Form Press kit ?

[Forwardhandle]

I got my templet guide & plans from Kennym for my first glass bow, I have none of the hardware for the form other then lumber, I priced all the components out separately from different places but by the time you pay shipping and get every thing from seperate suppliers it seems like the Bingham press kit is a decent buy , whats your thoughts ? The hot box is pretty strait foward & can get local supply !

Here's what I use...  You can use pvc end caps for your hose and get an air valve from the auto store...  The hose is not rated at a very high pressure...  I only use 35 - 40lbs. anyway...  Make sure you put grooves in your end caps so that they hold well and use two hose clamps on each end...

   https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-x-25-ft-pvc-discharge-hose-63414.html

 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Stanley-National-Hardware-12-in-Zinc-Corner-Brace/3429138

[Robertfishes]

I use 60 psi, I recomend using the Hose plugs and hose that Big Jim sells. KennyM may also sell these parts? These plugs are hour glass shaped and are a good safe option for the air pressures I use. EDIT..hose and plugs are about $40 before shipping, I still have and use the Hose I got in 2009.

[Robertfishes]

I use the 12 inch pieces that Shredd posted the link too. I drill them out to 3/8" if needed. I used 2 of the Binghams style on my first form and added 2 of the 12 inch braces towards the ends of the form. 1/2 inch bolts should be a better choice but so far no problem with the 3/8"

[Kauz]

Hello,
for the tube, I use metal tire valves for automobile tires and large washers, and steel square rods with screws to seal the ends (contact glue on the inside):
     

holds 60psi at 70 centigrade for 8 hours at least.

[Robertfishes]

Kauz, Just thinking out loud here..if you put a 3 inch long wood dowel or old cedar arrow shaft piece where the Hose folds over would that make it even more sturdy? I like seeing what others are doing in their shops, thanks for sharing. I have 4 sets of the Aluminum plugs in hoses of different lengths to accommodate my forms. What are those pressure strips made of?

[Kauz]

For pressure strips I use a tapestry straight edge; it's made of 0.5 mm stainless steel most probably cold rolled, as it doesn't bend or kink but is quite elastic. I can get them in 50 mm width and 2 m or 3 m length (about 2" by 7'). Cut them to width with tin scissors.

   
 
I don't think a piece of dowel would make any difference, the fold-over is just a means of doubling thickness so you can better tighten the screws to make the ends airtight. Perhaps similar to using a rubber strip on top of the pressure strip.

Pretty cool air hoses Kauz...

[Kauz]

Fire hose. I got it via ****, perhaps you can get used ones from the fire brigade, should check them for tightness, however.

[monterey]

There's always rubber bands.

[Forwardhandle]

I just picked up some 1/8 x11/2  flat bar stock for $10 I think I will  just make  the brackets my self  & buy the hose & fittings from Big Jim's , maybe find some strips of formica  or some thing some where I think I can get every thing I need with using stuff I have around for $80 for the form !

[Kauz]

Hi,
the straight edge I used is called a ; just googled a bit. Some words you don't find in the dictionary.