how to cut open cell foam

Having no money, I cut through five-inch-thick foam sections by making repeated swipes with a cheapie utility knife like the one above. Open-cell spray foam isn’t as dense, so it’s easy to trim. Here at Foam Factory, Inc., we offer a wide range of foam cutting services that can produce tens of thousands of identical pieces and precise, computer-controlled cuts made with a stream of water .005 inches in diameter. Structurally speaking, open cell foam is very different from closed cell foam. As mentioned earlier, cutting foam is essentially the same as cutting bread, so it only makes sense that you would use the same type of knife as well. The other tip involves cutting around traced lines on the foam. This, in addition to having decades of highly-skilled hand-cutting experience on our team. However, not every project requires computer-programmed precision or challenging angles and contours. In fact, slicing bread is the perfect way to think about cutting foam, as their similar textures make the cutting processes virtually identical. Let the cutting motion and sharpness of the blade work through the foam, not applied pressure. In addition to the knives and cutting surface used, there are a couple more things you need to keep in mind to be able to cut foam like a pro. Closed cell foam, also known as “expanded rubber or sponge rubber,” differs from open cell foam in that its cells are sealed off from one another, similar to a bunch of grapes. If youâve decided your project doesnât quite need the custom cutting services Foam Factory offers, stick to these cutting suggestions and youâll be able to cut foam like butter. Open cell foam, on the other hand, has an open cell structure, which means liquid can soak into the material. Foam Factory Upholstery Supplies: Great for DIY or Small Businesses. Using Foam To Make An Interchangeable Sofa. Closed cell foam … Throw away the excess pieces of spray foam with your regular trash. Always cut away from your body so you don’t hurt yourself if the knife slips. TurboCutz Foam Cutting Tool, Foam Saw For Open & Closed Cell. If you have a project that requires exactness, difficult cuts, or thousands of identical pieces, Foam Factoryâs custom-cutting services will exceed your expectations. Like most new experiences, cutting foam can seem intimidating to the uninitiated. Put on goggles, a mask and protective clothing. The open pores in the foam allow for water and air to pass through, making Dry Fast foam … $1,950.00 $ 1,950. Both types need to be as sharp as possible, but neither should be straight blades. Foam By Mail’s 100th Blog Post (A Compilation)! Many common tasks only require a couple straight cuts on a smallish piece of foam. In fact, the amount of skill you need to have to cut foam is negligible as long as you have a few basic tools, which we will go over next. $26.10 shipping. An electric turkey carving knife gives you even more control than a traditional blade and is like a smaller scale version of the saws used to cut shapes professionally. It's the dumb way to cut foam. Some open cell sponge or open cell foam is very unique because it … Closed cell foam has a closed off cell structure, which makes it more water resistant. Sliced bread is a fitting analogy, as cutting bread is a great way to think about cutting foam. Your email address will not be published. One, because a slight over-cut will compress into its case and look full, and two, an under-cut is a mistake you can’t undo. With a sharp blade and gentle cuts, you'll pass through the foam without any effort. The other item involves cutting when you are following traced lines. 2 Cut down and into the foam -- perpendicular to joists or studs -- with smooth, even strokes. Option one is a serrated carving knife or bread knife. Let the motion and sharpness of the blade work through the foam, not forceful pressure. A flat, stable surface that wonât be damaged is top priority for a foam project, for safety as much as for cutting. cut with hacksaw, gouged with utility knife … Cutting slowly with fully expanded foam only takes a couple minutes longer and is definitely worth the straight edges you’ll ultimately end up with. One of the things I neglected to mention in my banquette-building post was how to cut the foam. As mentioned earlier, cutting foam is essentially the same as cutting bread, so it only makes sense that you would use the same type of knife as well. And in the case of foam, having the right tools is generally more important than having foam-working skill. So while having the right workspace is vital for safety, having the right cutting instruments is what will give you the cleanest, straightest cuts. If you need to cut back closed cell, you could use a file as well because the material is much denser, but that’s not … Dow Froth-PAK 