How do I ‘carve’ styrofoam? ( with example pics)

[fergal]

 I have seen these five fantastic pieces online, and I want to do something exactly the same. I’m seeing hot wire cutters and things, so I know how to shave the sides, but I want to know how can I possibly get a nice smooth road curves throughout of cardboard.





Any help appreciated!

[Billchuck]

If I were doing that, I would start by cutting out the hexagon with a proxxon type fixed hot wire cutter. Then cut the road shape from the surrounding hills with the same tool. Shape the road slope and the shape of the hills with a handheld cutter. Then glue it all together on the MDF hexagon base.

[Lord Raglan]

Start by not using styrofoam!!!

Blue or pink foam boards are significantly more dense compared to styrofoam, which makes them easier to cut and more robust.



Gareth

[Codsticker]

Or Sytrodur whuich is very similar to insulation foam but takes paint better, can be glued easily with a hot glue gun without doing damage and can be sprayed with Montana Gold spray paint without being melted.

fergal, I made a bunch of square tiles for my latest project using the foam Lord Raglan suggests. The early phases of the project are here and here.

[grant]

Start by not using styrofoam!!!

Blue or pink foam boards are significantly more dense compare to styrofoam, which makes them easier to cut and more robust.



Gareth

I second this.
Popcorn style foam is crap to work with.
I use a hot foam cutter and can achieve results similar to above with little difficulty.
I’ve also worked on museum display boards - always choose blue.

[Hammers]

Start by not using styrofoam!!!

This. Styrofoam is the brain-child of Satan.