The Foamsmith book has been a life saver! I showed it to everyone in my cosplay club and told them where to buy it! Please keep up the amazing work!!! Can't wait for the next book.
Thanks to your videos and Evil Ted Smith, I took the plunge and started some simple projects for my kids this weekend. As it was Easter, when I realized I didnt have exactly some of the tools/attachments, I scoured the garage for alternatives. I found a sanding paper flap wheel that has been great at quickly helping me smooth out bad cuts and make good clean curved surfaces. Also with the rotary tool I have found that running the tool along the part in the same direction that it spins is way easier and consistent that the other way.
I tried working with foam when I first got into prop making and the fuzziness really put me off. I didn't realise how easy it was to remove! I think I'll always love wood though :D I may pick up your book this summer when I've got some free time to play around with some new projects.
Great info, as always! I've been using the sanding sticks on my pieces, and am always having to stop myself from going overboard. 2k grit is a bit much for most foam pieces . . . but it's so smooooove . . .
When you use the rotary tool do you use it on a high or low speed? I've been using a Dremel and it's been difficult trying to find that sweet spot where it sands down the foam but doesn't take off too much material.
Hey Bill I use a rotary tool for sanding as well and sometimes I sand down TOO far on accident. What would be your advice on filling that back in? Thanks in advance.
All4One Mixed Media Innovations hey this is an old as fuck comment but, I use crafters glue to fill stuff back in, I can let you know what kind I use in a bit if you still need to know what to use
These tool tip videos! More! Need more! I fight my rotary everyday! It argues with me like a methed out drunk bee and refuses to work with me. Help great teacher!
Hello, I was using a rotary tool with a stone bit on it, and i wore through it very quickly, maybe about 20 minutes of work. I got a pretty nice bevel and hammered metal look to the piece, but to me it seems like I ate through the stone bit amazingly fast. How long do you find stone bits you use for sculpting last? Same for the sanding drums, which i believe have replaceable sand paper on them correct?
They CAN, but it will gum it up real bad. I'd recommend scraping or cutting the majority of the glue away, then heating it a bit to soften and separate your pieces. If your intention is to separate, that is.
Thank you. Your videos are really helpful. It looks that you use a lot of EVA-60 foam which is easy to work with. Currently, I need to do some work with EVA-30 foam and getting a nice clean edge on that is very hard as the foam tends to "fuzz" and shred. Do you have any tips for working with softer foams? Cheers :D
Hi great video! I'm new to working with foam - can you suggest a specific rotary tool? Do you have a fav? Having a hard time wading through all the reviews online
Have you ever considered using a hot wire foam cutter? How well do you think that would work for Eva foam I was considering making myself one that was posted on the King of Random channel
I'm hoping since this video is a year old you still get this message I am making Squishies with memory foam and having the same problems with uneven edges and little pieces of foam all over the place can I use the same technique with memory foam?
Memory foam is a little bit more squirrelly when it comes to rotary tools, since it's much softer. You may have to take it super slow, but it might work.
Does it cause a problem if you sand after heat sealing? Or do you simply need to heat seal again when done? Thanks for your videos. I'm trying my first prop out of EVA, a TOS Star Trek Phaser 1. I found out cutting foam...and straight is really hard. I've found getting 3 of the same shapes out to stack is impossible, but then trying to cut through 3 squares glued together is almost just as impossible.
It has less to do with density and more to do with the composition of the foam your'e using. Foam made by different suppliers will have different consistencies and different chemical make ups. Softer foams like upholstery foam (textured like a soft sponge) won't sand because it's less dense and is made differently than EVA foam. Hope that helps a bit! - Paige
Has sanding sealer ever been used to get those really glossy foam edges? I mean, if it can even do a tenth of what it does on wood, we're talking a game changer here....
i've always disliked sanding drums, as i find they're prone to leaving divots in the surface. yet i also find it difficult to find "dremel" sized disc sanding setups. am i just lacking in technique with drums or something?
He minds his trigger discipline, even on a prop piece...
That's pretty awesome, actually.
The Foamsmith book has been a life saver! I showed it to everyone in my cosplay club and told them where to buy it! Please keep up the amazing work!!! Can't wait for the next book.
Sidney Pratt .
Be. F
Thanks to your videos and Evil Ted Smith, I took the plunge and started some simple projects for my kids this weekend. As it was Easter, when I realized I didnt have exactly some of the tools/attachments, I scoured the garage for alternatives. I found a sanding paper flap wheel that has been great at quickly helping me smooth out bad cuts and make good clean curved surfaces. Also with the rotary tool I have found that running the tool along the part in the same direction that it spins is way easier and consistent that the other way.
That magnetic holder for your bits is genius, I have to get one of those.
I tried working with foam when I first got into prop making and the fuzziness really put me off. I didn't realise how easy it was to remove! I think I'll always love wood though :D
I may pick up your book this summer when I've got some free time to play around with some new projects.
That heat sealing technique was a really nice tip! Thanks! :D
Keep it up!
you know what! you and ted are very helpful for the community!
Omg this just helped me sooooo much 🙌🏾🙌🏾 I had them bits already from my nails kit & a nail file.filled.. worked quick & easy!
Great info, as always!
I've been using the sanding sticks on my pieces, and am always having to stop myself from going overboard.
