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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Paul Taylor on February 16, 2008, 08:53:51 AM

Title: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: Paul Taylor on February 16, 2008, 08:53:51 AM

How can you tell what type of foam to use for wings?

I know it is not all the same.



Thanks
Paul  H^^

Title: Re: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: Howard Rush on February 16, 2008, 10:56:09 AM

Look for virgin 1 lb./cubic ft. beaded polystyrene foam.  Typically it comes in 4' x 8' sheets in various thicknesses.  Try places that sell insulation or refractory materials.  The "virgin" is important.  Some makers will recycle floor sweepings when they make foam, in the manner of cheapskates who put unpopped popcorn kernels back in the pot for the next batch.  This results in hard spots in the foam, which the hot wire will move around, resulting in a poorly cut wing.  You can pass your hand over a slab of foam and feel the hard spots.  Good foam feels soft by comparison. 

Title: Re: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: john e. holliday on February 16, 2008, 08:29:10 PM

Where can you get good foam for wings?  I used to get the stuff Payless carried.  With the new wings being thicker the stuff I can get at the local lumber yards is not thick enough.  DOC Holliday

Title: Re: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: Paul Taylor on February 16, 2008, 09:08:26 PM

Thanks Bob and others.

I might have access to a "ton" of white foam blocks. 4ftx4ftx12in. Looks like you can get 8 wings out of each block. I am going to get all I can put in my truck. I wish I could get it all. I think it is all going to the dump.
Wish I had a big truck and a place to store it.

Paul  H^^

Title: Re: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: Howard Rush on February 16, 2008, 10:55:15 PM

If it has been outside, it might be wet (especially if it's been outside around here).  The surface can be dry, but if it's been exposed to rain, it can be wet inside.  If the wire snaps, crackles, and pops, but won't move very fast, the foam is wet.  Just stack it so air can get at all sides, and it will dry out in a few weeks. 

Title: Re: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: Paul Taylor on February 17, 2008, 08:16:21 AM

It has been outside, but coverd with a very large tarp.

I wish I could send to to all you guys that cut foam, but that would be a task in itself.  HB~>


Paul  H^^

Title: Re: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: Willie Johnson on February 17, 2008, 03:43:07 PM

Paul,

Let me know if you need help picking up some of the foam.  I have enough foam to last me for a while but I'll help transport it if needed.  You should try cutting some cores especially with free foam.  If you mess up a few the cost for learning is minimal.

Title: Re: All foam is not the same. What is the best type?
Post by: Mike Spiess on February 18, 2008, 10:55:10 AM

A great place to get thicker foam for free is a commercial roofing contractor. They usually fill a 20cyard dumpster after each job. If you ask for them to help load you get more than you bargain for. They love to get rid of it.