All foam is not the same. What is the best type?

[Paul Taylor]

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

I know it is not all the same.



Thanks
Paul 

[Howard Rush]

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. 

[john e. holliday]

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

[Paul Taylor]

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 

[Howard Rush]

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. 

[Paul Taylor]

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. 


Paul 

[Willie Johnson]

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.

[Mike Spiess]

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.