Foam foam foam

Nick Zentena · Aug 25, 2005

I got myself a metal case. The current foam is fine but I'd like to create an insert. If I don't things will just rattle around. Anybody have any suggestions? A pointer to a shop that might sell the stuff?

mgb74 · Aug 25, 2005

As obvious as it sounds, look in the yellow pages under "foam" - that's where they are listed in my local yellow pages. Also try larger fabric shops and upholstery shops.

I suggest you avoid the white foam and stick with they grey or green (I'm sure there are proper names for the stuff, but that's how I know it). The grey and green foam is firmer and lasts better.

I've also heard stories (but no first hand experience) of the white foam deteriorating over time into fine crumbs and running the mechanics of your camera.

Nick Zentena said:
I got myself a metal case. The current foam is fine but I'd like to create an insert. If I don't things will just rattle around. Anybody have any suggestions? A pointer to a shop that might sell the stuff?

resummerfield · Aug 25, 2005

I'd look for a denser foam than the average spongy stuff. I've had good success with "sleeping bag pads" sold a discount stores like WalMart. They are about 1/2-inch think, blue (they only come in blue), and about 6-feet long by about 3-feet wide.

DKT · Aug 25, 2005

you could try some Ethafoam....they use that at the museum where I work for packing artifacts in custom mounts. comes in big blocks, sheets or as a thinner material in rolls. it's easy to cut with a knife--a pretty versatile material, and it's safe for objects.

http://www.masterpak-usa.com/cat_203_ethafoam.htm

btw--Talas has single sheets, I'm sure there are other vendors as well:

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Paul Sorensen · Aug 25, 2005

You can get the original Pelican pick and pluck foam to fit any of their cases and a whole lot of other cases. This allows you to just pull out the pieces you need to create perfect openings. It's actually not horribly expensive. A whole kit for the 1450 case, (14 13/16 x 10 3/8 x 6.0") is only about $15 at B&H.

hortense · Aug 25, 2005

DKT and Paul - thanks this is something I've been looking for.

John Cook · Aug 25, 2005

http://www.foamonline.com/

Nick Zentena · Aug 25, 2005

Thanks everybody. I'm going to see what I can find locally.

KenM · Aug 25, 2005

Yeah, I'll recommend you don't use open-cell foam. That stuff can literally melt, creating a gooey mess on whatever it touches. I purchased a few inserts for my Mamiya, and one of the plastic cases for the inserts had the gray foam on the inside - it has melted, and oozed onto the insert. I was able to clean it up, but it was a pain.

So, you want closed cell foam, like what they use in pool noodles . It's not as soft as the open-cell stuff, but at least it won't degrade...

Carol · Aug 26, 2005

Paul Sorensen said:
You can get the original Pelican pick and pluck foam to fit any of their cases and a whole lot of other cases. This allows you to just pull out the pieces you need to create perfect openings. It's actually not horribly expensive. A whole kit for the 1450 case, (14 13/16 x 10 3/8 x 6.0") is only about $15 at B&H.

Wow I'll have to see if we can get that down here.

Nick I fitted out an aluminium case with green foam and the salesman gave me a very good tip. When you cut the foam to size, use an electric carving knife or similar. It gives a very neat edge so you don't have loose bits floating around in your gear.

Nick Zentena · Aug 29, 2005

I've bought something called Nu-Foam. It's not foam but compessed polyester. Doesn't look like a WKRP suit to me. From the description it sounds all right. It's softer then I wanted but the case will do all the protecting so all the nu-foam needs to do is keep things in place.

dsisaacs · Aug 29, 2005

I just bought a new set of foam for my 25 year old halliburton from BHPhoto.com complete set of OEM foam was $59 for the 110 case (the big one)

Nick Zentena · Aug 30, 2005

Yikes I only paid $12 for the case-)

David Pulver · Jan 24, 2010

FoamOnLine.com

Nick Zentena said:
I got myself a metal case. The current foam is fine but I'd like to create an insert. If I don't things will just rattle around. Anybody have any suggestions? A pointer to a shop that might sell the stuff?[/QUOT
FoamOnLine.com has the best service and prices on the web.To price quote or order click on to the cube shape in the upper left hand corner of their home page.The foam type gos by the name Supreem a black charcoal colored foam available in extra firm only for easy carving.

Foam foam foam

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