Best styrofoam cutting method.......(Starch)

John Starcher_4

...I appreciate your feedback.

I have always used the "score and snap" method. Was wondering if anyone had come up with a better way for custom cuts. I'm going to check on the hot knife thingy!!

Starch

John Starcher_4

I'm just curious.....

....as to how you all do it? Specifically 2" blue board.

Do you use a utility knife?

Starch

Boiler Guy

Makita 7.2 volt jig saw

slick , light and accurate

Brad White_9

Yes, utility knife or segmented snap-blade knife

and a straight-edge. Cut as deep as the blade will go. If not all the way through but most of the way, snap it across a hard edge like a 2x4. It should break cleanly.

If you are installing one layer, seal the gaps with low-volume spray foam and cover with heavy foil tape. If doing two layers, seal the joints too and lap the second layer with staggered joints. Seal gaps accordingly for a nice tight finish.

Cover with GWB as local codes require, for a fire barrier.

Chris E

cutting foam

There are 2 good methods to cut foam. One would be using an electric carving knife. The other is one that I made with an electronics soldering iron attached to an old bread knife. Here is a good website.

http://wolfstone.halloweenhost.com/HalloweenTech/fotmak_MakingFoamTools.html

Chris E

another website

Here is another website you can try.

www.hotwirefoamfactory.com

hr

On the job

I use a Short Cut hand saw from Stanley, or the knife and snap method.

The saw works better if you have to notch or cut holes for pipe, etc. Straight lengths thru the sheet works fine with the knife cut.

For a nice straight cut, pile one sheet on top of the other for a knife guide.

Saw cuts do make a mess of foam dust I have used my table saw to cut 45 bevels for the edge insulation detail. Now that's a real mess maker

hot rod

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Dennis

Sawzall and a vaccuum, is the quick way.

The vaccuum is so I can say there is no mess.

Heatmeister_2

Sheet rock saw

BUT my neighbor swears by a thin long filet knife.