Q&A for How to Cut Styrofoam

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Question

Why do I need to wax the knife?

Community Answer

Think of the wax as a lubricant, it allows the knife to go through the product faster.

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Question

Can I smooth the surface with a fine grit sand paper?

Community Answer

Not a good idea. Even a fine grit will tear the foam: think rough sand against a very smooth surface. Instead, use a spare piece of foam get rid of the burs. Just rub the foam piece gently against the cut edge.

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Question

Can I use a kitchen knife to cut Styrofoam?

Community Answer

Yes, and the ones that work best are the ones with a serrated blade.

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Question

How can I cut out a bowl shape out of large block of Styrofoam?

Community Answer

Cut it into a half-sphere first using a hot wire cutter, then use a knife to scoop out the insides of the bowl.

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Question

How would I cut a face or head out of Styrofoam block?

Community Answer

Very carefully! Use a variety of tools -- knives, floss, and wire cutters -- to achieve the desired affect.

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Question

Do I need to cut a Styrofoam ball in half?

Community Answer

It depends on what you want to create. If you require a full ball, then don't cut it. However, if you purchased a Styrofoam ball for a flat project, then yes, cut it in half before you start.

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Question

How can I cut a Styrofoam ball, but cut only 1/4 of the ball to show the center?

Community Answer

Mark the area with a marker, then use an X-acto knife to cut out the piece.

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Question

Where can I get transparent Styrofoam?

Community Answer

It is already transparent. Being a foam, each time the light passes through one of the thousands of layers it is made of, the light gets scattered a bit, so it looks like it is white. By the way, that's exactly the same reason why it is a good thermal insulator. You can verify that it is indeed transparent by melting it with few drops of acetone.

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Question

How do I cut a 12" round Styrofoam to 11 1/2"? What tool do I need?

Gakiema Rakiep

Community Answer

Measure the middle point of 11 1/2". Use a strong knitting needle or pin and push it through the center and almost into your work bench. Direct your cutting wire to 5.5 1/4" (the halfway mark of your circle diameter). Rotate the bigger piece while holding the knitting needle very stable. The outer edge will be trimmed away to your required size.

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Question

How can I harden a Styrofoam fake rock?

Gakiema Rakiep

Community Answer

I mixed plaster of paris as per the mixing instructions on the package, then covered the Styrofoam rocks by spreading the the plaster of paris with my hands. It takes a few minutes to dry, or maybe an hour, depending on how thick you spread it on. Then you can add more layers if you wish.

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Question

Do the above cutting techniques work for pink foam?

Community Answer

Try using a jigsaw or reciprocal saw. I found they cut through sheets 40 mm thick like butter and leave an extremely smooth edge.

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