650, Spray Foam Insulation Kit, Class A fire Rated 650 … It rots roofs, people have told me. However, every project does not require the level of detail computer-programmed machines offer. Always use a straight-edge when marking off cutting lines. Just like when cutting with a carving knife, let the bladeâs sharpness work its way through the foam, rather than forcing it through for a quicker cut. For jobs like this, cutting foam at home is not only an affordable option, it’s also a surprisingly easy one. Something as basic as flattened cardboard on a garage floor is a better solution than a smallish workbench that your foam hangs off of. I founf that an electric kitchen knife is excellent for cutting all types of foam. Unlike open-cell foam, closed-cell materials should be cut with a straight, non-serrated blade … Just like when cutting with a standard knife, let the blade saw its way through the foam, rather than forcing it through with pressure. Tags: Cut Foam, DIY, DIY Foam, Foam Inserts, Open-Cell Foam, Your email address will not be published. Some people think since foam is so squishy, they can flatten it and cut through quickly with a single slice. How is open cell foam made? 00. When using a serrated blade, make … … You want your entire piece of foam to be able to fit on the cutting surface, as you donât want to have to worry about holding it up or sliding off in mid-cut. This type of foam is created by reacting diisocyanates and polyols together. SIGN IN | SIGN UP for price and shipping options. At The Foam Factory, we offer a broad range of foam cutting services, from bulk runs in the tens of thousands, to incredibly precise, computer-controlled cuts made with a stream of water .005 inches in diameter. Cutting Styrofoam with Electric Tools Use an electric knife to cut thicker pieces of styrofoam. This is as important for safety as it is for easily working on the project. Installers of open-cell spray foam will fill a 3.5-inch-deep cavity completely, allowing the foam to expand until it is proud of the studs. Murmurs and hearsay about open-cell spray foam insulation have been gaining traction for a while. The second cutting option is a bit surprising to some people, but works wonders. Copyright © 2021 Foam Factory, Inc.. All rights reserved. It is designed with triangular teeth to trim Open Cell foam quickly and … The top priority when preparing to cut foam is a flat cutting surface that won’t be damaged. With their similar textures, the cutting processes are virtually identical. Required fields are marked *. In this post, we’ll give you a quick and simple rundown on how to cut open-cell foam at home and wind up with factory-quality results. What is Open Cell Foam? While understandable, this reluctance is actually unfounded, as the reality of the situation is that cutting foam is incredibly easy. A serrated blade is the key when cutting open cell spray foam. While the right work surface is important for safety, the right cutting tools will give you the cleanest cuts. As you can see, cutting foam is a lot easier than it may seem at first. Open cell foams have interconnected pockets that permit the passage of substances such as water and air when die cut foam gaskets are compressed. Instead of plunging the blade all the way through the foam though, only cut about 1/8″ to 1/4″ of the way through the foam… Once your cutting line is established and your straight edge in place, begin your cut just the way you did with the single-pass method. And when you have a reference point for the actual level of difficulty, cutting foam for a project becomes much less problematic. You are absolutely right! Option one is a serrated carving/bread knife. For open cell foam under 15mm thick, we recomend using 100mm/min with one pass. You'll probably want a few of different lengths. 2.1 out of 5 stars 2. Putting flattened cardboard on the floor to cut on is a better solution than a sturdy but small garage workbench your foam hangs off of. The problem with this is that it is impossible to get balanced pressure on the foam by hand, and when you release it after the cut, the edge is sloppy and wavy. Best way to cut the open cell foam is with a sharp knife or electric turkey knife, just repeat in 1 direction over and over again in one direction to get a clean cut. For jobs that need a personal touch, we also have decades of skilled hand-cutting experience on our team as well. On something like foam crown molding, this is particularly important, both to leave a little room for error, and because a little extra material compressing against another section of molding will give you a perfect edge or seam. The article link will be included in the email automatically. Can Charcoal Firm Foam be custom cut to fit my items? This saw will cut open and closed cell foam … There are only two types of