best way to cut foam in rifle case

AR-15 » Slings and Other Accessories

Site Notices

BREAKING: Long Lost ARFCOM Footage Uncovered!!!

11/27/2020 10:35:35 PM

TNVC Black Friday Deals PLUS TNV/DTNVS and TNV/DTNVS-I (IPD Stops) NOW LIVE!

11/27/2020 5:53:29 AM

Get Brownelled!

10/30/2020 2:42:12 PM

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - best way to cut foam in rifle case

TWIRE

Team Member

Joined Sep 2002
Posts 673
EE Offline

AL, USA

Posted: 12/10/2003 5:32:16 AM EST

I was planning on cutting some areas out of the foam in a rifle case, but it struck me that other projects which necessitated cutting foam lining have ended up rather sloppy.

I plan on putting a slot for cleaning rod, jags, maybe even a torque wrench slot.

Whats the best way to cut foam lining cleanly. On the Maryland AR15 site, in the intructions tothe infamous 26" toolbox rifle case, our friend tells us that an electric knife works well. Don't know that I've ever seen one, much less know how to use it or what to use one for.

Any help appreciated.

Aim small, miss small

SNIPERm88 Joined Nov 2000 Posts 1379 EE Offline VA, USA	Posted: 12/10/2003 8:16:22 AM EST The electric knife they are referring to is a carving knife for turkey etc. I just press the rifle-END Of Object Attempt- into the foam and outline it with a pointed tip sharpie. Then use a BRAND NEW razor blade. I just pull straight through, don't try to saw it then it will look messy.

9supercomp

Team Member

Joined Mar 2001
Posts 546
EE Offline

MD, USA

Posted: 12/10/2003 8:33:38 AM EST

[Last Edit: 12/10/2003 8:45:26 AM EST by 9supercomp]

I use the electric knife.
Usually I go to the local upholstrey shop and get 1" or 1 1/2" foam big enough to make 2 layers.
One gets cut to form a base.
The other one gets the sharpie trace of the gun
Cut it out and there you go.

By using the 2 layers of foam I can take the cutout out of the case and put in another cutout if I'm taking another gun.
I have 2 double rifle cases with 4-5 cutouts including one for 6 handguns so I don't have to take 6 rugs.

Accuracy by volume.

308wood Team Member Joined Jun 2001 Posts 4832 EE Offline TX, USA	Posted: 12/10/2003 8:37:59 AM EST you can get electric knives at your local Sporting goods stores. they are usually in the fishing dept with the fillet knives. [url=http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=15929&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults]i found one at basspro[/url]

9supercomp Team Member Joined Mar 2001 Posts 547 EE Offline MD, USA	Posted: 12/10/2003 8:41:44 AM EST Walmart has the household model for about $15.00.
	Accuracy by volume.

mcgrubbs Team Member Joined Sep 2001 Posts 354 EE Offline NM, USA	Posted: 12/10/2003 1:19:31 PM EST I used an electric carving knife to cut the foam in my new Pelican about four months ago. Actually, my wife did it. It came out OK. One thing is to remember to cut it smoothly, try not to stop/start when cutting, FWIW.... Monty

SULACO2 Team Member Joined Mar 2003 Posts 478 EE Offline NY, USA	Posted: 12/12/2003 12:40:37 PM EST Freeze the foam in any event, it makes it easier to cut when it gets colder, the foam becomes more firm.
	"Son we live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns..."

jenec Joined Jun 2003 Posts 8 EE Offline CT, USA	Posted: 12/20/2003 4:16:48 AM EST I used my jig saw with a blade that was filed to a razor profile... cuts nice and clean and straight.....

Backstop

Team Member

Joined Jul 2002
Posts 987
EE Offline

TX, USA

Posted: 12/20/2003 4:29:59 AM EST

[Last Edit: 12/20/2003 5:28:16 AM EST by Backstop]

I use a retractable razor blade type knife at work alot cutting ceiling tiles for fixtures. It's not a "utility knife." Get the one with the thin blade; it's more flexible for cutting around corners, etc. Gotta go to the post office, but I'll be back shortly with a link.

EDIT:

Here ya go. As I said, I've found the ones with thinner blades to be easier to use. Good luck.

[url]http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=SNAP%2DOFF+BLADE[/url]

If it weren't for flashbacks, I'd have no memory at all
You believe what you wanna believe - Tom Petty
You can't argue with a sick mind - Joe Walsh

sungunner

Joined Oct 2003
Posts 11
EE Offline

NJ, USA

Posted: 12/28/2003 5:49:01 PM EST

When cutting something like Styrofoam (and in this case the gray gun case foam), the arts and crafts stores sell a wire foam cutter - a couple of batteries heat up a wire held like a coping saw, which is used to cut a smooth edge.

You would mark your outline, hog out an open area in the center to allow the saw bow pass through the foam layer, and use the hot wire to make the smooth edge cut. A good idea to practice before risking the gun case, otherwise you have to get successively larger guns and scopes to mask any mistakes.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - best way to cut foam in rifle case

AR-15 » Slings and Other Accessories

Warning

Confirm Action

About AR15.COM

Stay Connected

Newsletter

Contact Us