Foam Cut

[HavaJava]

Who knows of a source that can custom cut the foam for a gun case? I am
also interested in getting the right tool to cut the foam. Something that
will do a factory look cut, not jagged.

Thanks

[megavolt121]

You can do it yourself, check out:

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=4&t=292695

If you need to purchasefoam, www.foambymail.com is a good source.

[CABilly]

I'd say a few layers of the foam you want to use, some compatible glue, a razor and some time on your part. That should yield as good results as you care to get.

Otherwise, if you want absolutely perfect, CNC (with the above-linked method) would be the way to go. Overkill, IMO, but precise.

[SONYEXEC]

That can be pricey... i know when it comes to cutting foam to fit a particular item a CNC type machine is used to cut out the "insert". It's like an automated router that has a spinning head and cuts out the insert based on a computer program - fully automated

There are some tools (they kind of resemble sculptor's tools) that can do the trick but, unless you're highly skilled, it will look jagged. One trick to cut down on the jagged look is to compress the foam before you cut and use a cardboard template to guide your knife. Jagged comes from multiple cuts across the same line just to get through the thickness of the foam, compress the foam to where you only need one pass with the knife (box cutter type or x-acto type) and waalaa minimal jagged edges.

[ohsmily]

Otherwise, if you want absolutely perfect, CNC (with the above-linked method) would be the way to go. Overkill, IMO, but precise.

Huh? How does the above linked method constitute CNC (computerized numerical control)? The above link just has a hot wire cutter. Am I missing something or are you really confused about what CNC is? Hopefully, it is just me.

There are only two solutions I have found that work without leaving jagged, uneven edges.....hot wire cutting, like in the above link, and one of those electric carving knives. They work very well also.

[CABilly]

Huh? How does the above linked method constitute CNC (computerized numerical control)? The above link just has a hot wire cutter.

I was being facetious. You'd have to customize a CNC mill with a hot wire cutter. It's doable, even at home, but overkill. I'm a firm believer in taking your time and planning while using the simplest tools available.

But you can build your own CNC mill. There are write-ups all over the Web. It would be a nifty thing to have around.

[HavaJava]

Hot wire it is. Thanks Megavolt.

[SONYEXEC]

OHSMILY - when most folks hear CNC they automatically think metal parts (zinc, alum, mag, etc) this is where CNC machines are most commonly used but CNC machines have many applications - foam, rubber, plastic, wood you name it. You want a real treat you should see what a water jet CNC machine can do.

[megavolt121]

Hot wire it is. Thanks Megavolt.

Save your money with the hot wire cutter, just take a guitar string and run 2 D batteries in series across it. That's all the hot wire cutter is.