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Cutting pelican case foam idea

taseal

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 18, 2011
1,492
14
39
SE FL
At my new job, we have a machine that cuts foam to make molds for concrete. it's a 20,000 foam CAD cutter really... It cuts huge foams. 96x48 inches

I was thinking maybe I cut some foam for people here based on their designs they need. I thought it might be a cool idea...

what do you guys think?

496.jpg

 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

I think it is a great idea. That machine in the picture looks like it only cuts external shapes. Does not look like it would do the internal shapes for case foam. Have you seen casecad for laying out designs?
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

or for a dollar and some butane you can heat a wire close hanger and cut your shapes.........just sayen
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

Torch and a coat hanger! That's awesome.

I actually just replaced the one layer of foam with softer foam so I didn't have to cut any on my pelican cases.
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

Do you have access to hi-density foam? I have had a hell of a time trying to find it online for some reason. If so, i would be down.
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

i did it with a knife and mine looks like crap. i dont suggest it

i wonder how well a thin wire connected to a battery would work?
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: treymchattie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i did it with a knife and mine looks like crap. i dont suggest it

i wonder how well a thin wire connected to a battery would work? </div></div>

It seems to work pretty well. Here's a good "how to"

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_4/292695_.html&page=1
P1018002.jpg
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: treymchattie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">i did it with a knife and mine looks like crap. i dont suggest it

i wonder how well a thin wire connected to a battery would work? </div></div>

It works well.

I use a 12V car battery charger and some .020" stainless wire.

Tips/Tricks:

1. You need to spring-load your wire so that it is always nice and taught. As the wire heats, it will begin to sag, so you'll need some sort of arrangement to keep it taught.

2. You need a nice BIG tabletop, that will allow your foam to slide smoothly on. If the foam wants to kinda "stick" to the tabletop, it'll come out lousy.

3. When constructing your hot wire "holder", make sure it's got a nice deep throat, for foam manuverability while cutting.
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrgfox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you have access to hi-density foam? I have had a hell of a time trying to find it online for some reason. If so, i would be down. </div></div>

http://www.foambymail.com/charcoal-foam.html </div></div>

Thank you sir
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

I Stenciled mine out with a perminant marker and used a surgeon scalpel.

Worked well
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jasonk</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrgfox</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you have access to hi-density foam? I have had a hell of a time trying to find it online for some reason. If so, i would be down. </div></div>

http://www.foambymail.com/charcoal-foam.html </div></div>

Specifically which foam from this link best matches that of the pelican cases or the other high impact molded hard cases?
 
Re: Cutting pelican case foam idea

I used an electric fish fillet knife to cut several foam templates for different sticks. The results were great! Just use an easy hand, take your time and let the reciprocating blades do the cutting work smoothly...