2k grit is a bit much for most foam pieces . . . but it's so smooooove . . .
Really helpful, have learnt a lot and glad to have the print foam smith book
Thanks for the video. Should I heat seal edges before joining to the other pieces or no?
When you use the rotary tool do you use it on a high or low speed? I've been using a Dremel and it's been difficult trying to find that sweet spot where it sands down the foam but doesn't take off too much material.
awesome! I have been waiting for some foam videos
I'm stupidly excited for foam smith two - Jade Rabbit YEAH
Awesome video! Thank you for all the information that you share with us all.
+Riaan Theron You're welcome!
Hey Bill I use a rotary tool for sanding as well and sometimes I sand down TOO far on accident. What would be your advice on filling that back in? Thanks in advance.
All4One Mixed Media Innovations hey this is an old as fuck comment but, I use crafters glue to fill stuff back in, I can let you know what kind I use in a bit if you still need to know what to use
Thank you for this video. Just what I want to know. My foam prop is so fuzzy -.- hope I ll have some tools who will do the trick too.
What type of foam do you typically use? Thanks!
Wow I really loved this video
Fantastic! Thanks so much for watching :)
what do you do with smoothing very soft foam?
These tool tip videos! More! Need more! I fight my rotary everyday! It argues with me like a methed out drunk bee and refuses to work with me. Help great teacher!
We've got one on the way that I think you'll find very helpful!
Hello, I was using a rotary tool with a stone bit on it, and i wore through it very quickly, maybe about 20 minutes of work. I got a pretty nice bevel and hammered metal look to the piece, but to me it seems like I ate through the stone bit amazingly fast. How long do you find stone bits you use for sculpting last? Same for the sanding drums, which i believe have replaceable sand paper on them correct?
Now i know how to remove the fuzziness! Thank you!
where do you buy your foam from? :/
I'm working on sanding a costume head base that is connected with hot glue, are dremels able to sand through hot glue??
They CAN, but it will gum it up real bad. I'd recommend scraping or cutting the majority of the glue away, then heating it a bit to soften and separate your pieces. If your intention is to separate, that is.
@@punishedprops Thanks for the reply
Thank you. Your videos are really helpful. It looks that you use a lot of EVA-60 foam which is easy to work with. Currently, I need to do some work with EVA-30 foam and getting a nice clean edge on that is very hard as the foam tends to "fuzz" and shred. Do you have any tips for working with softer foams? Cheers :D
AngryWombat have you tried hot tools?
Hi great video! I'm new to working with foam - can you suggest a specific rotary tool? Do you have a fav? Having a hard time wading through all the reviews online
Check out our rotary tool video! th-cam.com/video/p1UDG3vtFSk/w-d-xo.html
Have you ever considered using a hot wire foam cutter? How well do you think that would work for Eva foam I was considering making myself one that was posted on the King of Random channel
That was one of the recommended tools that was brought up in one of the cosplay panels at the convention I was at this weekend.
I'm hoping since this video is a year old you still get this message I am making Squishies with memory foam and having the same problems with uneven edges and little pieces of foam all over the place can I use the same technique with memory foam?
Memory foam is a little bit more squirrelly when it comes to rotary tools, since it's much softer. You may have to take it super slow, but it might work.
Does it cause a problem if you sand after heat sealing? Or do you simply need to heat seal again when done? Thanks for your videos. I'm trying my first prop out of EVA, a TOS Star Trek Phaser 1. I found out cutting foam...and straight is really hard. I've found getting 3 of the same shapes out to stack is impossible, but then trying to cut through 3 squares glued together is almost just as impossible.
alaskankare Stacked foam = Band saw
Does the foot peddle control speed and or direction?
Cheers!
+Bill Doran Now I just have to save up for one,, at least by that time I'll be able to have a drone deliver it!!
My foam is really soft and wont sand down. Is it too soft or does it not matter how dense it is?
It has less to do with density and more to do with the composition of the foam your'e using. Foam made by different suppliers will have different consistencies and different chemical make ups. Softer foams like upholstery foam (textured like a soft sponge) won't sand because it's less dense and is made differently than EVA foam.
Hope that helps a bit!
- Paige
when you heat the foam hardens ? .-.
No it just helps smooth it out. If you burn it ( usually it turns black ) then it will be harder
Has sanding sealer ever been used to get those really glossy foam edges? I mean, if it can even do a tenth of what it does on wood, we're talking a game changer here....
Can i use a hairdyer for the heat seeling
?
Nope, it isn't hot enough.
Very nice Bro!
+Bill Doran you really inspires us! I´m from Brazil, thx for all!
Thanks!
Ok thx
i've always disliked sanding drums, as i find they're prone to leaving divots in the surface. yet i also find it difficult to find "dremel" sized disc sanding setups. am i just lacking in technique with drums or something?
+Arklan Uth Oslin i'm looking at getting something like: www.foredom.net/am338.aspx but it seems really hard to find.
I got like #1000, idk why I'm proud of that lol
50 bucks for a dremel? More like 200 in my country. :'(
Can you make a stormtrooper costume plz
Bill doesn't take requests, but William jakespear has two storm trooper videos out
It sounds like you have 3 songs playing at once. Too busy for background music.