What is the best way to cut pelican pick n pluck foam?

[oktavist]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GWzHb4Hd8Y

[Nephthys]

right, but i did not interpret the OP's question that way.
he wanted to cut the foam in a custom shape not sticking to the squares (or that is what it sounded like)

You are right, I did miss that in the OPs post, but I did mention that staying within the confines of the pluck squares shape was my goal when using the dull knife. In the end, it all boils down to the amount of time and effort a person wants to put into it, using either cheap or more specialized means.

Theres the other thread another user posted about using the Harbor Freight cases with the similar foam, and after getting the desired cut in the foam, others suggested Plastidip over the foam to give it a more finished and sturdier feel. I haven't personally done it but plan to. I imagine there are others who feel that would be a waste of time/effort

[sonofeugene]

OP: Having the foam cut exactly to the item's profile is nice but more work. If you use the pick and pull foam, remember that it's much easier to cut out what you need to the full thickness of the foam and remove it from the surrounding foam. Then trim it to height and then put it back in the surrounding foam.

Good luck!

[TurboChrisB]

others suggested Plastidip over the foam to give it a more finished and sturdier feel. I haven't personally done it but plan to. I imagine there are others who feel that would be a waste of time/effort

The bottom line is pick n pluck foam pretty much sucks but pick n pluck foam after plasti dip sucks less.

[theLBC]

You are right, I did miss that in the OPs post, but I did mention that staying within the confines of the pluck squares shape was my goal when using the dull knife. In the end, it all boils down to the amount of time and effort a person wants to put into it, using either cheap or more specialized means.

Theres the other thread another user posted about using the Harbor Freight cases with the similar foam, and after getting the desired cut in the foam, others suggested Plastidip over the foam to give it a more finished and sturdier feel. I haven't personally done it but plan to. I imagine there are others who feel that would be a waste of time/effort

that is a good idea. i wouldn't want open cell foam that can hold moisture next to my firearms if avoidable.

[Preston-CLB]

If you use the pick and pull foam, remember that it's much easier to cut out what you need to the full thickness of the foam and remove it from the surrounding foam. Then trim it to height and then put it back in the surrounding foam.

That is what I did for my pistol, 2 mags, and mag loader. I was able to get a nice fit. I trimmed the foam pieces with a pair of good scissors. It took a little while, but the results are nice.

The items ride a bit above the surface of the foam, and the egg crate foam on the lid holds everything securely.

Happy.
--P

[ACfixer]

Where did you buy a sheet of closed cell foam? That's a good price.

Guys, Kaizen sells the foam direct... they also sell through Amazon. They also sell long tip markers (VERY helpful) and those snap off knives.

https://kaizeninserts.com/products

Home depot as well, 2' x 4' sheet 30mm thick (other thicknesses available). It's in layers you can separate and get fancy. Takes a little practice but at this price you can make a few mistakes. How about $22?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Black-Kaizen-Foam-24-in-x-48-in-x-30-mm-FC-KF30-2X4-BL/301963619

You'll be a pro in no time...

[humble servant]

[QUOTE=ACfixer;21764306]I bought a sheet of closed cell foam and a long-tip marker and cut my own. For about $20 you get enough to do about ten cases.



Did you use a hot wire knife for that case, looks perfect.
I have an empty pelican case I've been wanting to add foam to and yours looks like the way to go.

[theLBC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta3FTfK8r5o

[theLBC]

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmnmQyegGKU

[ACfixer]

Did you use a hot wire knife for that case, looks perfect.
I have an empty pelican case I've been wanting to add foam to and yours looks like the way to go.

Check the links I posted above. I just used a long tip marker and a snap off hobby knife. I cut it fairly tight so it fits snug.

[theLBC]

one of mine that is deeper in places

[Nephthys]

one of mine that is deeper in places

****, that looks cool, I might make a case up for my takedown.

[strakill]

Hey good on OP for doing that. As far as your suggestion, well, it's exactly how I do it.

[Preston-CLB]

Here's my G17 in Pick-n-Pluck. Came out pretty well, I think.


-p