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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: northtroll on 14 October 2014, 03:39:30 PM

Title: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: northtroll on 14 October 2014, 03:39:30 PM

I want to build some adobe buildings using 1/2" or 12mm foam core. The problem is how do I cut this stuff so that the cuts are a true perpendicular cut and not angled? Any suggestions?I was going to cut through the paper on both sides and poke holes through it as guides.

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: 6milPhil on 14 October 2014, 04:03:16 PM

Sounds like you've solved it yourself.

You could try a mount cutter, although they're usually for thinner material but I imagine you could find one suitable. Or a foamboard cutter, although I think they're pricey for what they are.

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: Cubs on 14 October 2014, 04:35:30 PM

Yeah, if you want it dead-on right angled I'd say a crafting guillotine is your badger (one of the larger bladed ones).

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: Svennn on 14 October 2014, 04:40:19 PM

Use two steel rulers suitably spaced and run your blade between them taking care to stay perpendicular, some knives being more suitable than others due to handle shape and blade length etc.

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: Steve63 on 14 October 2014, 04:53:19 PM

Just out of interest, where do you get 12mm or 1/2" foamcore?

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: FramFramson on 14 October 2014, 05:03:48 PM

Get yourself a mitre box!

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: zizi666 on 14 October 2014, 05:08:21 PM

Quote from: FramFramson on 14 October 2014, 05:03:48 PM

Get yourself a mitre box!

Uh, how do you cut a panel of foamnoard in a mitre box  o_o

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: northtroll on 14 October 2014, 10:10:08 PM

1/2" 0r 12mm foamcore is available in Michaels craftstores and art supply shops in the States. It usually runs about $6.00 a 20"x30" sheet. I think it would make really nice adobe structures that are thicker than a standard small home.

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: BigB on 15 October 2014, 01:20:56 AM

I highly recommend FoamWerks Tools (http://www.logangraphic.com/products/foamwerks-tools/).  They give you the precision for perpindicular, 45deg beveled cuts and perfect circles.  You WILL go through some blades as foamboard is pretty rough on them, but you'll be happy with the cuts these tools make.  Especially if you like to make buildings and need a level of precision.

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: FramFramson on 15 October 2014, 04:38:29 PM

Quote from: zizi666 on 14 October 2014, 05:08:21 PM

Uh, how do you cut a panel of foamnoard in a mitre box  o_o

Oh haha, not thinking there...  ;D

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: Schogun on 16 October 2014, 03:21:58 AM

This is what I have. Bought it at Michael's.

http://www.framingsupplies-shop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=862

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: Cubs on 16 October 2014, 09:12:45 AM

So for cutting foamboard you've bought ... a foamboard cutter.

I suppose there are those that might think it's suitable.

Title: Re: Best way to cut 1/2" or 12mm foam core
Post by: FramFramson on 16 October 2014, 09:24:58 AM

Quote from: Cubs on 16 October 2014, 09:12:45 AM

So for cutting foamboard you've bought ... a foamboard cutter.

What sort of mad heresy have you asylum escapees conjured up now?