Foam blocks

Advice
#1

I got a bunch of foam and am wanting to fashion some foam blocks to use for cartop canoe carriers. Whats a good tool to cut the foam with? Anyone know how to laminate the block to make it “non skid”? Any advice, as always, is greatly appreciated.

#2

Bandsaw
A bandsaw works best for cutting minicell foam. If you don’t have a bandsaw, a bread knife will work in a pinch.



I assume that it’s minicell foam that you’ve got? I wouldn’t use any other type of foam for car carrying – minicell doesn’t absorb water like many other types of foam.



Don’t know about what to use to make the foam “non-stick” but you shouldn’t need to worry about it for the purpose of carrying a boat on your car roof.



Dan



http://www.westcoastpaddler.com


#3

I have used a jigsaw with a long blade.
It leaves a fairly smooth cut, just rough enough to take contact cement well.

#4

Bread knife w/serrations

#5

A simpler tack

– Last Updated: Sep-03-08 7:49 AM EST –

One can buy perfect blocks quite reasonably from New River Gear, online or call 800-527-9819.

Lots cheaper than buying glue, a band saw w/ 9" jaws and hoping to acquire the right foam and non skid layer.

#6

You can get the non skid
shelf/toolbox liner at Harbor Freight, I think I gave $6 for 18" x 3’. It will work on foam, I have a seat cushion with it. Not sure what glue will work best.



Good Luck

#7

Did you mean…
New River Gear? http://www.newrivergear.com/

#8

Hacksaw blade
http://www.littleboxofbones.com/projects/tools/minihacksawb.jpg

#9

2nd Hacksaw blades
get as fine toothed as you can find, wrap electrical tape on the blade as a handle and saw away…works great…just be sure to template your cut with cardboard FIRST…foam is expensive…

#10

New River Gear
Their web site says “For Wholesale Only”? No prices there either.

#11

3rd - Hack-Saw

#12

Thanks!
thanks for the response. I’ll give it a shot and let you know how it turns out.

#13

Non-skid . . .
To make foam block non-skid, dip it in, or paint on, Plasti-dip (available at Lowe’s or Home Depot). It’s the rubber coating you find on many tool handles. It will also make the surface of the foam block more durable.

#14

foam blocks
I have heard that an electric carving knife works very good to cut the foam. hope this helps

#15

Dewalt Scroll Saw is amazing.