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source for figure case foam?

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:01 pm
by vesrian
Anyone know a place online that sells that gray foam used in figure cases? I don't want the precut stuff - i'm trying to make a custom size figure case.
I've looked locally and all i've found are stores selling bedding foam which isn't the right stiffness and it only comes in green and white (which will both discolour over time to a sickly yellow color)

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:09 pm
by kutzmon
You posted the same question I have as I was typing. This is what I've found thus far:

http://www.foambymail.com/CharcoalFoam.html

They also have smaller bits, even the pick and pull, here:

http://www.foambymail.com/picknpluckcr.html

Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:31 pm
by vesrian
Thanks for the links, i hadn't come across them. That looks like what i need. I might order some of that and see if that works.

BTW, I have one of the walmart pistol cases, and i know what you mean abiout the bent spears. Apparently there used to be a company making slotted foam trays to fit in them, but it doesn't look like they are still around.
http://www.paintingclinic.com/productre ... escase.htm

edit: actually, i think the walmart case i have is made by Plano, so i'm not sure if the dimensions would be the same as the ones in the link.

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:16 am
by brettness37
Those were the GW prototypes in the US before the current pink foam ones :D.

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:35 am
by MagickalMemories
kutzmon wrote:You posted the same question I have as I was typing. This is what I've found thus far:

They also have smaller bits, even the pick and pull, here:

http://www.foambymail.com/picknpluckcr.html
I checked it out to compare the prices to Sabol...
Sabol is cheaper.

The one sheet in the link you listed (the BEST DEAL) is 24" x 26" at 3" thick (it doesn't come any thicker :( ). That sheet is $18.72.
Now, if you go by square inch, it looks to have Sabol beaten (sort of*).
Let's say, however, that you're looking for a cheaper alternative to official Sabol foam. In that case, this isn't the way.

Sabol foam is 7.5" x 13". That means that, if you cut it right, you can get 2 sabol trays out of this. That would cost more than the Warstore, etc per tray.
if you're looking for something that you CAN get Sabol to work for, you're almost better off buying Sabol.
Plus (*) the ones in the link do not have the solid foam base that the Sabol trays have.

-------------------------------------------

A while back, someone posted some links. One product was INCREDIBLE. I did a search, but the thread seems to be gone.
We asked to have it stickied, but it wasn't.

I think you'd need to do an internet search for "pluck foam" and price it from there.


Let us know what you find. Many of us are always willing to jump at a less expensive alternative to Sabol's (IMO) overpriced trays.

Eric

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 4:36 pm
by kutzmon
After hours and hours of searching I came up with this:

http://www.foamandupholstery.com/charco ... oal%20Firm

Their prices are pretty good. Granted, this is not pick and pull (which seems to be impossible to find) but with a little work I think you could actually make something of what they have. I'm placing a small order to see what they're like. I'll be trimming to size and cutting slots out of the foam. Then I'll add a nice soft bottom and see if it will work. If not... looks like I'll be buying a couple more pistol cases.

MM: I like the Sabol trays but they're just not big enough for me. I want to make a couple of cases to transport all my minis of one type in one case. Hopefully I can get this to work out.

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:48 pm
by vesrian
MagickalMemories wrote: The one sheet in the link you listed (the BEST DEAL) is 24" x 26" at 3" thick (it doesn't come any thicker :( ). That sheet is $18.72.
...
Sabol foam is 7.5" x 13". That means that, if you cut it right, you can get 2 sabol trays out of this. That would cost more than the Warstore, etc per tray.
Unless i screwed up my math, I think you can get 6 trays out of a 24" x 26" piece. Which puts them at $3.12 per tray. Yeah, you need to add the base sheet, but i think that's $8 for a huge sheet what would make enough bases for maybe 50 trays, so another $0.16 per tray. Still only $3.28 - less than half of the warstore price. And that's the most expensive option. The 1" foam is the same price at the warstore, but only $1.20 this way.

Personally i'm also looking to do a custom case, not replace the sabol trays. But if this is the same stuff it looks like a much better deal. Of course, you'd have to buy more foam than you need, some assembly required, etc...

Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:46 pm
by MagickalMemories
vesrian wrote:
MagickalMemories wrote: The one sheet in the link you listed (the BEST DEAL) is 24" x 26" at 3" thick (it doesn't come any thicker :( ). That sheet is $18.72.
...
Sabol foam is 7.5" x 13". That means that, if you cut it right, you can get 2 sabol trays out of this. That would cost more than the Warstore, etc per tray.
Unless i screwed up my math, I think you can get 6 trays out of a 24" x 26" piece. Which puts them at $3.12 per tray. Yeah, you need to add the base sheet, but i think that's $8 for a huge sheet what would make enough bases for maybe 50 trays, so another $0.16 per tray. Still only $3.28 - less than half of the warstore price. And that's the most expensive option. The 1" foam is the same price at the warstore, but only $1.20 this way.

Personally i'm also looking to do a custom case, not replace the sabol trays. But if this is the same stuff it looks like a much better deal. Of course, you'd have to buy more foam than you need, some assembly required, etc...
No. Your math is correct. I screwed it up.
I divided the tray into thirds (then intended on multiplying my answer by 3)... I forgot to multiply the answer.
You are correct. This is a better buy, as long as you aren't getting it for tanks.

Thanks for catching my flub.

Eric

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 6:18 am
by kutzmon
So after researching, locating, and purchasing foam... and after making plans and tools for cutting the foam and creating the case... my wife goes and buys me the Sabol Army Transport from HobbyTown in Ft. Collins CO on a girls outing this weekend. I love this woman.