Use of styrofoam

[obseq]

Does anyone know where I can find any information on using styrofoam molds?

I am very interested in pursuing this material for my work and am not sure where I might be able to purchase such a thing--especially on a large-scale.

What are the best methods/tools for cutting?


Any and all information is appreciated as always!:)

[obseq]

I wanted to keep this thread at the top.....Thus far, there is little information on the net regarding suppliers of high-density foam.

September's issue of Sculpture has a feature on Beverly Pepper who uses styrofoam as her basis for her molds.

Since I discovered the article I have been scouring the net for information on differenttypes of foam. So far, the consensus is that 'blue' foam is the best bet but I cannot find a supplier!

:confused:

[Aurora]

Sorry I didn't notice this sooner. I work in a place that sculpts large scale items in stypfoam and urethane. The blue foam you ask for is used for roofing and waterproofing, so a construction material supplier that specializes in waterproofing may help you source it if they don't carry it themselves. (by the way, this stuff is excellent for archery too). My purchaser is away for a few days, but I will get you a contact for normal bulk styofoam and you can go from there.

[Aurora]

another thought

another dense foam like material you can use is sold to florists. You've probably seen the green stuff, but there is a denser brown foam that is excellent to carve with just exacto blades or sandpaper. That you would have to find through a florist accessories supplier

[obseq]

<<<My purchaser is away for a few days, but I will get you a contact for normal bulk styofoam and you can go from there.>>>


That would be wonderful..!

Thanks, Aurora

[Aurora]

Found the blue

www.dow.com/styrofoam


if they won't supply, I'm sure they will tell you who will.

(The stuff is also excellent as a target backing for archery and crossbows.)


Aurora

[Aurora]

While we're on the topic. A horse/cow brush that looks like a buck saw blade in a coil is excellent for carving all kinds of styrofoam.

[obseq]

Thanks as always, Aurora!


That brush you described might come in handy--For the sake of time, I had to go ahead with insulating foam-in-a-can. The stuff is a bit hard to control as it shoots out but is suprisingly dense

The only drawbacks are the limited material per can in addition to the fumes. :o

[Zenos]

Try burmanfoam.com (http://burmanfoam.com/) they have a huge selection of foam in an a/b mixture in different hardness. Most of the places that sell foam pieces aren't usually the size you need, too big or too small. If you buy it in it's liquid form then make your own blocks it's much better.

I usually make a simple box form about the size you'll need, mix the foam and pour it in like cake batter, it will expand and harden in about 30 minutes.

[grommet]

http://www.rhhfoamsystems.com/literature/sp-1/

a link from elsewhere on this site.
I use japanese draw saws & wire brushes for sculpting blocks of foam.

[realsculpt]

http://www.generalplastics.com these guys sell large blocks of foams, the pink gets the best detail, but it is gritty which is why people like the white.

whith all of the foam threads maybe it should have its own catagory? there are some great threads on this, that may have other suppliers.

anyway check these guys out, also do a good search for foam distributors in Orlando and Los angeles with all of the theme parks there are a bunch of distributors, i know in orlando there is or was a place called "atlantic foam" the sold 8ft squares of styrofoam, even cut it into basic shapes from CAD.

good luck~

[GaryR52]

[url]whith all of the foam threads maybe it should have its own catagory?

That gets my vote. :)

Gary

[tevj]

Dear Fellow Artist,
How are you?
It's a great honor for me to write this email to you. We're some factory specializing in stone carvings in Xiamen, China. We work on commissions and sometimes work directly with foreign sculptors. As you may know, some sculptors don't carve every of their work by their own hands, instead, They just offer us their design sketches or small model, and we carve sculptures in size they want. If you do, pls don't hesitate to contact me. We're looking forward to do business with you.
Best regards,
Joe
Dingli Stone Carving Co.,Ltd.
Unit C, 27/F, Int'l Bank Mansion ,NO.8 Lujiang Ave., Xiamen, China.
Tel: 0086-592-2261767
Fax: 0086-592-2261789
E-mail: dingli@china-stonetrade.com
URL: http://www.china-stonetrade.com

Has anyone dealt with these people...please post your experiences as i would be most interested.

:confused:

[Merlion]

Has anyone dealt with these people...please post your experiences as i would be most interested.

I do not know this stone carving company at Xiamen, China. The only thing I can offer, from a search, is their website in English, http://www.dingli-stone.com/companyen/copmp.htm

This may or may not be relevant to you. Xiamen is a nice place, a small city by the sea, clean and orderly.

[obseq]

Has anyone dealt with these people...please post your experiences as i would be most interested.

:confused:


This is one of the many bits of spam we get.
I think it's safe to advise against.