 forms is fairly reasonable (around £50 each).
I have been advised to go for ABS plastic as this is stronger and harder wearing and less likely to break if you accidentally walk into a door drunk, which I am highly likely to do. Also I’ve been told that due to the properties of ABS plastic it’s much easier to paint and you can use car aerosol paints etc.
The reason for this post is to see if anyone is interested in a vac formed shell for their own proton pack?
I have no intention of selling these for profit it’s purely just for getting the cost down for one unit for myself.
For around 5-10 forms its gonna cost about £50 each obviously the more I have produced the cheaper it becomes so if anyone is interested let me know.
Also if anyone knows of a good plastics shop that can vac form for less than what I have been quoted I would appreciate it if you could pass on their detail so I can get the cost down further.
This is also dependant on me producing the mold which hasn’t been constructed yet and I could see this taking me a bit of time to do properly, however, if there is anyone out there who is willing to donate their own high quality mold (i will send it back honest!) and in return I will gladly give you a vac form for free.
Let me know if anyone is interested
Thanks
nice one, howd it go with the moulding and selling?
how do i get in touch with you because im want to make my own but i am very bad making thing’s from scratch and this would be handy i alradey have the back plate and alice frame
Hey Guys!
I’m really sorry for the late reply, since my initial post, I have been completely snowed under with the day job. It’s difficult finding any spare time when you’re self employed.
Anyway, I started the project with good intentions contacted a vac forming company, purchased the materials and tools and that’s as far as I’ve got, everything is still in the garage, tools still in wrappers.
I even went down to MK for collector mania for inspiration, a couple of the guys were suited and booted as GB’s looking great!
I really did start this topic with good intentions, unfortunately my situation has changed, I would love to finally get round to creating the mould and when I do I will be sure to get in touch.
If anyone out there has a good quality mould or has time to make one vac forming in large numbers is certainly a relative quick and potentially a cheap way of producing the shell. If anyone is interested in picking up the process were I’ve left off search for a vac forming company in your area, you will need to get at least 10 at a time made to keep the cost down and sell them on to cover the costs. Alternatively through doing some research I discovered you can make your own vac forming machine using a vacuum cleaner and an oven. You will have to make the parts in sections but that is also a cheap way of producing your own shell.
I wish you all the best with your projects!
Hope to be in touch again soon.
A
Hey tony,
don’t know if you are still after people buying one of these but I am interested in one. Also I think if you got 5 done anyway for the reduced cost, sell the other 3 on Ebay. You’d have no bother recovering your costs at all.
IF you are still going ahead with the project then drop me a message.
Cheers dave.
Looks like Halloween is fast approaching!!