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Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 1:11 pm
by Davit
Yeah, so with the recent things that have been on the board about wal-mart taking the beloved blue foam off the market, I figure it's high time to start a sticky here that will allow people to get foam from other places.
Last updated 03/29/09
Weapons building supply sites

http://www.bestdagstuff.com/main.sc (Sells fully built weapons and supplies to make your own, just starting out, not very informative about what they use)
http://www.edhellen.com/ (sells fully built weapons and supplies to make your own)
FOAM

Available from the internet
http://www.foamforyou.com/
www.foamorder.com
http://www.sailrite.com/Foam-Closed-Cel ... l-1-2-x-56 <Link for "marine" foam

Stores you can walk into
(and what states they are in)


GLUE/ADHESIVE



TAPE


CORES

Fiberglass
http://www.bohnfiberglass.com/ Walk in only, no information other than location up on website. Fiberglass cores in KY
http://www.mgs4u.com/fiberglass-tube-rod.htm Location, GA, but no known storefront looks like an 8' minimum order
http://www.structuralfiberglass.com/frpss.htm 20' minimum order large variation in round fiberglass poles
http://www.glasforms.com/products/pultr ... #Round_Rod Large selection of shape and size, cannot find min order size.


"Bandshop poles"
http://www.wwbw.com/StylePlus-Black-Fib ... 9103.music Flag poles (large and stiff, great for polearms available in 5-8 ft lengths)

Kitespar
http://kitebuilder.com Kitesbar (hollow tubes made of Fiberglass or graphite tubes) .505 cores only (.505 refers to it's size in inches)

Storefronts:
http://www.farmandfleet.com/ 11/16th's and 3/8th's solid fiberglass cores
under common sense fence. (also can be found in IL if any more states have these let me know.)

http://www.tractorsupply.com/ (looks like a farm and fleet type place, not sure exactly where things are) Stores in many many states, use their store locator to find out more.

http://www.kencove.com/fence/Fiberglass ... roduct.php Differing size solid fiberglass cores.
Be careful, some of these look like they have holes drilled in them and such to accommodate fencing purposes, read carefully and order wisely.

Post in this thread with additional places to get foam/tape/cores/glue for building weapons from and I'll post it here, if you have something to say about the site or business you can post this and if i feel it is going to help people I'll put it up here as well. If you have information about the strengths and weaknesses of said foam/glue/tape/core please also post it and we will get a wonderful resource here. (feel free to link to past threads, preferably with a summary of said thread).

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:23 am
by Cib
Ok, so, I know this is a stupid question... but what kind of foam do I want from http://www.foamforyou.com/ ? I assume I want the stuff in the Closed Cell section, and then POLYETHYLENE, and since they don't have 3/8" do I want 1/4"? And what Density? 2.3?

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:37 am
by Dabbanoth
Bass Pro Shop sells a good 3/8" foam that i know is in Indiana and Illinois for sure.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:06 pm
by Black Cat
Cib wrote:Ok, so, I know this is a stupid question... but what kind of foam do I want from http://www.foamforyou.com/ ? I assume I want the stuff in the Closed Cell section, and then POLYETHYLENE, and since they don't have 3/8" do I want 1/4"? And what Density? 2.3?


Blue foam (the Wal-Mart stuff) is 7/16, not 3/8, so I'd guess that you would need to go with 1/2-inch. I don't see why 1/4-inch wouldn't work, but the amount of layers you would have to DAP together to make a single sword would be a serious pain in the butt, especially if you try to make a red weapon. I wouldn't go thicker than 1/2" though, because then the foam will be too stiff to wrap the final layer. (or the blade layers if you wrap all of them)

As for what density of polyethylene you would need, I have no idea. I'd like to know that myself.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 3:48 pm
by Davit
Also coming up in a bit;
where we get cores from (online and offline),
what kinds of glue to use for different purposes and where to get said glue,
what kinds of tape to use for differing purposes, what not to use for specific purposes, and where to get it.

Yes i know this is going to become a big list etc, but I figure it will help newer people get a grip on how/what we make without having to go there and show them (yes this would be preferable, but I don't have that much time or money to go to random places in the country).

