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Thread: What kind of foam to use?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Hurley, NY
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    5

    Default What kind of foam to use?

    I need to machine some 3d letters (2" thick and about 12" tall) that will be painted and glued to some sort of hard board for a theatrical production. I'm wondering whether 2" insulating foam board from Home Depot will work or whether I should be ordering something more exotic. Can anyone help me out?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
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    Garland Tx
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    Default

    Get the HD stuff! Use it for props all the time!
    SG

  3. #3
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    Jan 2015
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    Hurley, NY
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    Default

    Do you mean the high density foam sold in sheets and used for seating/mattresses etc? I didn't realize it was stiff enough to be machined.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Norman, Ok
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    Default

    I think what Steve's talking about is the blue or pink styrene.

    Yes it can be carved, a little, but your description of "3D Machine" is so vague no one could advise. Could you please post a photo or something to go on? This forum is a great source of information but you gotta be more specific in order to get it to work.

    Joe

  5. #5
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    Default

    Yes, as Joe speculated, I was assuming styrene insulation foam that you would get at a building..g supply. I’ll attach some images of styrene foam props I’ve done… If you look closely you’ll see some V-carving I did on the carriage.
    I have done some cutting of flexible polyester foam for case linings. I don’t recommend it! Basically it was controlled ripping out of chunks.
    SG
    Attached Images Attached Images

  6. #6
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    Jan 2015
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    Hurley, NY
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    Default

    Thanks, Steve! That's what I needed to know.

  7. #7
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    Nov 2006
    Location
    LaGrange GA
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    Default

    Steve, those look good. For some reason I have never played with the pink foam from HD. I always used to read on here how its good for practice cutting, and things like you show in your pics.

    Do you think.......just maybe......If I was to say cut a 2' tall letter, then spray it with Rustoleum Leak seal and cover all the pink with the rubber coat.....then maybe it could last outside?

    I suppose a trip to Home Depot is in order for a sheet of the pink cause I just got to try it just to see if the spray will eat the foam. I am probably headed down the wrong road here I know.

    Dave

  8. #8
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    Dave…
    I see temporary Styrene lettering all the time around here. I’ts very susceptible to vandalism and UV. If you can keep it protected from UV and mechanical damage I think it might last 5 years…
    SG

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
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    2,383

    Default

    We installed many of those style letters in CVS stores

  10. #10
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    Jerry…
    Outside?

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