Demo how to cut foam in rifle case from Optics Planet

[Aftermath]

Most decent sized cities have places that sell foam. I found one in Portland, Oregon that had all sorts of various kinds of foam, and it was cheap enough that I bought a whole bunch of dark grey foam to make a number of various cut out inserts for a Pelican hard case.

What? A business still open and not just ashes?

 

[John's Friend]

I haven't cut any gun case inserts but, I've cut many camera and instrument case inserts.

Placing the foam in a freezer for a time will stiffen the foam and make for an easier and more accurate cut. Also, I replaced the foam that came with Halliburton and Pelican cases with Ensolite foam. It's much higher density and offers more protection.

I don't know if any have experienced this.. dropping a Pelican case in extreme cold weather can crack the case plastic. I've not had this happen but, I was warned by others who had problems.

Snip
Ensolite PVC-NBR-CR is an energy absorbing foam originally developed by NASA to protect pressure from damage. It has virtually 100% memory and is waterproof.

I've no connection to this vendor.

ENSOLITE – SOLD BY THE LINEAR FOOT - Foam Mart

LF= LINEAR FOOT EXAMPLE: IF YOU BUY 2 LINEAR FEET YOU WILL RECEIVE A PIECE OF ENSOLITE 60" X 24" . Ensolite PVC-NBR-CR is an energy absorbing foam originally developed by NASA to protect pressure from damage. It has virtually 100% memory and is waterproof. CR/EPDM/SBR blended rubber foam is also...

foammart.com

 

[7mm-08 Freak]

Too bad those high end cases don’t come with an extra foam piece cause after 3 attempts mine look like crap I’m ordering number 4&5 for another try.

 

[KingTutsButt]

Well that was extremely helpful, thank you!

 

[johnnybravo5150]

thanx very informative

 

[misser]

my case has them foam squares that ya remove till ya have the shape of the gun . constantly breaking some lose then to be gluing them back into place

 

[Ex E6]

IF any of you decide a Hot Knife is a better way to cut ,then allow Me to caution you and ensure you place a small fan behind or beside you before doing so . Cut outside or in your garage use the fan ,as it smells and can be toxic !.

I regularly have used a hot knife for decades as well as heated platens ,so as to emboss cavity's into various foam matrix .

Advantage it's QUICK , CLEAN AND SEALS as it cuts thus eliminating fraying or pop outs . Putting something into a recessed foam and removing it has a tendency to tear or fray foams . Especially padding or upholstery type foam . We all know there are several grades and types of foams .

Another trick is after cutting the foam is using a material **to cover the foam ,adhering with 3M super 90 spray adhesive . It also serves a very useful purpose . ** Automotive upholstery or heavier drape materials work well . I did #2 of MY cases out of Cordura ,as I had a bunch left over from a project . Tip leave material long enough in the cut outs so as to adhere on bottom side of foam .
Cordura can be bought for as little as $7.00 a yard or less .