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 4:00 pm
by Derian
I snagged some kitespar just last week from http://kitebuilder.com. It was shipped & arrived very quickly.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:10 pm
by Davit
As many of us that are experienced with foamsmithing know there are many types of kitespar, what kind did you get, and if you don't mind what other types that are decent for building weapons can you get from that site?

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:29 pm
by Derian
Multiple types of kitespar? I've never heard of anything other than epoxy glass spar/hollow fiberglass tubes.

http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/inde ... 60bd892020

Edit: Unless, that is, you're referring to the graphite variants. Around here kitespar refers to hollow fiberglass. Graphite is just graphite, although it does get used in kite making. Here's a link to all the various spars on kitebuilder and a short description of each:

http://www.kitebuilder.com/frame.htm

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 12:18 am
by Big King Jimmy
He also might be reffering to 602 or 505

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:42 am
by Derian
Oh, could be.

Kitebuilder unfortunately only stocks .505.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:30 pm
by Davit
Lol jimmy hit it on the head, i'll edit the first post to reflect it.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:04 pm
by Quickie
farm and fleet carry both 11/16 in. fiberglass fence post at 6 ft. lengths, and 3/8 in. fence post at 4 ft. lengths. both full both round.

http://www.farmandfleet.com/
under common sense fence.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 12:32 am
by Orazio Valori
I recently ordered one 6' and two 5' bandshoppe poles from Woodwind Brasswind. While I got the two 5' poles very quickly, there was some delay in them shipping the 6' pole. Lo and behold, about two weeks later, here it is.

Along with four other 6' poles that I was not charged for. Shipping was also free, since my initial order was over the amount that they had specified at the time. 8)

Highly recommend.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:45 am
by Davit
You have a link?

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:53 am
by Orazio Valori
I actually found them through Belegarth's wiki.
http://www.wwbw.com/StylePlus-Black-Fib ... 9103.music

I don't know if they do the free shipping for orders over $X anymore, though, and I'm sure that the extra four poles they sent me were probably an accident. Either way, the prices seemed fair to me. Now if I can just decide on where to get my foam. I haven't built a weapon in ages.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:41 pm
by Davit
It's ok, thank you for the link, it's been updated now.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 11:33 pm
by Arrakis
I'm going to be ordering fiberglass flagpoles from here soon.

I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 1:08 am
by Poo
Sivis wrote:I actually found them through Belegarth's wiki.
http://www.wwbw.com/StylePlus-Black-Fib ... 9103.music

I don't know if they do the free shipping for orders over $X anymore, though, and I'm sure that the extra four poles they sent me were probably an accident. Either way, the prices seemed fair to me. Now if I can just decide on where to get my foam. I haven't built a weapon in ages.


Yes they still do free shipping over $99. I found a line graph once that showed WWBW as the cheapest for band poles.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 1:33 am
by Orazio Valori
Actually, the offer I got was free shipping for orders over something like $30. I think it may have been a limited time deal. Essentially, I ended up with seven poles for the price of three, with no shipping charges.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 1:38 am
by Poo
Yeah, they did free shipping for orders over $30 for some holiday a bit back, but i'm almost positive its over $99 now. Still a good deal, you only have to order 8 to make it over that amount. Pool in with some friends and save a lot of monies.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sun Oct 19, 2008 2:31 am
by Orazio Valori
Eh, I don't need that many. xD

EDIT: Nevermind about the foam. I just got my shipment, and it's not blue foam at all. It's actually some light green stuff that's too frail to be used for the bulk of the weapon. Perhaps I'll find some other use for it.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Wed Oct 22, 2008 12:15 am
by Shyftir
If sending away for band-pole is a bit outside your budget and you are looking for a good core for a 5 ft. or so weapon. You can look for fiberglass handled rakes at any hardware store/wal-mart. While they are rarely more than 5 ft. long, all you have to do is saw off the metal rake head and you have something similar to band-pole except lighter and not quite as indestructible.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sun Nov 16, 2008 1:26 am
by Orazio Valori
The Walmart I work in is selling the blue camp foam again. I just bought five rolls.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 10:07 am
by Peregrine
Sivis wrote:The Walmart I work in is selling the blue camp foam again. I just bought five rolls.

