FoamCore Advanced Basics Tutorial Guide FoamBoard model making: modeling tips & tricks for Designers

I cover some advanced basics of how to bend cut and assemble FoamCore/ FoamBoard the right way, how not to cut the stuff and how to take things to the next level and improve your quality and craftsmanship. I make some basic 2" cylinders and soft box shapes with out exposed foam. Good for everything from architects to engineering, exhibit designers to interior designers and of course Industrial design.
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[@WILLS98]

i have no idea what foam core is and will probably never use it but this was in my recommended and now i feel like a foam core expert :D

[@Amused_Comfort_Inc]

I did too until I actually handled it lol

[@warrendane4955]

@@Amused_Comfort_Inc pvc foam

[@WILLS98]

@eleven44 nah turns out ive used it heaps now hahaha

[@duncanbowtell2607]

The dunning-Kruger effect!

[@diggydice9041]

For the life of me I can't understand why ANYone would thumb this unique video the wrong way? this is nothing short of great for beginners & pros alike. I'm looking to build my 1st RC Plane & I already see how I'm going to design the body for strength & to make it lighter. This is a, "WoW" moment to my ideas for building with foams. I'm off to look at your other stuff..... thanks

[@EricStrebel]

diggy dice Thanks for the comment, much appreciated. I have long advocated that in order to leave a thumbs down you have to leave a reason why. This will provide feedback to the content creators and help them make better videos, and of course deter people from being Downers! I get a thumbs down almost instantly on every video I make, someone does not like me or is jealous...Good luck on your projects. 😀

[@diggydice9041]

@@EricStrebel ~ You earned the comment, as for the "Thumbs DWN", it's more of a societal problem where there's a large number who're looking to find anything wrong? They'll complain/whine about any/everything & not mention the work you put in to share your tips/tactics. They have become like a "pimple" on ones ass that needs to be popped & wiped off to heal. That may have been too much a complement for how much disgust I have for these "Flakes". I'll delete this if you wish, I don't want you to get a rash of these Zits on your bum...... peace

[@roastbeefy0weefy]

It's because of the intro. The "X" sound is unpleasant, and the approach is a bit too harsh for a video targeted toward beginners. "Then this video is not for you." Oh word? Then who's it for? People who already know foam core basics? Then to show a picture of himself folding his arms with a personal introduction... I can imagine the internal reasoning for all these creative moves, but still it comes off the wrong way. That's insulting the audience, albiet unintentionally. I kept watching only because I'm eager to learn this stuff. I'm not thumbing down these videos. Just explaining why I imagine someone would. That said, thanks for making these.

[@wordreet]

diggy dice Have you checked out kzbin.info ? Once you know the basics, you can make 'em as basic or as complex as you like. :¬)

[@konohamarutard]

@@roastbeefy0weefy I agree on the intro, it comes off more "know it all" and "I'm the best look at me" than Hermoine from harry potter, so that's saying something xD I also didn't thumb down the video, but that genuinely made me roll my eyes and go "oh brother.." the rest of the video is informative and nice.

[@kjamison5951]

Having spent 15 years working in a school shop class environment, you are demonstrating good woodworking skills in the use of foam core. Those v’s in the curved part can be achieved with solid wood by making a series of kerf cuts, which allows the outside to bend easily. Nice tutorial! Thank you. Subbed.

[@marks2749]

And in METRIC too ! Now that IS advanced ! Thank you .

[@dioramaworkshop]

what a great video Eric, I have been scoring for decades to make bends but never thought of chipping away each cut with an angle to facilitate and better the curves. Artists inspiring Artists - I LOVE IT - Thank you for sharing your tips. Frank.

[@EricStrebel]

Rock on!

[@benmakestalkies]

Love this! Foam core is a much more versatile material than people give it credit for, I've been using it for background set design and props in my short films for years now.

[@ArwaBeshir]

Thank you so much ! I am a fine arts and design student and we were assigned to make cylinders using foam board and you saved me !

[@LivingWaterEternal]

Ok I remember 1985 architects teaching me the same. This proves he is a master foam builder, he works with unforgiving glue. One shot perfect. Master.

[@aggrobert8490]

It was in my recommendations at 10.27.2019 I watched it and I'm happy to see I do it the right way for couple of builds 🙏 Epoxy is used by me because the foam has to be strong enough for RC BUILDS

[@MagentaDinosaurs]

This is exactly the type of video I was looking for. I'm hoping to use foamboard as part of prototype planters, which I will then use to make silicone moulds for concrete, resin etc. Thank you Eric.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Great videos Eric. A lot of your techniques are very useful in model railroading. I've learned a lot from the videos I've watched so far.