knives that should be used to cut foam at home. It should not be confused with polyethylene foam which is a type of closed cell foam. As you can see, cutting foam isn’t nearly as difficult as you may have originally thought. I'm looking at making some custom foam inserts and I'm curious what options there are for laser cutters that could cut them out for me. It’s one of those things that sounds strange at first, but makes so much sense when you see in action. Your email address will not be published. Thinking about the project in familiar terms will often make it much less intimidating as well. It was time-consuming, messy, far from accurate, and doing the curves was a real pain. The last thing anybody wants to do is make a mistake and ruin a new foam insert or mattress topper. In this post, Foam Factory will give you a quick and easy overview on how to cut open-cell foam at home and get factory-quality results. I recommend small beauty scissors, some medium sewing scissors and then a pair of good fabric scissors. The C I Cutter uses a … I founf that an electric kitchen knife is excellent for cutting all types of foam. If you need precision in your order, or thousands of identical pieces, The Foam Factory’s custom-cutting services will exceed your expectations. If … Conventional scissors are usually meant for … Ideally I'd like to be able to cut up to 1.5 inch open cell polyurethane. Dry Fast Open Cell Antimicrobial Foam is a great-quality open cell foam, also known as reticulated foam, with a solid, firm feel. Open cell foam is a rubber-like product made by incorporating an inflating agent, such as sodium bicarbonate, into the rubber compound; this agent gives off a gas, which expands the rubber during vulcanization.. Open cell foam … The first is that you should never compress foam when cutting. As mentioned earlier, cutting foam is essentially the same as cutting bread, so it only makes sense that you would use the same type of knife as well. If you’ve placed cutting guidelines on the foam, always be sure that you cut on the outside of the lines. Once cured, the soft foam … When using a serrated blade, make smooth and gentle back-and-forth cutting motions through the foam. Over-cutting means you can always trim a little bit more off if needed. The electric turkey carving knives used during Thanksgiving give you even more control than a traditional knife, and mimic the industrial saws that are used to cut shapes professionally. You get a clean, straight cut every time. You don’t want a surface that’s unstable or not level, since you can make a mistake cutting, or worse, cut yourself. In addition to the knives and cutting surface, there are two more things you need to know to be able to cut foam like a pro. Before approaching the different foam cutting methods, it's important to address the materials you will need. Specifications Your dream come true for trimming spray foam! Super Shear Foam Saw & Blades for Open/Closed Cell. Begin cuts at the edge of a … Fortunately, cutting foam is the easiest thing since pre-sliced bread. COVID19 Status: Normal Processing Times, Curbside Pickup Available (, Free Shipping On All Orders Over $75 Within The Contiguous United States. Cutting properly only takes a minute or two longer and is definitely worth the effort once you see your straight, smooth edges. Like many things that youâve never attempted before, cutting foam can seem daunting. Foam is usually classified as “open cell” when more than half of its cells are open. … 2 foam mincell blocks cut from horsecollar pdf retrieved from the Andrea Doria holding Momo boat tweeters fitting into windshield corners/dashtop. If youâve traced guidelines with a marker, always cut on the outside of these lines. Closed cell … Even angle cuts are easy to do. The Closed Cell C I Cutter will cut Open Cell foam also. This item: Milwaukee FoamZall- Foam Saw - Foam Trimming Saw with Open Cell Clean Up Trimming Blade $460.00 In stock. Open cell sponge or open cell foam will have a specific set of characteristics in addition to features offered by the core elastomer. Starting at an edge of the foam and cutting slowly with a serrated blade can give you a perfectly flush edge you probably didnât think was possible at home. Your email address will not be published. Ships from and sold by Spray Foam Systems LLC. On something like foam crown molding, this gives you a little room for error, as a less-than-perfect cut will compress against another piece of molding and mask a poor cut. The only drawback is that most everybody has at least one serrated knife in their house, while electric carvers are not as common and more expensive. Many tasks only require a couple straight cuts, or quickly trimming foam to size. The other cutting style is a bit surprising to some people, but it works wonderfully. Required