they never stopped by us.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 1:07 pm
by Orazio Valori
Oh, I'd gotten the impression that all of them had stopped.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 4:42 pm
by Orkin
Both of these guys are in my neighborhood:

http://houseoffoam.net/
http://www.tapplastics.com/

TAP has rods and bars in various plastics. Even carbon fiber.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 10:21 pm
by Kaimelar Morikayun
im trying to find more out about the fiberglass/kitespar/ w/e =P to help my searching for it. Im guessing the .505 is 1/2" and somewhat similar to the edhellen cores? Either way, what is the .505 best for? I mean, swords <36" or? Sorry just trying to get an idea. Most every core ive used that wasnt pvc has been aquired over the years. =P We used the 3/8" electric fence posts from Tractor Supply but anything over 30ish tends to hella-flex (even if a couple of a friends who were 38inches still passed at Rag every day no question...) Going to try TSC to see if they have anything closer to 1/2". Thanks in advance.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 6:44 pm
by Derian
.505" is indeed just over half an inch. I'm not quite sure on the max for this length, but I have an overall 41" sword made out of .505 and it's not even close to flex. I would think, depending on weight, it should be alright for most blue weapons.

If you swing really hard, you might consider just going with the .602 kitespar as it's significantly stronger.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 5:09 pm
by Solusar
Can I get some links and more specific info for marine foam and any other high end open cell foams for stabbing? A link is good, but the stuff I should order is great.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:33 pm
by Black Cat
Solusar wrote:Can I get some links and more specific info for marine foam and any other high end open cell foams for stabbing? A link is good, but the stuff I should order is great.


Seconded

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Feb 02, 2009 9:53 pm
by Tordek
Black Cat wrote:
Solusar wrote:Can I get some links and more specific info for marine foam and any other high end open cell foams for stabbing? A link is good, but the stuff I should order is great.


Seconded


Thirded

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Feb 03, 2009 4:24 pm
by Davit
Soon as someone posts it sure. The marine foam I get is from pool floats that I got extremely lucky with and bought for 20 bucks. Go go sales, but I can never find it online.

P.S. Going to be deleting older posts to clear up length, but please keep posting so I can grab some more links to help people.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:01 pm
by Moginheden
I've recently been going to Memory Express and picking up free foam. I'm sure other computer stores would hand it out too if you ask at the parts desk, (they normally throw it out.)

The problem is you're not getting a specific product. In open cell foam there seems to be at least 3 densities of gray foam, (2 of which are too soft to use even for stabbing tips, the 3rd works I find), and I've also picked up white foam, (about the same as the best of the gray foam) and light blue foam, (very high density haven't tried it yet but should be great for stabbing tips.)

Also they have given me some plasticy foam, (in white and pink, different densities/thicknesses) that MIGHT work for blade layers... I haven't tried it yet and it's not quite as dense as the camp pad, (and it is stiffer.)

Beggars can't be choosers and it is free but it would be nice if we got some feedback on what types of computer foam work and what don't.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Wed Mar 11, 2009 12:42 pm
by Kasada
I found my fiberglass rods at D&B Supply (I'm in the NW), at 1.69 for 3/8, 2.79 for 1/2 and 5.99 for 11/16, but the 11/16 was drilled - Doesn't flex too much for my friend's greatsword though, we just made sure the blade was aligned with the holes rather than the flat. They also have amazing rope and good leather gloves.

I've found that a layer of yoga mat foam at the end of the blade (outside of the blue foam) works alright for a blue stabby, and two layers will almost definitely pass (for blue). Should be cheaper than a lot of marine foams... just buy one used from somebody who took a yoga class and isn't interested anymore. I got one mat free, and another for $9.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:00 am
by Thomas MacFinn
http://www.bohnfiberglass.com/
Round stock fiberglass in multiple thicknesses if you are willing to buy 20' lengths. They did cut it down for me to fit it in my car.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Fri Mar 27, 2009 7:29 pm
by Solusar
I just got this in today:[url] http://www.sailrite.com/Foam-Closed-Cel ... l-1-2-x-56
[/url]
I'll let you guys know how it works out after some testing and use.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 1:14 pm
by hursegurl
Walmart just changed the type of blue foam. Still legal

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Mon May 18, 2009 12:43 am
by Isk
We should add http://www.bestdagstuff.com
He is just getting the show rolling, but I got some stuff from him already and the service was great from someone who knows what we need and what we intend to use it for. I think he will have a full line of foam and cores available soon. I just got square cores, tape and arrow foam.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2009 2:14 am
by Orazio Valori
Square fiberglass, **** yeah. I don't suppose he'll ever sell 3/4" ones as well? I hear they're good for short reds.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2009 9:31 am
by Isk
Ask him. He was quick to respond and really helpful.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Wed May 20, 2009 10:04 pm
by Arrakis
Solvaris wrote:Square fiberglass, **** yeah. I don't suppose he'll ever sell 3/4" ones as well? I hear they're good for short reds.


