Does anyone know a perfect way to cut 45 degree angles on edges of foam?

[Graphic Jordan]

Hey guys,

Starting a new foam build soon. War Machine. But I want to figure a good way to make the 45 degree angle cuts on edges that are required to create mountain folds between two pieces of foam. Before I did it with an exacto and you don't get the best cut.

I was thinking a dremel? Or perhaps some sort of planer? Like the kind you use on wood?

Thoughts?

 

[BAK55]

I've recently used my band saw with the table set at 45 degrees to cut foam. It worked out pretty well by temporarily rubber cementing it on a sheet of cardboard to keep it stable as I made the cut.

 

[Graphic Jordan]

Good idea. However I lack that tool, ha ha. Anything else handheld I could purchase to accomplish this? The foam being cut is 4mm thick.

I've recently used my band saw with the table set at 45 degrees to cut foam. It worked out pretty well by temporarily rubber cementing it on a sheet of cardboard to keep it stable as I made the cut.

 

[dangerstudios]

I saw this foam cutter that looked sort of like a coping saw with a wire instead of the blade. It heated up then could cut foam neatly with ease

 

[DarkCreations]

You could try a Crafter's Hot Knife and use a straight edge (steel ruler, level etc) to make your cuts.
Designed for Her Creative Hot Knife | Overstock.com

 

[Graphic Jordan]

How would I cute the 45 angle on the edge with a straight edge? Would it need to be titled or something?

 

[dangerstudios]

Youd just have to cut while eyeing a protracter

 

[DarkCreations]

opps dbl post

 

[Graphic Jordan]

Hey guys. I don't mean cutting a 45 angle across the top of the piece of foam.
I want to cut the edge at a 45 instead of a straight up and down 90 degree.

Youd just have to cut while eyeing a protracter

 

[Cosmic Ash]

coping saw

you can adjust the blade 360 degrees

 

[Finhead]

Easiest and cheapest way IMO.
Mat cutter for framing, I have one it works slick.

 

[Graphic Jordan]

It cuts at an angle? Genius!!!!

The 4mm thickness shouldn't be a problem I hope.

Thanks Clinton!

By the way I'd love to see your returns foamies build.

Easiest and cheapest way IMO.
Mat cutter for framing, I have one it works slick.

 

[Graphic Jordan]

Answered my own questions. Thanks Clinton!!!

This should work. Dexter Mat Cutter - BLICK art materials

 

[Finhead]

I was going to say when was the last time you saw mat cut at anything but a 45 deg?? LOL

 

[Cosmic Ash]

ooooh yeah use that mat cutter haha i thought you were talking expanding foam until i looked at some of your projects

 

[jaymay023]

Miter boxes have 45degree slots on them I believe. With a coping saw or hack saw you would get a perfect angle every time.

Edit: wouldnt work on large pieces though..:confused

 

[Strife Delivery]

Foamwerks carries a line of products that are specifically designed for use on foamcore board. They have a straight/bevel cutter as well as a V groove cutter (good for making 90 degree folds).

A couple of links:

Bevel Cutter
V-Groove Cutter

I'm not sure what type of foam you're using, or if they'll work on it, but the bevel cutter is less than $15 at Blick's art stores if you want to try it out.

(Ha! My first post!)

 

[Surreal Studios]

could always PM Don Robert and ask how he does it

 

[Pilot]

Aluminum angle and a snap-blade knife. About $10 total at Lowe's or Home Depot. The sides on my angle aren't equal width, so this is more like a 22.5 degree cut, but you'll get the idea:

You can see that my end cut has a little curve to it because I was pressing too hard on the foam. The second (leftmost) cut came out all but perfect using less pressure. I was trying to balance a four-foot piece of metal on a four-inch square of foam. :lol

A ten pack of those snap blades is about $2 as well. Much more cost effective than some proprietary cutting device. The foam I demonstrated on is packing material, 3/4" thick, larger cells but the same material as the camping mats. The knives glide through the stuff like it's not even there, although you probably know all that from using them anyway.

 

[Deck star]

Also you could try using an electric carving knike, the type you use for meat and bread etc. that's what I use with the angle bar technique. Works on all types of foam.