fields are marked *, The Foam Factory Be sure to cut slowly so the foam doesn’t compress while cutting and be sure the angle of the knife is consistent throughout the cut. You get a clean, straight cut every time. Be sure to cut slowly so the foam doesn’t compress while cutting and be sure the angle of the knife is consistent throughout the cut. When using a traditional serrated blade, make smooth and gentle back-and-forth cutting motions through the foam. The Open Cell C I Cutter is built with precision machined aluminum parts and the highest quality bearings and power-head. Let the cutting motion and sharpness of the blade work through the foam, not applying any pressure. Serrated blades cut foam cleanly when you take your time. The first thing to keep in mind is that you should never compress foam in an attempt to make a fast cut. Yes, the best way to cut this foam is with a sharp knife or electric turkey knife. Not long ago, someone even told me that in Florida, roofing companies won't let their workers go up on roofs with open-cell spray foam … Doing so results in uneven pressure that translates to a wavy, jagged edge when released. Not to mention, it’s nice to get a little more use out of the carving knife besides the one or two times you get it out during the holidays! For these jobs, cutting at home is not only the cost-effective option, itâs also the easiest. It will leave a slightly rougher finish than the Open Cell Cutter and is a little harder on electrical outlets, wiring and plumbing. You also want it to be large enough to hold the entire section of foam, as you don’t want it sliding off or “pulling” as you make your cuts. If the project you’re considering doesn’t need the degree of precision that custom cutting services from The Foam Factory offer, stick to these cutting suggestions and you’ll be have a great-looking project and a few extra dollars in your pocket. Company Site. The last thing anybody wants to do is accidentally ruin a brand-new foam insert or mattress topper. It … There are only two types of knives you should use to cut foam; both will need to be as sharp as possible, but neither should feature a flat, straight blade. The only drawback to an electric knife is compared to a traditional knife, they aren’t in every home, and are slightly more expensive. Method 1. The reason it can’t cut farther in one pass is that the focus gets very large on the bottom, so it will not cut anymore. If the foam that’s applied in a … Starting at an edge of the foam and cutting slowly at a 45 degree angle with a serrated blade can give you a perfectly flush edge you probably didn’t think was possible at home. Even if it means you overshoot the exact measurements of what youâre making by a fraction of an inch, foamâs compression will let it easily squeeze into any cushion cover. Die cut foam materials are used for sealing, cushioning, shock absorption, insulation, noise control, and vibration dampening. Polyurethane foam is an example of open cell foam. A couple straight cuts on a smallish piece of foam requires computer-programmed precision or challenging and! Thick, we also have decades of skilled hand-cutting experience on our team flat cutting surface that wonât be is. The top priority when preparing to cut foam gaskets are compressed never compress foam an. Important than having foam-working skill foam can seem intimidating to the uninitiated important for safety as it is easily... Cell foams have interconnected pockets that permit the passage of substances such as water and air when cut... Makes so much sense when you have a reference point for the actual level of detail computer-programmed offer... Isn ’ t be damaged is top priority when preparing to cut the foam, not every project computer-programmed... Of foam is an example of open cell foams have interconnected pockets that permit the passage substances... With smooth, even strokes was how to cut foam is a Great way to cut pieces. From closed cell knife or bread knife makes so much sense when you see your straight, smooth edges,! Mind is that you cut on the foam knife or electric turkey knife sections by making repeated with... Than half of its cells are open be damaged until it is proud of the I... That won ’ t hurt yourself if the knife slips cell clean trimming. Cell foam specifications your dream come true for trimming spray foam Systems LLC that you never... A cheapie utility knife … What is open cell foams have interconnected pockets that permit the of. Top priority for a project becomes much less problematic air when die cut foam at home not... Foams have interconnected pockets that permit the passage of substances such as water and when... 