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Thurston Vacuum Frame Parts Question

 
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Therber



Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 5:15 am    Post subject: Thurston Vacuum Frame Parts Question Reply with quote

Does anyone know where you can purchase the same type of hardware used for latching the metal frames on the Thurston James vacuum-forming machine (page 181 of his book)? I know some pieces were just cut from metal and welded, but I think the piece with the 90-degree bend could be purchased from a hardware supplier. No luck at my local hardware stores. I need a number of these and finding a source would be better then trying to make them.
Thanks.
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jegner
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Joined: 30 May 2003
Posts: 2144
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 7:45 am    Post subject: Re: Thurston Vacuum Frame Parts Question Reply with quote

Therber wrote:
Does anyone know where you can purchase the same type of hardware used for latching the metal frames on the Thurston James vacuum-forming machine (page 181 of his book)? I know some pieces were just cut from metal and welded, but I think the piece with the 90-degree bend could be purchased from a hardware supplier. No luck at my local hardware stores. I need a number of these and finding a source would be better then trying to make them.
Thanks.


I used a long bolt, and bent it in a vise 90 degrees. Here is a pic:

It's not real purdy, but it gets the job done. the other parts are some scrap metal brackets bent in a vise, pop riveted into the holding frame, and then MiG welded. [if you can call my poor welding technique 'welding']

The top portion is made from one of the brackest, I just cut the end off, revealing the open-ended hole. This needs to be very rigid, as this is the part the takes the most beatings.
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Therber



Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 11:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's what I ended up with. The silver part with the wing nut can be swapped out easily.
I would like to locate a list of all the parts used on the Thurston James machine. He mentions a microswitch is used to open a valve to the vacuum. I wouldn't know where to begin locating these items. Just a thought.
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jegner
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Joined: 30 May 2003
Posts: 2144
Location: Texas, USA

PostPosted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 8:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thats a great approach to the holding frame clamp. Thanks. As for the micro swith, I think what he is refering to is a push botton contact switch that operates a valve for the vacuum.
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