looking for a foam worker

[MikeStrange]

Hey there!

I'm looking for someone who can make some custom sponge stuff...I have a few ideas for some specail props. Anybody know anybody?

Thanks!

[mrbill]

In magic, foam/sponge products are mostly made by Al Goshman.

To make some yourself, you get the foam/sponge and wet it and then freeze it. It makes it very easy to carve shapes then.

[MikeStrange]

I checked Goshmans stuff...my ideas are a little...let;s say "original"...

Thanks bigtime for the wetting/freezing idea! I'll definately give this a try! (Now I just need to learn how to sculpt....)

Can you actually sand parts smooth?!? With sand paper? This is intriguing!

[mrbill]

The smooth factor will depend on how dense the foam sponge is. The denser it is the smoother it will be once finish. Denser means less likely to compress item smaller than less dense material but more dense material will "look" better.

If you have trouble you can try to find a contact for Goshman and see if they can make something for you.

[Mr.Taxi Trix]

Mike,

I think you may find various files and rasps used by scuulptors valuable. Tempe have any big arts stores? The guys at the counter love puzzles like that. Know what a dremel is? It's a little drill with 1000 attachments, many are mildly abrasive, and you can get pretty exacting with the thing.

Good luck.

[Peter Voice]

Electric carving knives work a treat cutting and sculpting foam (frozen or not). Best place to get them is a good second-hand shop.

I could make it for you if it's not too difficult to freight to you (I'm based in Aus). Do you have good drawings and how big are these props? Are they just foam or will they need an armature or other structural support (that could be heavy and make freight more difficult).

[MikeStrange]

That's a kind offer Peter! I'm deep in gig's for the next couple weeks but I'll try to put a couple ideas together for you to see. Have you made some stuff already? I'd dig seeing it!

[Stretch]

get TWO knives. Alternate use to keep them from overheating. Otherwise the motor burns out and you'll have to return it to Darth Wall Vader Mart for an exchange.

Cheers!

[Stephon]

Another tool

I haven't used this myself, but I saw someone shaping foam with a little tool that looked similar to a glue gun, but had two prongs in a "Y" shape on the front and a small wire running in between them.

The wire heated up and sliced through the foam, to coin a phrase, like a hot knife through butter. It was very smooth and easy to use.

[dave walbridge]

smooth foam

I've heard or thought that a nice latex paint could be added to the foam to smooth out the texture....give it a try

_dave

[Magic Mickey]

I've used that hot wire tool to make props in theatre. I think it only works with harder foam. I don't think it will work well if you are planning on using the type of foam that sponge balls are made out of. Also they seemed to brake quickly and never cut things that were to detailed. They were only like $5 though so it might just be worth a try. You can get them at hobby shops. Thats were our Technical Director got ours.

[MikeStrange]

Thanks for the replies guys!