tips for cutting foams

[minor_threat]

i just took out the foams and want to know if there's a trick to cutting them. you know, the edges and staring them.

thnx.

[grimgard]

I used an X-Acto knife. Measure the foam and cut down from the Top 1/4th the way in with a depth of the knife. Do this on both sides so you have a high point in the middle. Then cut the sides so the edges are now gone. again the depth of the knife.

In the end you should have some side wall left and the middle of the tire left.

Some people do the Star patteren.

Here is a link http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...n%26safe%3Doff

[minor_threat]

That's perfect! Thanks! easier then siccors! so, i cut in on the side wall to the center, then down from the tread side to the cut from the side wall, right? so it looks like steps?

[pjr]

the best knife to cut foams is a bread knife!!

[moabax]

A good bread knife and a set of scissors worked for me.

[Trugg]

An electric double blade "turkey carving" knife works FABULOUS for cutting foams...I have yet to find a better method.

[grimgard]

Originally Posted by minor_threat

That's perfect! Thanks! easier then siccors! so, i cut in on the side wall to the center, then down from the tread side to the cut from the side wall, right? so it looks like steps?

Yep you got it! You might as well add some weight to the wheels while you have them off. Remeber not to over tighten the screws on the beadlocks.

[Greatscott]

Originally Posted by moabax

A good bread knife and a set of scissors worked for me.

X2

[the3kid]

Been using a sharp xacto knife, but I like the bread knife idea!!!! next set I'm going to try that, very nice

[treday619]

Here is a good reference. I use an Exacto Knife and I star cut my foam a little bigger but this will give you the idea.


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5272041/tm.htm

[minor_threat]

the star thing seems a bit much. what's the purpose for that? I mean i know why the foams should be trimed but the star thing, which should be called a cog cut as it looks more like a gear seems like a lot of effort for the same result from step cuts. I seen star cuts from 6-32, wow.

anyway, thanks for all the suggestions and posting of examples, it's help me figure my style for cutting foams much easier!!! Cheers.

[REDCORN]

when i cut foam i cut triangles out of the top part then i shave the sides down. but now with the memory foam it is so soft that you dont really have to cut them.

[D-ran83]

I use my cutting wheel on the dremel. Rips right through! The sanding wheel works good too!

[theslowguy]

One of the main disadvantages to star cuts is the tire is irregular if the peaks on the star are too far apart. I like the idea of cutting in 32 points, that should help with that irregularity quite a bit.

[RobCam]

in my first set of foams, i cut out the star shape using a band saw, way to easy. and a lot faster than a knife

[mjh]

Originally Posted by Trugg

An electric double blade "turkey carving" knife works FABULOUS for cutting foams...I have yet to find a better method.

X2 cuts like soft butter....And the foam doesnt squish on you

[Grump]

I was taking my truck apart today for some other upgrades. Nows as good a time as any to take my tires apart and cut my foams.

[REDCORN]

yeah you can also use an electric knife for carving turkeys. they work really well on foam..

[minor_threat]

I just did this to the foams. faster then stars, not sure it's as good as I still don't understand the point of staring other then to allow the foam to compress faster which i think will do as well. we'll see.

[D-ran83]

Thats a little backwards. People normally cut away the center and leave the sides for sidewall support. With the center full like that the tire won't compress as much but the sidewalls may tend to flex.