[@EricStrebel]

Most excellent to hear that! Glad you like them.Toms Trains and Things

[@wjspade]

For extra stability on the cylinder, I’d cut a circle of foam core sized to the inner diameter; then glue it inside- about half way up.

[@etienne4301]

Thanks Eric for those useful tips. I am doing architectural art and I often need to produce a scaled-down model. Also I'm working with a laser for several cuts and I found this an awesome combo (laser + foamcor for modeling)

[@EricStrebel]

Fantastic!

[@mike.47]

I’m not sure whether I’ll use foam core but at the very least I can fall back on these excellent videos to give guidance. Subscribed 👍🏼

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks for your support and comment, much appreciated, you will like this week's video as well 😀

[@RATFather]

HOLY CRAP I'M SO DAMN GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL! ERMAHGERRRRD!

[@EricStrebel]

Awesome, me too. Feel free to share with the rest of the world on social media :-)

[@sewerduck7094]

I just started classes towards an Architecture masters and i now feel ahead of the game thank you for this!!

[@ulianapol8969]

I'm just going to collect all tips in a special notebook for studying at University, lovely hacks, couldn't imagine this before :)

[@EricStrebel]

Best of luck at University

[@ulianapol8969]

@@EricStrebel Thanks!)

[@warbuzzard7167]

Eric, I built a radio controlled airplane out of foam board and got such good results that I want to see how far I can take it. They fly well, and are light and cheap. I have "technique challenges" and have subscribed to see if I can increase my product quality.

[@BrianBoniMakes]

I'm really enjoying theses foamcore videos, brings back lots of memories of working in and running graphic arts shops in the 90s. We used a lot of foamcore and gatorboard of course for mounting artwork but also for package design proofing too. I can remember the specialised tools we had, Xacto and Olfa made most of them like bevel cutters which were essentially a block that held a blade or two on an angle. We also had a huge Xacto panel cutter and various heat and cold mounters. There were other adhesives too, one came as flat sheets or rolls of a material that looked like a dryer sheet which was dry and not sticky at all until you hit it with heat gun or tacking iron another was rubber cement that was good for foam to foam and lastly 3M '77' that awful spray stuff that got everywhere but could occasionally do wonders. I like seeing your personal design work best but these tutorials are fun.

[@EricStrebel]

Most excellent! Thanks for your comments. There is nothing like making stuff with your hands. I have used many of the items you mention. All good tools. Glad you like the content. feel free to share on social Media. Thanks for your support Brian Boni

[@wordreet]

Cool stuff Eric. I started folding foam board nearly 7 years ago for RC planes. Even so, it's been a little more basic than your techniques shown here. So I appreciate the ideas.

[@mrsmeeaudrey3294]

Nice Video! You make a good instructor...between the sound of your voice & the tips within the instructions...it definitely a good combo. I will never see foamcore the same again...It never dawned on me to sand it...makes for a clean edge. Thanks Dude🌟👍

[@EricStrebel]

Mrs Mee Audrey Great, glad you found it helpful, feel free to share on social media with the world!

[@cekuhnen]

Perfect - intro for my interior students !

[@EricStrebel]

Great

[@nightcorekittu63]

I'm using foam board for my assignment and I don't know how I should use it but now I fill like I can do it buy watching this video it's really nice and soft way to make model thank you 😊😊😁

[@EricStrebel]

All the best

[@nightcorekittu63]

@@EricStrebel thank you so much 😁

[@Deveron4]

This video makes me so happy. Reminds me of my first 3D design professor's instructions 😊

[@EricStrebel]

Glad I can make you feel happy with my video. Thanks for the comment! Feel free to share it on Social media. Damodara Kovie

[@Deveron4]

Eric Strebel already shared ☺️ btw I found your channel from the video about your camera heatsink. petapixel.com/2017/07/06/guy-mounted-giant-heat-sink-overheating-panasonic-gf7/

[@EricStrebel]

Yes, most excellent that article got me a few views :-) glad you enjoy the content.

[@gregorybstewart]

Great stuff here. I wish I'd known a lot of this back in art school.

