yes sorry the unit is sealed with the tube of the vacuum attached to it

Just to bring this thread down to the normal level

Q= "What do you call a 70 year old woman who can suck an orange through a hosepipe"

A= "Darling"

I'll get my coat - the one with the buckles at the back.

Quote from: Fenton on 16 January 2014, 09:25:06 PM
yes sorry the unit is sealed with the tube of the vacuum attached to it

Ah! Now it makes sense.

Sorry, another question. (I have been endowed with an inquisitive mind. Some see it as a gift, to others it's just like a monkey's.)

Presumably the holey board is the key. If the holes are too big then you'll get dimples in your hills, too small and the plastic may cool before you've got sufficient shape. Does the configuration of the board matter that much or am I over-analysing?

 

I dont know mate...I think its going to be a bit of trial and error but people seem to use a peg board with a wire mesh over the top

This sort of board 

Good luck with it. I'm a great one for the theory and the thinking, but the practical side of it just makes me tired.

I also have a short attention span that means I

I do something simil....Oh look a rabbit

How do you heat the plastic?

Either in the oven or the way I am thinking is to have the plastic held in a wooden frame which is hinged to the box which will flip to hover over a single or double electric ring

This is my CAD design for it

Steve, whilst I admire your technical and engineering know-how; wouldn't it be easier, cheaper and safer to either buy them or ask your better half to sculpt them???

No, no, no! Fenton is to be applauded for his ingenuity.

A most diverting exercise. How do you stop the plastic sticking to the master? Does the master need to let air through? Would the vacuum cleaner be too strong and need to be choked somehow?  How do you ensure an even heat over the plastic? How do you know when the plastic is at the right temperature?  What is the optimum size and pattern of the holes? Will the finished product be robust enough?

So many questions, so much to experiment with! I envy you your project, Sir!

Quote from: fsn on 16 January 2014, 10:44:33 PM
No, no, no! Fenton is to be applauded for his ingenuity.

Without question...

welll I am going to ask her to do the masters

Her sculpts are amazing

Quote from: Fenton on 16 January 2014, 11:05:03 PM
welll I am going to ask her to do the masters

Instead of waasting all your precious gaming/painting time  designing and making this device , why not get Mrs F to make you all the terrain you need.  I am sure that she has nothing more urgent to do than make her man 150 trenches etc.

And anyway as man of the house she should obey you, and do your bidding  !!!!   

After mentoning this too her I am sure you will be able to walk without a limp after a couple of days. And sleeping on the sofa can be fun !