EVA FOAM: Cutting for Beginners

[@GoboyGames]

I've been working for a few months with foam, and by this point I thought I was fairly proficient at it, but this actually picks up on a few things I was doing wrong! Thanks Andrew! :D

[@TraceurCMann]

Oh my GOD that second 'tutorial' thingy about raising the interior piece or lowering it is so smart. I can't believe I never even considered that! I would often see people with these slightly sunken in pieces and I was trying to figure out how they did them... Dude thanks!

[@JZ5U]

For those of you who are new, he has done a series of videos on making ODST armor using EVA foam. The technique is similar to what's shown here but i'm sure we can still pick up a thing or two from them. Do check 'em out.

[@samuelt3338]

Thanks

[@Wickedesu]

yeah boi

[@licnagospodicna]

"So enough talking and having me on the camera, no one wants that" ....hmmmmm :D Thanks for the video!

[@torkm01]

I was thinking the same thing.. rawr lol XD

[@tannerhoke]

Great tips! I downloaded those PDF's a couple days ago. I'm glad your back with more tutorials because every bit of knowledge on this craft goes a long way.

[@jeffery9543]

This tutorial is perfect!! I'm also happy about the specific piece you used, because now I know where to get a TON of cheap eva foam. Thank you!!

[@Donosoris]

You Legit look like Chris Pratt's brother

[@cassiemiller9453]

Literally Eva foam is one of the best invention form humans ! It can be turned into anything

[@timbonetonight.4416]

Thank you. I'm new to cutting foam and making armor and this was helpful.

[@Kuroobi5]

Another wonderful video! Thank you so much for the simple explanation of how to use EVA Foam and tricks for making armor

[@LunaelleSonic333]

Very imformative! How would you cut width wise, if you wanted to make it thinner? I have the same EVA tiles but I need them half as thick.

[@antizero100]

How do you keep your knife straight up and down, totally perpendicular to the foam? I'm starting out with my first build and I know for a fact that I'm going to end up cutting a piece at a funny angle and then the build won't come together properly.

[@WilliamJakespeareProps]

awesome production value!

[@Amber-si7kx]

+William Jakespeare hay!

[@theaeghacker3096]

what are you doing in andrews swamp?

[@EjBlaKit]

Where was this a year ago?! So helpful! Thank you! Looking forward to your future tutorials!!!

[@joebob7483]

Hello sir, What paint should I use? What technique should I use for bulky, smooth armor such as stuff you'd see on an Elite from Halo?

[@FritzyFreak]

idk

[@tomasestrada6979]

Kleiner if you don’t know then WHY DID YOU REPLY!?!?!?!?

[@MLGxSAWGGG]

Hey Andrew! I'm making master Chiefs mk 6 for fan expo in Toronto this year, I've started to work with Eva foam but the only problem is that it's hard to get clean cuts even though I'm using fresh sharp blades, any idea how to fix this would be awesome. Keep up the good work!:)

[@FaZeZombieslayer]

Can you show us how to cut layers on styrofoam without tearing it? like how you did with the daedric sword?

[@CazM]

this is VERY helpful. i'm making my first Thor breastplate for a genderbend later this year and these beginner techniques are great to know. thank you!

[@mShiroaki]

Thanks for the cutting tips! But how do you make such a clean cut on bevel edges?

[@iseetheWAYVision]

I can't wait to start. Cosplay looks amazing.

[@civiccc]

how are you not working in hollywood?

[@lucassacdalan8427]

Because of cgi.

[@stevenA44]

Very interesting video and now I know what EVA Foam is and didn't even know that what I had a whole box of was! LOL Liked and subscribed!

[@beareng_vl7017]

what tools I need box cutter blow dryer apartment of knives these never failed me

[@silvertitanfire5190]

I ordered EVA foam which is think but leaves a terrible jagged edge, I then tried a different company for EVA foam did the same and the cut was great. Anyone have any ideas on why the other one was so bad, I used the same blade for both I think it's just the quality of the foam cause my technique hasn't changed

[@stevenp6007]

Its definitely the blade, try wetting the blade with vegetable oil or water or better razors.

