High density foam

HL-10 · Post by **HL-10** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:46 am

Planning my next project and I was thinking of forming the model from high density foam, instead of balsa wood, before making a plaster mold to then cast the body shell.

Does anyone here have any experience with the stuff? I know it can be cut with a hot wire and carved and sanded, but just how easy is it to work with?

Many thanks

Harry Joy · Post by **Harry Joy** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 2:32 am

There are a multitude of variables. You might do well to give more particulars, since there are so many varieties of foam and the end uses intended for each kind.

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:35 am

Some HDF can be cut with hot wire, others no and some give off toxic fumes when heated.

Beyond that, yeah, need specifics on which HDF.

Wug · Post by **Wug** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 1:10 pm

You can cut polystyrene foam with a hot wire. Just don't ignite it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene#Fire_hazards

Polyurethane foam will release toxic chemicals if it gets too hot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyuretha ... and_safety

Mike

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 2:17 pm

Exactly.

'Course the fumes from melting styrene aren't that good for you either.

DaveVan · Post by **DaveVan** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:53 pm

BalsaFoam is made up the road from my house. I got some from them...used some of it....but not my best media for me. Others have done neat stuff with it. Not sure about hot wire and BalsaFoam.

seam-filler · Post by **seam-filler** » Wed Sep 28, 2011 4:44 am

Also, we have nothing like the range of stuff available to us in the UK as compared to the US. It's also relatively hard to source the good stuff at a reasonable price here.