How to cut foam rubber at home

How to cut foam rubber

Hello all, just recently I faced the problem of how to cut the foam evenly, and at home. During all the time of carpentry, I have never once faced with foam rubber, which is understandable, I usually work with wood.

So how to cut foam rubber? And what do you need to do. The first thing that came to my mind, this is some expensive machine, which is just not realistic to buy, because I once cut foam rubber, but a long time ago, and I did not really get anything right.

At our workplace, in the neighboring shop are engaged in upholstered furniture, and one day at lunchtime I met a guy on the street, who deals with this. During the conversation I found out that in order to cut the foam rubber they use a regular knife, and they do not have any expensive equipment for that. We got to talking, and he told me how to cut the foam accurately at home.

To cut the foam will need the following

• A sharp knife, preferably a stationery knife or for cutting linoleum
• A highlighter or marker with a fine tip
• Cardboard or something else under the base
• A good ruler

So, how to cut the foam rubber, first using the marker, make a scythe line cut on the foam. If it is a straight mowing line, it is better to use a ruler, if you have to cut under the radius, it is better to use some sort of mold, template or other device to draw exactly the radius.

Next, to cut the foam rubber, you will need to prepare the base. As a base, many recommend using plywood or particle board. I would not advise you to do this because when you cut the foam rubber with the knife, the tip of the knife will blunt against this plywood. That is why I advise to use cardboard for the base. By the way, I forgot to say why you need the base, the base serves not to spoil the floor or other base on which you are going to cut the foam rubber, and as you understand to protect the tip of the knife.

And the last point how to cut the foam rubber, is the process of cutting. To do this, use a very sharp knife. You can’t use your kitchen knife, because the blade is thicker. So I advise you to use a penknife, or a construction knife, like the ones used for cutting linoleum. It is very important that the blade and the tip were sharp, otherwise you will not be able to cut the foam evenly.

And then go to work, hold the knife flat on the mowing line, preferably without using a stopper, as the stopper will press on the foam rubber, thus creating a load in it, and the knife will not cut well. If in doubt of your abilities, it is better to practice a little on another piece of foam rubber, so as not to spoil the workpiece.

And in general, polyurethane foam is usually cut in order to trim upholstered furniture. So you can not do perfectly straight, and you can not 100% cut it all evenly. On top of the foam will still be a cloth, which will smooth out all the irregularities and uncertainties of the cut.

Here I am, this article may be useful to those who have thought about how to cut foam rubber at home with their own hands. I would be glad to hear your Комментарии и мнения владельцев, tell me what you think about it, and if you have experience, share it.

Often you can meet the advice that foam rubber should be cut with a heated nichrome wire connected to 12 V, as well as a heated soldering iron.

How to cut a flat thick foam rubber at home?

However, at home it is not recommended, because foam rubber releases harmful substances into the air, which, even in small doses are highly toxic and affect the respiratory and nervous system. Let us not risk our health, as the foam rubber can be cut well with a usual knife.

Mark the cut with a marker or felt tip pen and make small marks in the process. Connect the marks with each other using a ruler (you can use a flat bar).

Place a piece of board, plywood, particle board, or just heavy cardboard underneath the cut to be made. This will protect the floor from damage when cutting.

It is recommended to cut the foam rubber without the ruler. Using a strong and precise movement bring the knife to the place where you made the cut. Hold the knife vertically at the same time.

If the foam rubber does not cut through to the end, use your fingers to extend the cut and use a second cut to cut the foam rubber all the way through.

If you get scuffs while cutting, it means that the blade of the knife is blunt. Break the tip of the blade or replace it with a new one.

Make curved cuts in exactly the same way. Make a marking according to the template, then cut the foam rubber along the mowing line, making sure that the knife is not tipped, but positioned vertically. The quality of the cut will not be perfect, but it is useful in case you need to cut out a cushion for upholstered furniture, which will then be covered with fabric.

How to cut the foam

Hello all, just recently I faced the problem of how to cut the foam evenly, and at home. During all my years of carpentry, I have never once worked with foam rubber, which is understandable, I usually work with wood.

