Basil Posted November 23, 2022 Share Posted November 23, 2022 Hi all. some time ago some where on this web we were discussing the making of canopies and other plastic items by using thermo plastic sheet over a former. I have been trying without success to make some nav light covers. Some one came up with the name of a company that would do the forming if provided with a plug. I cant find any references any where. Can some one help, I have my two little plugs , made from balsa for wing light covers and am looking for a company or person that could form them. Does anyone have a name or names please. I would be very grateful . Bas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil Posted November 23, 2022 Author Share Posted November 23, 2022 Not expecting to get these for free, if there is help out there. Bas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Gates Posted November 23, 2022 Share Posted November 23, 2022 Have you tried Vortex Vacforms? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil Posted November 23, 2022 Author Share Posted November 23, 2022 Thanks, light covers not listed on their site. may phone. Bas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Somerville Posted November 23, 2022 Share Posted November 23, 2022 Basil, I have made my own nav lights and covers following someone else’s technique. It’s very easy, just by enough plastic sheet for a few goes to perfect your technique. page 8 of my Sea Fury build I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Stephenson Posted November 23, 2022 Share Posted November 23, 2022 I not sure if it was Vortex or Sarik but if you send them a plug they will form it for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted November 23, 2022 Share Posted November 23, 2022 That's correct - if you phone Steve at Vortex, you can discuss him making some nav lights from your moulds - I understand that he's happy to do custom orders as well as what is listed on the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin McIntosh Posted November 23, 2022 Share Posted November 23, 2022 I have managed to make a few canopies etc with a home made vacuum box but it took a complete 8x4 sheet of thermo plastic to produce all five for an 81" Lanc! Nav lights are easy, simply heat a piece of plastic with a heat gun and stretch it over a wing tip LE then cut to size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil Posted November 24, 2022 Author Share Posted November 24, 2022 (edited) Thank you all for your comments. I have been trying to heat/ mould a couple , kept getting folding occurring around the 3d bend at the corner . I have since re shaped the plug in order to smooth/lessen the curve. One of the biggest problems is holding the plastic sheet, heating it, pulling around the plug, without getting your fingers burnt.No suitable gloves. Bas Edited November 24, 2022 by Basil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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