Vacuum-formed case for 2nd N64p

Post by **Gamelver** » Thu Apr 15, 2004 6:33 pm

OK so recently I've been researching vacuum forming because it would be really cool to have a custom made case. I'm going to go out and buy a shop vac as soon as I can and some supplies such as a table and wood for the frame. I also have to actually make the mold but I think I designed a pretty simple design so it shouldn't take to long to create, just gotta go buy some clay and plaster.

The site with the instructions for a vacuum form table is here:
http://www.studiocreations.com/howto/va ... index.html

I know I am also working on a GCp and a PSp but with summer coming up I think I can find the time(providing I don't get a summer job which actually would help with the money issues for the portables, but would detract from my free time).

I'm probably going to finish the N64p case, then the battery, heat and controller issues for the GCp, and I'll squeeze the PSp in between if I can.
Later I'll get an N64 and modify it to make it smaller, add batteries and the screen, and then stuff it all into my new case along with the controllers.

Post by **Gamelver** » Sun Apr 18, 2004 11:58 am

All right my N64 clay mold is finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next step is to create a plaster mold and cast and then...........time to vacuum form!!!!!!
I'll have pictures up soon.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Apr 18, 2004 7:15 pm

No you will have those pictures up NOW!

Post by **gannon** » Sun Apr 18, 2004 8:12 pm

Yeah, the problem I have is that there are no stores in my area that carry clay. I might be able to buy some from my school's art teacher though, but if that doesn't work, I'm going to have to make it out of something else, maybe foam and paper mache....

Post by **Gamelver** » Sun Apr 18, 2004 9:14 pm

Well you can basically buy clay from any crafts or hobby store. The clay I used was Marblex clay and it worked generally well. I don't know if it is smooth enough though..........I guess I'll see when I finally turn it into a plastic case.

Post by **gannon** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 4:43 am

I checked all the craft stores in my area and the closest I could get to clay was.... umm... playdough...

Edit:
Unless, that is, you include crayola modelling clay. They have plenty of that in the craft stores in my area, the only problem is that it would cost around $25 for enough clay to make one mold.

Post by **Gamelver** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 3:09 pm

hmmmm well in that case try your art teacher. If he/she can't sell you any ask him/her where you can buy it.

Oh yeah are you using an oven to melt the plastic or are you making your own thing to melt the plastic? I'm probably just gonna use an oven.

Post by **gannon** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 6:37 pm

I'm thinking of using an oven, but since I want to set up a perminent vacuume form setup, I'll add heating elements later. But for now, at least, I'll probably just use an oven.
Some of the other uses I'm going to use is for other custom cases and also costumes.

Post by **Gamelver** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 5:34 pm

NOOOOOOOOOOOO my clay mold has broken!!!!!!!!
I dropped it from a few inches off the ground and CRACK!
Oh well looks like I'll have to buy some more clay

Post by **gannon** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 5:52 pm

ouch... I hope you didn't put too much work into it....

Post by **Gamelver** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 6:01 pm

It's not that I spent too much time on it, only about 45 minutes or so, it's that I spent too much money because the clay I get is kind of expensive

I'll look around here for some cheaper clay suppliers or even online.

Stooge · Post by **Stooge** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:31 pm

you can grind the clay into dust and wet it then use it again unless it was das pronto which would mean you just have to soake it in water