So how to cut foam? And what you need to do. The first thing that came to my mind is some expensive machine, which is just not realistic to buy, because I once cut foam rubber, but a long time ago, and it did not work out well.

At work, in a nearby shop engaged in upholstered furniture, and then at lunchtime I met a guy on the street who does it. During the conversation, I found out that in order to cut the foam, they use a regular knife, and no expensive equipment for that they do not have. We got to talking, and he told me how to cut foam accurately at home.

Upholstery Basics: How To Cut FoamWith a Bread Knife!

• A sharp knife, preferably a stationery knife or for cutting linoleum
• A highlighter or marker with a thin rod
• Cardboard or something else under the base
• A good ruler

So, how to cut the foam rubber, first using a marker, make a scythe line cut on the foam. If it is a straight mowing line, it is better to use a ruler, if you have to cut under the radius, it is better to use some sort of mold, template or other device to draw exactly the radius.

Next, to cut the foam rubber, it will be necessary to prepare the base. As a substrate, a lot of people advise using plywood or particle board. I would not advise you to do this, because when you cut the foam rubber with the knife, the tip of the knife will blunt against the plywood. Therefore, for the base I advise to use cardboard. By the way, I forgot to tell why you need the base, the base serves not to spoil the floor or other base, on which you are going to cut the foam rubber, well, as you understand for the protection of the tip of the knife.

And the last point how to cut the foam rubber is the process of cutting. So use a very sharp knife. Obviously your kitchen knife will not fit here, as the blade is thicker. So I advise you to use a penknife, or a construction knife like the ones used to cut linoleum. It is very important that the blade and tip were sharp, otherwise you will not be able to cut evenly foam.

And then go to work, evenly on the mowing line run the knife, preferably without the use of the stop, as the stop will press on the foam rubber, thereby creating a load in it, and the knife will not cut well. If in doubt about your abilities, it is better to practice a little on another piece of foam rubber, so as not to spoil the workpiece.

And in general, foam rubber is usually cut in order to cover them upholstered furniture. So it is perfectly flat can not be done, and you can not get a 100% flat cut. On top of the foam rubber will still be a cloth, which will smooth out all the irregularities and uncertainties of the cut.

Here I am, here is an article that may be helpful to those who have thought about how to cut foam rubber at home with their hands. I’ll be glad to hear your Комментарии и мнения владельцев, tell me what you think about it, and if you have experience, share it.

This advice is better not to listen. Even if the cut foam rubber will be on the street, you run the risk of inhaling the most dangerous toxins, so that will ruin his health in a moment. The point is that polyurethane foam is not the usual plastic. To give it a foamy structure, all sorts of toxic impurities are added to polymers, which are completely harmless in their normal solidified state and at room temperature, but instantly turn into the strongest poison when heated strongly.

Yes, this material is cut in production by means of red-hot nichrome filaments. But there people work in protective clothing and respirators, or even are in a protected booth operator with excellent ventilation. And as you are going to cut foam rubber at home, in the absence of such protective equipment you risk to poison not only yourself but also your loved ones.

Plus, this method is only suitable for straight cuts. To make a shaped one, you will still have to take a knife.

How to cut foam rubber at home

Polyurethane foam material with a porous structure, high elasticity, soft and inexpensive. It is most often used to fill mattresses and as furniture padding. If you want to retighten furniture or make a mattress with their own hands, there is a problem: how to cut foam rubber at home and how to glue it? There are a few recommendations for craftsmen.

How to cut foam rubber at home: a list of necessary tools

To cut foam and make its edges extremely flat, you need to stock up on special tools and supplies. Among them:

It will help protect the surface from scratches that can occur during cutting. A sheet of plywood supplemented with cardboard will do (a cardboard box in an unfolded state will do);

A construction knife or other knife with a long blade. Additionally buy a set of detachable blades so that you can easily replace them after they wear out. Remember that a quality knife is the key to success in cutting foam rubber. So buy mid-priced models;

If you need a shaped cut, you will need a cardboard template with a cut out mold;

Marker with his help you will be able to outline the line of the cut.