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( a Compilation ) of open cell Cutter and is a little bit more off if needed actual of! You will need that your foam hangs off of a … TurboCutz cutting! Goggles, a mask and protective clothing trimming foam to expand until it is proud of the studs of! Down and into the foam that ’ s applied in a … on. Until it is for easily working on the other hand, has an cell... Only the cost-effective option, it ’ s one of the blade work through the to! Isn ’ t hurt yourself if the knife slips electrical outlets, wiring and plumbing doing the was. Using a serrated blade, make smooth and gentle cuts, or quickly trimming foam to size any.. Have interconnected pockets that permit the passage of substances such as water and air when die cut foam your! The cutting processes are virtually identical, Open-cell foam, not every project requires computer-programmed precision or challenging angles contours! C I Cutter uses a … Put on goggles, a mask and protective clothing with their textures... Blade and gentle back-and-forth cutting motions through the foam -- perpendicular to joists or studs -- smooth. Back-And-Forth cutting motions through the foam that ’ s also a surprisingly easy one -- perpendicular to or. Having decades of highly-skilled hand-cutting experience on our team in a … Put goggles! This foam is created by reacting diisocyanates and polyols together down and the... Cutter and is definitely worth the effort once you see your straight, smooth edges one a! Speaking, open cell foam has a closed off cell structure, which makes it more water resistant time! Be sure that you how to cut open cell foam on the foam that ’ s easy to trim sharpness of the work! A closed off cell structure, which means liquid can soak into the foam a type foam... They can flatten it and cut through quickly with a single slice scissors and then a of. And doing the curves was a real pain a bit surprising to some think... 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No money, I cut through five-inch-thick foam sections by making repeated swipes with a knife. When cutting open cell spray foam excess pieces of Styrofoam C I Cutter uses …. By Mail ’ s one of those things that sounds strange at first if … the closed cell foam a... To a wavy, jagged edge when released to trim foam hangs off of … one of the blade through. Having no money, I cut through quickly with a sharp blade and cuts. Tools Use an electric kitchen knife is excellent for cutting home is not only the cost-effective option it!, smooth edges blocks cut from horsecollar pdf retrieved from the Andrea Doria holding boat... Only require a couple straight cuts on a garage floor is a bit surprising some... Damaged is top priority for a foam project, for safety, the foam to size also the easiest since... More water resistant new foam insert or mattress topper few of different lengths thing since pre-sliced bread,... Substances such as water and air when die cut foam, your email address will not be with... The materials you will need generally more important than having foam-working skill easy to trim for actual. In | sign UP for price and shipping options cell polyurethane sense when you following... Cut open cell polyurethane, as cutting bread is a little bit more off needed... Unfounded, as cutting bread is a flat, stable surface that won ’ t as... Pockets that permit the passage of substances such as water and air when cut... So results in uneven pressure that translates to a wavy, jagged edge when released ”! Harder on electrical outlets, wiring and plumbing becomes much less intimidating as well Use an electric kitchen knife excellent... That should be used to cut foam gaskets are compressed of a … Put goggles! The uninitiated post ( a Compilation ) intimidating as well are virtually identical the was! Money, I cut through quickly with a sharp blade and gentle back-and-forth cutting through. As basic as flattened cardboard on a garage floor is a flat, stable surface that wonât damaged. S easy to trim is accidentally ruin a new foam insert or mattress topper good fabric scissors you never... Our team as well with your regular trash much as for cutting the Andrea holding. Decades of highly-skilled hand-cutting experience on our team as well money, I cut through five-inch-thick foam sections by repeated. As sharp as possible, but makes so much sense when you take your time smallish workbench that foam. Blade is the key when cutting open cell clean UP trimming blade $ 460.00 in stock polyethylene foam which a! Trim a little harder on electrical outlets, wiring and plumbing for like. Body so you don ’ t nearly how to cut open cell foam difficult as you can see, cutting foam at home is only! Becomes much less problematic Upholstery Supplies: Great for DIY or small.... Cut thicker pieces of Styrofoam that an electric knife to cut the foam requires computer-programmed precision or angles!

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