[@wisdomcube7789]

This is good tips for making some school science project

[@EricStrebel]

Good luck with your school science projects, for leaving comment and I appreciate your support

[@aliposhtpazan2625]

God bless you for showing us your skills and tips . very very useful

[@GuidoMillonezz]

so, satisfying to watch

[@angelreading5098]

Eric I like your refined approach to using these useful materials,we can all learn something and I certainly have watching your excellent video,there are some excellent tips for model builders here,subscribed and will check back into your archives too,thank you for sharing your knowledge sir.

[@gillesbkf4315]

To make curved surfaces, remove the internal paper layer and then squeeze the foam between the border of a table and your hand, rubbing it up and down will give it a cylinder shape, but cones are also possible. Sorry for English.

[@brokemc]

You just made me a better prop master!

[@LoliRoo]

Saving this for a future prop build. Very good tutorial. * Hands him a coffee * Here, buddy. You deserve this.

[@johnmoran7996]

This is great.my dollar store sells foam board.ive been designing a robotic preying mantis from cardboard boxes and foam board is what I shall use to make the final product.i use cutting tools like you and prefer to use a Dremel tool on fine details.this is very useful this video.thanks for posting.

[@johnholland5017]

Great

[@DanielMartinez-em5ig]

Awesome these are the types of vids I’ve been looking for

[@n.mcl.1590]

Just helped me solve a problem thank you!

[@EricStrebel]

Cool

[@lindadechow2212]

Thank you, I am working on a project this technique will work well for. I appreciate your sharing your talents.

[@EricStrebel]

Linda DeChow Great, glad you liked the video and I am glad you found it useful. Feel free to share on social media. Cheers

[@lindadechow2212]

Oh for sure, I am planning a project that I will share on my FB page and I will link to your video when I do. I know my crafting buddies will enjoy it.

[@charlie1872]

Terrific information Eric. Thanks for sharing👍

[@susan1098]

I loved the video. I’m using foam board for crafting and I’m finding it so hard to find glue that keeps my project in place.

[@johnkelley9877]

This was great! You provide a lot of good and helpful information.

[@Mayasoflya]

Dude, just found you and I love watching this!

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks, glad you liked it. Feel free to share with your friends on social media. Thanks for the comment and the support!

[@mydemon]

No idea yet what project I can use that knowledge on, but great video!

[@emilflognoid1532]

I don't know what artist tape is but I imagine it's similar to the brown paper packing tape? What a great idea for finishing off the ends of foam board! That tape would work well also for making raised panels, on the surface. ... I'll have to try that!

[@shawnaoconnor9279]

Great video. It helped me make my kids Halloween mask. It didn't turn out terrible. And on the first try.

[@erikaalexandraparrabernal2021]

Amazing video!! Thank you so much!!!

[@asianmtl]

Nice...i love you ... I finally found how to shape foam core...yess. thks

[@data901]

My world just opened up.

[@osomxl]

For smoother, easier, large radius curves, simply peel off the paper that covers the foam on the interior and shape from there. The foam is flexible and will stretch and compress.

[@georgefollis9631]

Good tip. I'm thinking of trying foam core to hide a short hot water tank in the bathroom.

[@betsyb2256]

This also was in my recommends. I've never worked with foam core but it looks cool. I do work with paper and cardboard design so i subbed. How often do you change your blades?

[@EricStrebel]

Hey, thanks for the sub really appreciate it Hope you enjoy the content. I change blades quite frequently you just don't want the foam core to tear on the inside and a nice sharp blade will always get you a good crisp clean cut change often, be safe.

[@liuemma3576]

wow wow that's really help for my course work, thxs

[@EricStrebel]

liu emma thanks for the comment, tell your teacher about it and feel free to share with your classmates. Bets of luck!

[@enkacon]

It really helpful indeed. Thank you so much!!!

[@EricStrebel]

You are most welcome Good luck with your projects. Feel free to share with the world on social media 😄

[@tripe1960]

Thanks ,excellent and informative video.

[@toddferguson45]

That video got me wondering if hand miter saw and miter box would work well for cutting fast (and accurate groves) plus it has many angles ready for you to use. Have you ever tried some type hand held saw to make any (not visible) groves?

[@EricStrebel]

Nope, but try it, see what happens

[@yaboiskinnypen2040]

Not sure how this ended up in my feed but I'm doing a project in my solids class where we have to make a bridge out of this stuff, some wood doweling and some fishing line, as an industrial designer do you have any tips for making a super strong structure out of this material?

