So I finally got the SD working and have been putting my miles all over the Friar set. However, I am wondering if I would be able to cut some of that Dollar Store foam core (the cheap white stuff) down to like 8 1/2" x 11" or whatever and feed it into one of my machines. I have the Cameo and the SD. As of right now I am printing out the templates for the floors, spraying glue and sticking them down on the foam core and cutting them out with my Xacto. This is laborsome and would love to see if I can have one of my cutters do the work for me. Even if it is just to score somewhat and I can snap off the rest.

Any ideas?

- Adam

Oh, and if anyone know of a good place to get floorplan ideas for the different sets, that would be awesome. I know it is kind of a "build it as you need it" thing but I like to build full models or dioramas and have them laying around.

I think it has been contemplated before...Including by me...but , alas, foamcore is just too thick to be fed or cut by the machine cutters...at least by the SD.
I dont have a Cameo yet, so it might feed and cut with that...but I doubt it.
Trying to cut material that is too thick is also a great way to damage your machine, so keep that in mind if you experiment

Unless someone knows any different...I am afraid we are stuck with hand cutting for foamcore

Currently, there are no hobbyist-level cutters on the market that have the roller clearance, blade depth, track width, or downforce to handle foamcore of any thickness. For that, you'd need one of the computer-assisted machines used by framing shops to cut foamcore, and those don't come cheap. I feel your pain, though!

The right tool makes a huge difference, and you need something beefier and tougher than a #11 blade for that. You can get box cutters or snap-blade knives from Lowes, Home Depot, and other similar stores--find one with a *metal* body and minimal blade wiggle. They shouldn't cost more than $5 and they'll be much easier on your hands, not to mention cutting through foamcore better than a precision craft knife blade with a fragile tip.

Quoted for truth.

Agreed. I found it much easier to use a normal heavy duty bladed utility knife to cut the foamcore. Much easier and longer lasting too.

That's too bad. It would be nice to even just score it 1cm down for proper proportions and just snap off or follow the lines after the fact.

Are we sure the dollar store foam core, which seems to be slightly thinner than the black expensive stuff you guys use, wouldn't fit through a Cameo with no mat?

I will double check when I get home but I take the man's word for it about the clearance.

If I can get it to work, would someone be willing to make a Cameo friendly mounting .gsd available?

Also, are there GSD's for Coins of the Realm?

- Adam

A fast and easy way to get your foamcore cut well is with these 2 products from Logan. The blade system locks into the slot on the ruler so its a straight cut. (Its not really obvious in the photo, but the non measuring side has a tongue and groove system) You can turn a 20x30 foam core board into 15 6x6 panels in seconds with a 30x2 strip that can easily and quickly be hacked into terralinx.

http://www.amazon.com/Logan-Graphic-Pro ... 182&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Logan-Cutters-701 ... 84&sr=8-33

you'll still need to make the cuts for the into the square tiles obviously. for that i use an existing tile as a template to quickly mark up where the additional cuts need to go. i find it best to make all the cuts that are perpendicular to the sides before making any of the parallel cuts.

love to get one of the logan formwerks cutter but they won't ship to Australia.

How do those compare with those Foawerks (sp?) cutters I have seen at the craft stores? I have been tempted to pick one up.

Also, my current secret weapon in foamcore templates is using label paper to speed up the process. That and I cut everything in just 6x6 squares (or 3x6 / 3x3 shapes) while cutting in bulk (3-5 sheets of foamcore at least) and then cut the notches as I need to use them.

I can really only speak to the 2 items I referenced, but those work great in tandem. The blade can be set at 3 depths, and full extension it will go through the foamcore by the slightest of margins and will only require a single stroke (you may need to break it, but its pretty clean). I have briefly tried a bevel cutter, but I found it awkward to use.

Check your local specialist arts supplies store or try online. Our local one (Wellington, NZ) stocks Logan rulers and some of the Foamwerks cutters so they should be available in Aus.

p.s. A google search for Foamwerks in Aussie sites turned up a range of online Oz stores selling Foamwerks cutters and Logan Adapt-A-Rule rulers (currently my standard ruler for cardstock work).

I like the Foamwerks cutter/ruler combo...the Logan handle setup looks like you will constantly be trying to lean you hand forward while pulling back to avoid shallow cuts. The Foamwerks cutter (which also attaches to a ruler) lets your hand rest on top, so gravity helps it stay grounded.

I have the Foamwerks setup and enjoy it thoroughly.

Logan



Foamwerks

Its not an issue in the least, the cuts go through with ease. No idea if its superior or inferior to the other, but its cuts brilliantly.

I think the Foamwerks might be best for Adam as the ruler can be mounted to wood board to create a cut frame. I suspect with a little practice it could be used to cut everything.

logan & foamwerks, both the same company.
Logan items are more designed for matt board where as
foamwerks is designed more for foam core boards.

Aha. Makes sense.

Cost USA site for the ones I want is AUD$170 inc postage
Cost AUD stores $315.oo + GST + Postage.
I found a USA supplier who has shipped to me. The cost saving is worth the wait.
Thanks for mentioning it Zen.

I saw an article and videos a while ago on a DIY CnC machine that used I believe it was a Dremel to cut with that would handle foamcore, thin plywood, plastics and other thin materials, but they stopped providing the blueprints for it. Haven't been back to that site in a few years so not even sure if it's available. While it was noisy as all get out, it looked promising. I'll have to look around and see if I can find the page again.

Oh and I have those Foamwerks tools, very nice!

I think someone else ...perhaps it was Easy Rhino, way back a few, who tried a Dremel on foamcore...Not using a CnC machine tho.
If I remember it cut the card top and bottom perfectly, but rippesd the heck out of the foam.
I think we concluded a Dremel would be useful for tiles, but not so useful if you ever had an edge you were concerned about
Would be fantastic if a CnC machine did do the job

I think someone had luck with a really hot wire with a wood template for use with foam, but it didn't work with the paper part.

A week ago I bought some sheet metal, probably aluminum, and have cut a 6 by 6 piece out of it and started smoothing the edge that I cut. I'm going to cut notches in the side to create a re-useable jig/template for cutting out the base pieces. I'll either use an Xacto or similar knife for the actual cutting though.

I'll post pictures of it once I get it completed.

I'm also buying a router & router table from a friend of mine and will set up a jig on that for cutting 1/4 plywood for bases as well.