cutting foam for a mattress

[iandodsworth]

What tool do I use to cut foam for a mattress. I have tried all sorts of knives and blades and always end up with a ragged mess

 

[captainslarty]

Cheapo electric kitchen knife from argos.
Joe

 

[nedmin]

Bread knife but cut on the back stroke.ie put pressure on when you bring blade back.

 

[srp]

Use a bandsaw if you can - gives a perfect cut, better than a knife any day.

 

[Sy-Revolution]

2nd the electric bread knife. Seen them used by the pros........ /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[boatmike]

Agree but a breadknife like a "kitchen devil" works well if you haven't got a bandsaw. you don't need an electric one, although it it probably easier that way, just don't apply pressure and let it cut without distorting the foam.

 

[Endeavourquay]

cut mine with an electric carving knife, cheap one but it worked

 

[oxman]

I use one of these with the blade fully extended - possibly 2 passes for anything over 2 inches thick.

cost from a DIY store approx £1.50

 

[VicS]

Another vote for the electric carving knife.

 

[chuzzlewit]

electric carving knife

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Yup,

Electric carving knife..... fine serrations, not coarse.... works perfectly

 

[JKay]

Electric carving knife(mind the cable /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

Cheers Joe

 

[roly_voya]

For intricate shapes soack the foam in water and lay flat in the freezer, once its solid cut with a jig saw. We used to do this to cut specialist foam inserts for equipment cases.

 

[dsw]

[ QUOTE ]
I use one of these with the blade fully extended - possibly 2 passes for anything over 2 inches thick.

cost from a DIY store approx £1.50
yes i used one of these and it gives a good clean cut.

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[jhughes]

Another vote for the cheap electric carving knife, its good for shaping/rounding the edges as well.

 

[BrendanS]

anyone tried hot wire?

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
anyone tried hot wire?

[/ QUOTE ] I am always a bit wary about hot wires from the toxic fumes point of view. They always tell us about toxic fumes being produced from furniture when burning.

But that's polyurethane foam and it, they tell us, produces HCN ???????????

The soft foam in boat cushions is presumably polyether so should be safe. ??????????


I cant see any improvement on the electric carving knife. The thing the professionals use has a similar action I think you will find. (A bit like a double bladed jigsaw)