[@EricStrebel]

Use properly bent corners to get good strength for your bridge

[@smugglersrun7779]

I build with this material all the time love what is the best thing to use as puddy filler on the outside so you end up with the best smooth finish. That you can then sand and paint thx new subscriber great video

[@acerc.e.4279]

Sir Eric Strebel,can you show us how to make circular shape 90 degree and 45 degree ELBOW made from paper foam board or foam board?

[@kartidesignstudio4025]

Thank u sir for this great video. Plz do more foam using technics video sir.

[@_myst_4267]

>"Foamcore advances basics" >Uses a belt sander ok lol

[@mydemon]

You can use sandpaper or even a file from the dollar store

[@raven1963000]

Excellent video's and very informative. Wouldn't a rotary tool with a depth gauge and a V-cut bit work faster...or is there a draw back to using that technique?

[@EricStrebel]

Not likely to work, I feel like the rotary tool would just chew up the foam core and you would not get a very clean cut, but hey try see what happens

[@obiwanftw5537]

The way you make these is like art. Great video! BUT... ...has anyone ever said you sound like someone from Rick and Morty? You’re a second away from explaining how a plumbus is made!

[@55inchSamsungTV]

Do you have a preference on what material you use to make models? For example, are there better materials to use for models with more complex forms? Or is it basically up to how skilled the maker is that makes the difference

[@EricStrebel]

Alex Cruz it kind of depends on the the form/function of the project and finding a good material to do the job. Sometimes you just need an appearance model that does not have to function, other times you need to select a material that will be a bit more durable so you can check how something works. It's a case by case thing. Good question though!

[@55inchSamsungTV]

Eric Strebel thanks for the response!

[@maggiem4734]

Ty, very helpful tips!

[@speakrighttogod]

Very nicely done because you have some serious skills! Thanks for sharing. What is the silver piece that was attached to your silver ruler and where did you get it? Thanks for replying!

[@aaronmichaelseckman]

Have you ever tried combining foam core and any type of modeling clay? I assume oil based clays would degrade the paper. Would a polymer clay work any better? What about modeling wax? I want to combine the flatness and volume making potential of the foam core with the softness of clay for a piece for which I will be making a mold to cast cement. Any ideas?

[@EricStrebel]

Not really, oil based clay will stain the foam paper, try it see what happens.

[@Iritas24]

Wow thank you so much!

[@robwgeorge]

Very nice. You mentioned spray painting these models. Could do a video on that?

[@EricStrebel]

Maybe in a future vid, stay tuned!

[@breanaszatmari134]

How do you hide a seam with two flat pieces that are going to be painted? Can you use a filler of some sort? And can it be sanded to smooth? I’m basically going to paint it and put it on my ceiling lol

[@EricStrebel]

You could do that

[@421whitney]

What About using tacky glue? Would that work OK? It’s worked with foam board before ,I believe ,with me

[@EricStrebel]

don't know, never used tacky glue before.

[@rimzaimsassi6885]

Great tips!!

[@hedonismMech]

Great tips, thanks

[@EricStrebel]

Nick Walrath thanks!

[@macrumpton]

For the cylinder, rather than the scoring, wouldn't just peeling the paper off the inside allow it to curve easily?

[@EricStrebel]

Possibly....

[@FilmFactry]

Excellent!

[@EricStrebel]

Thank you, feel free to share on social media! Thanks for the comment and support 😊

[@scottfirman]

Flite Test must have watched your video

[@IceTeaEdwin]

*Watches intro* I Came Out to Have a Good Time and I'm Honestly Feeling So Attacked Right Now.

[@421whitney]

X-Acto blade is what I had the most questions about… Is it better than a regular box cutter? I have just a regular slide box cutter that seems to do OK but I’m thinking the X-Acto knife would be better. Like I said I got one but I think I got the less sharp or less dense blade which is the wrong one… it’s already bent at tip...And I don’t see how you change the blade on an X-Acto knife… I don’t even know if it’s possible… Any help you can give would be great ,,thank you so much! I can’t seem to find help anywhere else

[@EricStrebel]

You can watch my video about x-acto hacking for more info on how they work kzbin.info/www/bejne/novMk2CPh6-MftE most of them twist to lock and unlock the blade.

[@EgorKaskader]

Awesome video, these are coming in quite handy for the RC trainer I'm making for myself, thank you! Quick question, would adding glue to the V-cuts be a good way to increase the strength of the part?

[@EricStrebel]

Marginally perhaps

[@elinhestenes9415]

This is great! Thanks a lot!