1/2" square fiber is good for short reds. I've got a 52" on the stuff that flexes like 5-10 degrees.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Thu May 28, 2009 8:34 am
by Zebulon
Blain's Farm & Fleet carry 3/8" 4' and 11/16" 6' solid FG rods. I don't believe they have any shipping, stores are located in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:28 am
by Coriant
So I had an idea for a new core type, it's a plastic that is used as a replacement for metals where weight is a concern, airplanes or gearing etc. It is supposed to be very strong and lightwieght and this site:

http://www.interstateplastics.com/detail.aspx?ID=Delrin-RN03

has it for about $0.50 a foot in rods, but they have a small order fee for anything under $50.00. Since I don't want to spend fifty bucks on an experimental core, I was wondering if anyone has tried either Acetal copolymer or acetal polymer cores, also known as delrin or polyacetal.
If so, how good is it and what diameter do you prefer?

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:36 am
by Big King Jimmy
Coriant wrote:So I had an idea for a new core type, it's a plastic that is used as a replacement for metals where weight is a concern, airplanes or gearing etc. It is supposed to be very strong and lightwieght and this site:

http://www.interstateplastics.com/detail.aspx?ID=Delrin-RN03

has it for about $0.50 a foot in rods, but they have a small order fee for anything under $50.00. Since I don't want to spend fifty bucks on an experimental core, I was wondering if anyone has tried either Acetal copolymer or acetal polymer cores, also known as delrin or polyacetal.
If so, how good is it and what diameter do you prefer?


ARRAKIS! There's numbers and stuff! You could probably take a look at that and let us know if this stuff is like money and sex combined for cores.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:06 am
by Solusar
Arrakis wrote:
Solvaris wrote:Square fiberglass, **** yeah. I don't suppose he'll ever sell 3/4" ones as well? I hear they're good for short reds.


1/2" square fiber is good for short reds. I've got a 52" on the stuff that flexes like 5-10 degrees.


Same for 3/8"? I'm getting four 8' 3/8x3/8 cores and I want to make one a ~50" red, good or bad idea?

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:22 am
by Poo
Solusar wrote:
Arrakis wrote:
Solvaris wrote:Square fiberglass, **** yeah. I don't suppose he'll ever sell 3/4" ones as well? I hear they're good for short reds.


1/2" square fiber is good for short reds. I've got a 52" on the stuff that flexes like 5-10 degrees.


Same for 3/8"? I'm getting four 8' 3/8x3/8 cores and I want to make one a ~50" red, good or bad idea?


bad. 3/8 out flexes at like 34 inches at the most. 1/2" square for min reds.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 11:57 am
by Isk
1/2" or 5/8" round can work well for min reds. Square is better. I have heard some people say you can double-core the 3/8" for a min red, but have no personal experience with it.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 12:19 pm
by Solusar
Cool, I'll have just lots of blues. Nothing wrong with that.

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 8:49 pm
by Arrakis
Yeah, Sol, what they said, almost. I've built non-failing 38s out of 3/8 square, but I like 'em shorter than that.

Jimmy: I'll take a look when I get done traveling/wrestling with Bo's philosophical questions about inertia and balance...

Re: Foamsmithing Resources

PostPosted: Wed Jun 03, 2009 8:28 am
by Chicken
This may be a bit apples and oranges since McMaster doesn't specify their testing methodology, nor do I know if their fiberglass rods are magically stronger than normal, but comparing those delrin stats to McMasters for a 3/8" 5' solid round fiberglass rod it doesn't look good.

Specifically:
Code: Select all
                     Fiberglass      Delrin
Tensile Strength   30k psi (or 7k)   10k psi
Impact Strength   25'#/" (or 4'#/")   1.5 '#/"