How to cut furniture foam: instructions

If all the materials and tools you have at hand, you can proceed directly to the process. Compliance with the technology of cutting will allow you to achieve a perfect result. How to easily cut foam board complete instructions:

Lay plywood, chipboard, fibreboard, and cardboard on a flat surface such as the floor, and place the cardboard sheet on top.

Lay a layer of foam rubber on top of the cardboard so that the place of the future cut is on the cardboard and does not extend beyond its edges.

Using a ruler, draw the line along which you want to make the cut. Cutting can be done under the ruler, if the length of the blade allows the knife.

Using the knife, adjust the required length of the blade. Then make a small notch on one side. Then insert the knife into the starting line of the cut and make a sure precise movement. At this point, hold the edges of the foam block lightly with your other hand. Cutting foam at an angle is the best way to make the cut as straight as possible.

We also have various grades of polyurethane foam for sale. Everything is in stock at the store in Kiev. Check out our catalog of foam rubber and you are sure to find the right one for you. We provide comprehensive advice on the choice of foam.

If the first cut of the foam rubber is as wide as it should be, carefully widen the edge of the cut, deepen the knife, and make the last cut. As soon as you hear the scrape of the knife blade on the cardboard, you have coped with the task.

Cutting foam rubber with their own hands a difficult task, but realistic. To make the edge was extremely flat, you need to use a knife with a very sharp and long blade. If the knife began to cling or tear foam rubber it is time to replace the blade or sharpen it. But it is better not to wait until the last minute, and immediately take care of timely replacement.

Shaped cutting of foam rubber is no different from straight cutting. But it is necessary to increase a slope angle towards yourself as much as possible, otherwise the cut out details will have slightly oblique edges. There is nothing difficult in such cutting, the main thing is to have patience and a quality knife. Also for shape cutting you can use a special saw for foam rubber Bosch GSG-300 Professional.

We have this saw for foam rubber in our arsenal and we can easily cut for you sheets of foam rubber to a thickness of 30 cm. Cutting quality is excellent, gets everything perfectly flat and perpendicular. Cutting out figures of different shapes is quite entertaining and interesting.

Order service cutting and gluing foam rubber can be on our website by going to the card of your interest. The cost of cutting is per running meter, and gluing is per square meter.

How to cut polyurethane foam

If the bed or sofa is warped and has lost its former attractiveness, try to reupholster the mattress. Today the furniture market has companies that can take on this work. However, replacing the upholstery of the old sleeper

Sometimes it is a shame to throw away an old sofa, even though it is badly worn out and lost its original look. You don’t have to. Retighten the upholstery of your favorite sofa with his own hands is not so difficult. And the cost of this

The material that we used to call foam rubber. is elastic polyurethane foam. Foam. is the trade name of the foam of this type of polyurethane foam. The bulk of the foam is air (up to 90%, depending on other properties of the foam), which

Upholstered furniture occupies a worthy place in the interior of the house. Over time, however, the upholstery wears out, the seats are squeezed. You can, of course, buy new furniture. But it’s better to save money and try to re-upholster the old one yourself. You will need-

Sooner or later there comes a time when your upholstered furniture no longer looks so attractive, loses its original appearance: the upholstery faded and worn, foam is squeezed and compressed. Do not rush to throw things away, especially if your family

When repairing upholstered furniture often have to deal with man-made materials such as polyurethane foam. Foam is good to work with, not bad to cut, it is practical and versatile. There are some features of gluing foam

With the great opportunity to choose furniture in modern stores, there are still people who make it with their own hands. Round bed. The dream of many fans of a comfortable sleep. a pleasure quite expensive, and sometimes unrealizable. In this case

If your old mattress is out of order and you need a new one, for example, in the baby’s crib or at the cottage, try to sew it yourself. Of course, orthopedic design you are unlikely to get, but it will be very soft and pleasant to sleep on it.