[@EricStrebel]

Ur welcome

[@younanhany4312]

That's Amazing!

[@dreamzone1971]

Thank you!

[@salmamontaser6657]

amazing great videos thank you

[@Tophixxx]

Sir, very nice video but I have a question, if I wanted to have a thinner cylinder, would i score thicker or still 5mm ??

[@laurenc5875]

Was just wondering - how do you work out the measurement for the length of the foam board you are curving around for the cylinder to make it match up with the circumference of the circle? Would much appreciate your help for this. Thanks :)

[@EricStrebel]

Just basic math, use the formula for the circumference of a circle to find the length.

[@laurenc5875]

@@EricStrebel Ok thanks! Oops think I may have over complicated it in my head again!

[@disegnaecreaconalessio]

Nice!

[@angelaeuth2462]

I’m so happy I stumbled upon your videos. Do you have any suggestions for someone like me to get started practicing skills I’ll be learning once I transfer into a university? I’m a comm college student now and they don’t have any classes that have anything involve in industrial design, only my gen eds.

[@EricStrebel]

Angela Euth studying is substitute for practice, go for it, start with what you like to do, draw everyday and practice your thinking and sketching, take stuff apart and figure out how it's put together then redesign it and make it better. Glad you like the videos, feel free to share on social media. Cheers

[@ronaldwhittaker6327]

informative

[@joeborsch5137]

What is the tool you are using up against the foam core to get straight lines?

[@EricStrebel]

They are steel imprint mold for a glass blowing project and left over form an old project

[@796studios]

Any advice on how to paint the foam core without any warping?

[@EricStrebel]

796 Studios Yes, use shellac to seal the foam board, it should work, test first of course. Watch my cardboard video it talks about shellac kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH-vimSvqZ6ceac Thanks for the comment.

[@796studios]

Eric Strebel awesome! Thank you!

[@reformlabs8742]

Man.. you should do a video just on the beveling the edge to a 45 Degree.. i've gone through a whole board of foam core in just making a design.. that's just pissing me off.. also i've made like around 2 Xacto Blades dull in one day.. always ruining that 45 Degree

[@mohdilyas6438]

Hi..why type of foam is suitable to build diorama? Can u list it..thanks

[@EricStrebel]

I have no idea, I have never built a diorama out of foam core.

[@mohdilyas6438]

@@EricStrebel ok..thanks for reply sir ^^

[@VG_LEGEND772]

I am making a temple present in Tokyo by this stuff

[@EricStrebel]

Post on social media and tag me so I can see

[@Audiobook-Man]

What would this be used for?... Don't know why this is on my feed....

[@EricStrebel]

Modle building, arts and crafts, unlimited uses, thanks for watching! I appreciate the support 😀

[@nestorguillermodelcastillo8766]

bien erick , gracias

[@billwallace2755]

I've seen a few people saying they bake their foam board to curve it. Have you tried that?

[@EricStrebel]

Bill Wallace never hear of that before, you could melt or shrink the foam that way if you apply to much heat. caution is advised. Thanks for the comment

[@SuperArchi2010]

Hello Eric just found your channel I plan to get some foamboard and cut the random triangle arctic shape iceberg kind The size of the foam board will be around 10cm thick and 10cm what is the best practicle tool to cut random shapes A hot wire knife, or blade sculpture kit

[@EricStrebel]

Bungo Man a good sharp knife with a blade long enough to cut whatever thickness material you are using. Good luck. Tag me on social media when you have something to share.

[@FranciscoHernandez-cu2zu]

Hello, I having problems with curve on museum board for a 3D model

[@afsalafsal6679]

Acp sheet same cuting👌

[@TegoSuwarto]

Good

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks, feel free to share with the world on social media. That helps me and the channel grow

[@morlockmeat]

Good video! Can I assume these same techniques could be used on drywall?

[@EricStrebel]

morlockmeat no I would not assume that.

[@drlangattx3dotnet]

Hi ERic. New subscriber here. I want to make fiberglass instrument panel for my boat. I like seeing your skill at make forms. Is it possible to fiberglass over these forms for a strong structure? Thanks for your efforts.

[@EricStrebel]

Donald Langlois yes, you could. glass the back side as well to seal it. Use marine epoxy too.

[@connorjensen9699]

What are the benefits of crafting the shapes this way, rather than say XPS foam and hot wire?

[@tatykasouza513]

Qual o nome dessa placa que você usa?