[@samuelt3338]

What does wetting it do?

[@elizabethrose6548]

This is an amazing advice/ 'tutorial', thank you so much! All your videos are really helpful! Also, your guns, armor and helmets are AMAZING!

[@nikkirhombus0fterror615]

this was amazing! I've been wanting to get into this for a long time and this inspired me. thank you!!

[@drxus9609]

Hey I'm looking forward to hopefully craft some costumes with Eva foam, but I always see you tubers using the puzzle like Eva foams that are mainly used as mats and have that rough texture on the back and smooth texture on the front as you are using in this video, would just plain Eva foam nothing specific work also from michaels?

[@keithshafer6710]

Very cool stuff. Haven't read all the comments here, but might I suggest adding band-aids to your tools section. ;)

[@52superdude]

Instead of a heat gun can a simple blow dryer set on hot be used? if not what about a lighter? any other options?

[@lt3886]

So why should I use EVA foam instead of regular craft foam?

[@CortanasRequiem]

What I'm really curious about is how you plan out how you're going to cut the parts out and assemble them. I'd love to do something like this but there no way I could do it with your level of detail just by freehanding it. Is there something I missed? One of your earlier videos explaining how you make your props as close to their digital counterparts? Any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Very cool!! You could find work at the movie studios in design work building props in Los Angeles.

[@VictorDVicente]

Very usefull! i'm a begginer and it helps so much. Do u recomend me some special cutter? because i bought one and it cut not so good..

[@matejstemberk8110]

Where do you buy EVA foam ?

[@5Perf65mm]

Matěj Štemberk these are foam floor mats which are sold in fitness stores and dollar stores.

[@sirbrad4]

Never seen these big foam mats in dollar stores, they are about $20-$25 at Lowes, Walmart, and Home Depot. Also online on eBay, amazon etc.

[@spunky1353]

Matěj Štemberk harbor freight, 8 dollars

[@williamamodei1257]

cheaper at harbor freight tools

[@dingodyno9016]

they sell EVA foam there?

[@Djungleskogg]

The "level" technique. Can I use that with big pieces of foam? Will it hold well?

[@AJS0121]

Hot glue vs Barge Cement? Differences in durability?

[@Skoopa92]

how do you cut through the foam so easily? i've tried and it takes alot of force to get clean cuts like that without a hot knife

[@mattgelfond28]

How would a hot knife work with the eva foam

[@rgg4m1ng51]

Very bad the EVA FOAM is very sensitive to heatness

[@antonlenev]

May I ask question about sanding eva foam sanding - using dremel i get i but inaccurate surface sometime. How do you advice to clean up it (to make it clean and smooth ) - sanding it by hands with fine-grained sandpaper, or maybe some other solutions? For example such surface - skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=8669476ABEDCC981!66241 skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=8669476ABEDCC981!66242

[@IdolEyes84]

Thank you :) Good job. Just wondering if these kind of techniques can be used for LARP (live action role play). I'm like to make a fighting staff, that is strong enough to use as an actual staff, and looks like it's made out of wood, without hurting anyone .

[@its_nukatron]

Nice shout out to Bill Doran! I'm a fan of his! Great video by the way~

[@charizardag]

do you have trouble cutting with that knife? it looks like you're not applying that much force

[@rgg4m1ng51]

Where can I buy the EVA FOAM? Can I get it in Amazon?

[@victoriap1649]

Yes amazon has it. Look up EVA foam cosplay

[@richyeates6782]

Some great tips there Andrew, thanks for sharing fella & Good Luck!

[@kokaza118]

The links to the other prop person are not working.

[@pinestriker2789]

Ok I've got a question if I can't find a heat gun will a blow dryer work as well? Just wondering

[@OracleGamingChannel]

hey andrew, im making a halo 5 magnum out of styrofoam not EVA. Im at the final stages where im cutting details like this. Can I use a heat gun on standard blue styrofoam or will it not work the same?

[@TrueSkullLeader]

Hi there, thanks for the tutorial, just one question, whats the temperature on the heat gun? it´s always the same or changes according to the design you are working wiht

[@romansnow1249]

Where did you buy your EVA foam, I picked mine up but I think mine is thicker?