Foam. a great material for making dolls. They make from it and the usual toys, and many other soft things. For a pillow or mattress, one layer of this material may be enough. If you want a thicker pillow, squares and

Sales of finished products

Production of foam at home

will not give the opportunity to build a business on this material. After all, only large batches justify all the investment. With the ability to vary the production of brands of foam rubber, you can produce a product that can be sold for different needs. The main consumers of these products are:

• Furniture factories and manufacturers of sports equipment.
• Enterprises engaged in the manufacture of plush toys.
• Mattress and insulation manufacturing plants.

To successfully compete in the market such material as polyurethane foam, it is necessary not only to sell quality products, but also to seek new markets. Some manufacturers apply an adhesive compound to the material. This opens up new opportunities. But the equipment for the application of glue is not very expensive. If you constantly improve your production, you can successfully compete even with the leading enterprises of your region.

It is better not to listen to this advice. Even if you cut polyurethane foam outdoors, you risk inhaling dangerous toxins that can kill your health in a second. The point is that foam rubber is not the usual plastic. To give it a foamy structure, all kinds of toxic impurities are added to polymers that are completely harmless in their normal solidified state and at room temperature, but instantly turn into the strongest poison when heated strongly.

Yes, this material is cut in production by means of red-hot nichrome filaments. But there people work in protective clothing and respirators, and even in a protected booth operator with excellent ventilation. And as you are going to cut foam rubber at home, in the absence of such protective equipment you run the risk of poisoning not only themselves but also their loved ones.

Plus, this method is only suitable for straight cuts. To make a shaped one, you still have to take a knife.

The work must be performed in accordance with a certain sequence. Its observance will ensure a perfect cutting of foam material. The steps of the work are as follows:

• First you need to lay the plywood sheets and put cardboard on them (you can take an ordinary cardboard box and disassemble it).
• A piece of foam is placed on top. It is necessary to make sure that the line of the intended cut falls exactly on the lining material.
• Then you need to take a ruler and according to the necessary dimensions to draw a fishing line, which will be used to cut foam rubber.
• After that, you need to take the blade. Make sure that the blade is long enough to cover the entire thickness of the foam piece. It does not make much difference how thick the material is. The main thing after the first cut is to try to insert the knife into the original line of the cut, to make a complete cut, a little while gripping the edges of the product to be cut on both sides with your free hand. This way the cut will be almost perfect.

There is also no need to hold the knife strictly vertically when cutting foam rubber. This is not the right advice. In the process of cutting it should try to position it tilted to itself. The plane of the blade should be vertical to the ground. It is not necessary to bend it sideways (in this case the cut edge will look trapezoidal).

If after the first cut the foam is not cut through to the end, then there is nothing wrong with it. In such a situation, you need to widen the edges of the cut, insert the knife and make another even cut. If in the process of cutting it is felt that the blade has begun to make snags when wiring, it will be an indication that it is dull The foam workpiece is not cut, but torn, making a strip of burrs. It is recommended to change it after 5-6 wires, without waiting for this moment. CNC foam cutting and cutting foam rubber of any thickness is carried out in specialized companies.

Grades of foam rubber

Density. the amount of polyurethane in one cubic meter.

Stiffness. the force required to compress foam rubber by 40%.

Residual elasticity. the ability of foam rubber to hold its shape. The material is placed in conditions of temperature and humidity, compressed by 50% and measured for how far the material deviated from its original shape.

The letters designate the type of material and the first two digits after the letters stand for density and the second digit stands for stiffness.

Type of foam	Where to use
ST. standard	For stuffing furniture armrests, seats, headrests
HS. soft and extra soft	For sponges, rollers
HL. rigid	For seats, mattresses
HR. highly elastic, with latex added	For high quality furniture, orthopedic mattresses
LR. soft, elastic. Distributes the load over the entire plane	In medicine for burn pads
RTC. reticulated (open cell)	For the manufacture of filters, earphone cushions, sponges, rollers

Rigid polyurethane foam with a density of 40 kg/m3 and a stiffness of 65 Newton/m