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Modelers/patternmakers foam

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  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Modelers/patternmakers foam
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 9:38 AM

Don't know how many of you have tried this stuff, but it is great. It is about as soft as balsa wood, but it is even more homogenous than basswood.  Carves really great. Only problem is, it is sold primarily in four foot by eight foot sheets!  It is about a hundred bucks a sheet, and most of us just can't afford to buy a whole sheet.  So, we scrounge it wherever we can.  Sure would be nice if some hobby supply vendor would start to handle this, cut into smaller blocks, say a square foot, or even a six by twelve inch block.  I intend to contact a few vendors to see if they'll carry it, but I'd make a lot more headway if a number of folks would do this.  There must be some of you who use this stuff besides me!

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: St louis
Posted by Raualduke on Wednesday, October 30, 2013 10:25 AM

Sounds like a little cottage industry waiting to happen.I'd be willing to invest in a dozen sheets or so and cut to order,if the demand is out there.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Friday, November 1, 2013 8:55 AM

Got an email back from MM, saying they will look into it.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: St louis
Posted by Raualduke on Friday, November 1, 2013 10:42 AM

Honestly not familiar with the material. How well does it tool? ( routers etc)

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Monday, November 4, 2013 9:18 AM

Raualduke

Honestly not familiar with the material. How well does it tool? ( routers etc)

Very nicely. I guess that is one of the reasons for its popularity. I am thinking of building a small modeler's CNC mill, using a dremel for the mill.  That foam should be ideal for something like that.  But, it also carves nicely with modelers knives, and sands and files very nicely.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 9:53 AM

Ordered the Printrbot Simple kit yesterday.  They were out of stock at the moment but said they'd notify me of delivery later.  Got an email this morning saying I should get it this weekend or Monday.  Downloaded a trial version of some 3D software and will be madly trying to learn 3D CAD   :-)

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 11:32 AM

Are you talking about that orange stuff called "balsa foam"?

If so it's available from Blick online in much smaller amounts. I'll say this though, if truly $ 100 a 4 x 8 is a bargain. Even on sale I end up spending $ 10 a square foot. Clickblick.com.

It is great stuff. Currently working on a 1/350 carrier hull, although that project got sidelined for now.

If you can figure out a good sealer/ prep for a smooth finish please let me know.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    January 2010
Posted by CrashTestDummy on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 11:43 AM

Let us know how this works out, Don.  Those printers look very cool, and not that expensive.  Seems like it might make a nice Christmas, or birthday present.  ;-)

G. Beaird,

Pearland, Texas

  • Member since
    October 2013
Posted by Dan Paxton on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 11:30 PM

Oh man you lucky stiff!!!   You have to tell us how this works out........lets see, happy new year, Easter, May day, Fourth of july, memorial day, birthday, halloween thanksgiving and christsmass to me!

  • Member since
    April 2013
Posted by Jack Reynolds on Saturday, May 24, 2014 1:07 PM

I have been using foam sheets from the hardware store at about $15.00 a sheet. Used for bucks, carving (carve with electric hot knife or battery powered hot wire. Excellent learning product.

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