[@angelsoffurtitude]

So, would it be best to use Pepakura for an ODST helmet or just foam?

[@SWATDRUMMUH]

any idea when you think you could show us how to make an EVA foam helmet? because the foam is slightly thick, for my idea im thinking about inserting a headset into it... any ideas?

[@dagawa45]

I know you would prefer a tip from him but I have seen him do in other videos where cuts the foam in half so it would be thinner but there are other ways I guess.

[@Elevate09]

where do you buy the thinner Foam?? my foam is to thick and I cant find thinne rlike you have

[@Gumi_wuewuewue]

Can a hair dryer be used to get those heated lines?

[@josephrevell6448]

what thickness is the eva foam you use? as i bought some mats yet they look alot thinner then yours

[@Crunched-diff]

are you ever gonna be able to give us more how toos on the pulse blade pilot

[@Foxtube128]

can i use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun? lol ik there probably quite different but atm i have all the mats to start but i dont have a heat gun.....i do have my wifes hair dryer tho >.>

[@hazoish7670]

Can I use a hair dryer to replace the heat gun?

[@gregoryhattenfels4401]

Keep up the great work ,wish I knew this shit back in the 80's,... EVA my new favourite material .. thank you.

[@stevenwilliams943]

Do you always use hot glue or do you sometimes use like a contact rubber cement (like Barge in the USA) or Evo in the UK?

[@AndrewDFT]

I always use Hotglue, so that way I dont have young people trying to use barge cement unsafely trying to copy me =)

[@stevenwilliams943]

Ah right, ok.. thanks for the reply buddy :) Im using EVO Stick thing which is like Barge i guess.. When your connect two pieces together, and say you have a gap - what do you use to fill the gaps? (Apoligies to fire questions at you - i wont be offended if you don't get chance to answer :)

[@ninabiaggio2316]

Can you use spray for coloring the Eva foam?

[@02KMT]

Where do you buy your foam???

[@nittysart]

Do you know those colourful mats that are in a lot of K-3 classrooms? That can be bought at a local convient store or hardware store :)

[@TheChrisYamez]

what are those guns on your wall?

[@intensitydigital]

I noticed that the guns get caught in the wind a lot in your videos is there any way to correct that (besides casting it in resin)? Maybe putting weights in the center or something?

[@Amber-si7kx]

+intensity digital put weights in the center :P

[@henrychadwell4088]

is a craft knife the same as a boxcutter?

[@xXItzLazerzXx]

Thank you so much DFT, this will help me substantially!

[@Christopher2131]

I was wondering if you can make Ichigo Kurosaki sword from bleach and another question is that I'm planning on going larping one day with my friends and will that stuff be good for combat. Not for hurting people

[@LiterallyJustJP]

Hey Andrew can you make a guide to make a halo helmet.

[@bossgirl6821]

Where can i find this puzzle foam?At sport shops?

[@marionmoto8269]

there is a famous web series called halo red vs blue that is awesome! I am planing on making a number of different costumes out of eva foam from the series. my first one i am going to do is the agent Tex costume. this video has some great info and will help me alot in getting started.

[@TheBloatedChap]

Do it

[@CPskipper21344]

Yesterday you said tomorrow

[@ers4415]

So just do it!

[@juatlim]

Can I use a hair dryer instead?

[@iberttalett]

Great video. Will look forward to more.

[@bladestorm1086]

we're can I get a good knife for cutting foam

[@vanebooo5134]

I made a simple hot wire cutter to cut styrofoam. it is super easy and nice cuts

[@jacobfields713]

could i instead use a hair dryer rather than a heat gun or would it not have the same effect

[@seekertosecrets]

Depends on how hot the dryer gets. Just to be on the safe side, use a heat gun with an adjustable heat setting.

[@wangbi093]

I am working on my first cosplay using EVA foam, and my edges look really bad! I've been trying to smooth them out with sand paper (dont own a dremel and not able to buy one unfortunately) but it doesn't work at all :( Is there any other way?

