Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

[ozzynotwood]

I would like to complete my pedalboard buy putting some hard foam in the cases (under the pedals), cutting the holes for the pedals, and putting the power cables under the foam, here's the board:

What is the best way to cut the pedal shapes in the foam? I don't want to keep the pedals on the board while I cut around them because I don't want to scratch the pedals. Is there any trick to cutting foam to make a perfect fit for each pedal?

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Best way to cut Styrofoam is with an electric knife. Not certain about foam, but might work too. I think it does if I am not mistaken. Just go to a thrift store if your not proud - they usually have one there cheap.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

keep the pedals on the foam and trace them out with an exacto knife?

 

[eschoendorff]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Depends on the type of foam. An electric knife is best on some, a heat knife on others and still others do best with a razor.

Sometimes I get lucky and a serrated knife from the kitchen works too.

 

[loudriver23]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

keep the pedals on the foam and trace them out with an exacto knife?

This is what came to my mind.

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

This is what came to my mind.

yeah, well..thats one thing I can garuntee you does NOT work.

 

[kjrocks]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Holy cow! Is that 11 Boss pedals? You must be able to cop any tone with that setup!

 

[butnut]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Still not sure what yer trying to do..but I would put the foam into the empty case, fitted of course. Lay out yer pedals on top of the foam, get a new Sharpie marking pen (fine tip) and trace each pedal on the foam. Use masking tape around the edge of each pedal prior to marking as the Sharpie will mark it...pull the tape after yer done. How thick and what kinda density are you cutting? Soft upholstery foam, use electric knife or disposable razor knife with the BREAK-AWAY angle tips, you can extend the blade to make the cut all the way through..unlike an Exacto or single edge razor. Good Luck.

 

[crguti]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Mark with a pen the dimensions and cut it using a scissor. I've done it before, not exactly with pedals but it works.

off topic: that's a lot of Boss pedals. I'm wondering if you notice tone loss?

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Any time that I've cut foam I've used a breadknife or carving knife . . . the electric knife sounds like it would be even easier though.

OT - I found that up to 6 - 7 boss pedals was OK. I'm just surprised that he's got so much gain on there . . . what is that, 6-7 distortion boxes and 2-3 EQs? I kinda want to hear what sounds he gets mixing and matching those things.

 

[ozzynotwood]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Holy cow! Is that 11 Boss pedals? You must be able to cop any tone with that setup!

Yeah, there's lots of cool tones happening, and I have different guitars which sound completely different from each other, which adds to the amount of tones I can get.

 

[ozzynotwood]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Mark with a pen the dimensions and cut it using a scissor. I've done it before, not exactly with pedals but it works.

off topic: that's a lot of Boss pedals. I'm wondering if you notice tone loss?

As for tone tone less, no. I put all those boss pedals in a true bypass loopers (all pedals off) and the tone was the same with or without the loop engaged.

 

[ozzynotwood]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

Any time that I've cut foam I've used a breadknife or carving knife . . . the electric knife sounds like it would be even easier though.

OT - I found that up to 6 - 7 boss pedals was OK. I'm just surprised that he's got so much gain on there . . . what is that, 6-7 distortion boxes and 2-3 EQs? I kinda want to hear what sounds he gets mixing and matching those things.

Come on MSN and I'll get on mic and talk you through the setup, there is some interesting switching and signal paths going on. ozzynotwood@yahoo.com.au

 

[d1dsj]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

I've done it several times as I work with foam products. I used a foam called Polyethylene (in the USA there is a company called Plastazote). It's the type of foam used in Camera bags etc. I just cut a piece of card the same size as my board, positioned the pedals, traced around them and used that as my template. A sharp hobby knife/ scalpel will cut it really nice.. a little silicone release agent or similar sprayed on the blade every few cuts will ensure sharp, neat adges. I will say though that after doing it a few times and ensuring everything looked all neat and tidy in the end I just used velcroe... much quicker and easier. I just didn't go mad with how much I used on the bottom of the pedals in case I wanted to get it off.

 

[ozzynotwood]

Re: Best way to cut foam for pedalboard

I've done it several times as I work with foam products. I used a foam called Polyethylene (in the USA there is a company called Plastazote). It's the type of foam used in Camera bags etc. I just cut a piece of card the same size as my board, positioned the pedals, traced around them and used that as my template. A sharp hobby knife/ scalpel will cut it really nice.. a little silicone release agent or similar sprayed on the blade every few cuts will ensure sharp, neat adges. I will say though that after doing it a few times and ensuring everything looked all neat and tidy in the end I just used velcroe... much quicker and easier. I just didn't go mad with how much I used on the bottom of the pedals in case I wanted to get it off.

Thanks! I'll check it out!