[@AndrewDFT]

Hi, The edges are always tricky, the way to solve the issue is to ensure you are always using a very sharp blade =D It dulls very fast when working with foam sadly. If you have it sharp you will get the nice edges, otherwise is very difficult to smoothen them without a dremel =(

[@wangbi093]

I actually went out and bought a foot scraper a few hours ago and its working great :D Best purchase I've ever made! :'D Thank you anyway!

[@planetbobful]

Hi, this might be a bit out of left field, but... Do you get different hardness levels of EVA Foam and how much impact can they absorb? Thnx! :)

[@darkshadowsaver]

it depends really larpers use Eva foam for swords and armor. from my understanding Eva foam is the gold standard of larp swords because of its durability.

[@dadzwag]

Definitely. The foam with the large diamond patterns on the back is lighter and not as sturdy as the foam with many more but very small notches on the back.

[@HH-bk5dc]

Where would you get this stuff in Christchurch??

[@BTGaming196]

how do you cut so easily and cleanly

[@thelittlehummus759]

So why haven't you made a gravity hammer or energy sword yet?

[@inesds2848]

can you use a hairdryer?

[@bionichornet7784]

Can you help me how begin crysis foam?

[@matthewsworld3127]

Where can I find some EVA Foam?

[@z6n387]

If your in the U.K. & looking for EVA Foam tou can buy 6x EVA matts at HALFORDS for £10, Large sheets & black coloured, Good stuff decent prices and size:)

[@quietguardian2052]

Could you use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun

[@ZachToTheWest]

It's possible if you hairdryer gets very hot but it doesnt work as well/As quickly and put too much stress on the hairdryer I've found

[@afletra]

really nice and simple yet useful tips dude. can I ask your permission to make a guide based on this in my native language? I'll credited your name and post a link to this channel. thanks.

[@danmcke]

Where do you get your foam

[@noova-art3876]

i dont have a heat dryer. but i have a hair dryer. will it work with that or not?

[@dionnakemp4291]

SuperNova1998 No. Hair dryers are not hot enough for the foam to form.

[@thecheshiercat9665]

can a hair dryer work too?

[@bruhever1329]

Where do you get your Eva foam?

[@thekraken012]

Can I use a hair dryer instead of the heat gun or is it not as powerful?

[@FeeshCTRL]

Not as powerful, depending on what you want to do it with the heat gun works the best

[@t0kkily184]

What is the thickness you use?

[@rad.trev2823]

can you use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun?

[@brudon55]

Yes.

[@extrudatinoal]

Its going to be very very inefficient compared to a heat gun. its worth the investment. trust me.

[@biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigmike1158]

+Bloodedgethereaper how much is it to get a heat gun?

[@extrudatinoal]

Depends on where you live and the quality. but its usually not too expensive, most likely not any more than a hairdryer

[@sir2honda]

Might want to note that you should always be cutting away from yourself so that if you slip, you don't injure yourself.

[@jta6667]

cool so next video is going to be how to build a titan chestpiece?

[@scottmclean4237]

Excellent video this is excactly what I was looking for as in new to this and want to try Any videos like this on helmet or mask please?

[@pondcringe8470]

Does anyone know where I can buy foam for a good price?

[@erikkerckhoff6095]

Can you please make the vex mythoclast? It seems like a good chalange for you.

[@notov8076]

It appears as though your razor is extremely good - I try to sharpen my razor to get it to cut smooth, it starts gripping the eva leading to clipped cuts and jagged edges after around 5 swipes. I can't tell if it's the blade, the eva, or my technique. Did you have a learning curve with cutting it smoothly? Is there like some fancy way to do it, or does a sharp blade make the real difference?

[@Voidevod]

+Noto V Its the dull blade. I get this problem all the time, a dull blade tears the edges up all the time. Razor blades tend to dull very fast.

[@GamingSuccub]

+Noto V Ive also heard EVA foam really ruins blades and knives. Once I start building my Mass Effect armor, I have no doubt Ill get a blade sharpener.

[@angelisabroad]

This is a fantastic tutorial, thanks and keep up the good work!

[@caraemling7778]

Where do you buy eva??