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

I cover the basics of how to 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 craftsmanship. I make some basic 2" cubes with nice clean corners with out the foam exposed. Good for everything from architects to engineering, exhibit designers to interior designers and of course Industrial design.
Foam Core/Foamboard: amzn.to/2VrhKH0
X-Acto #11 extra durable 100 Pack Blades amzn.to/349F2Fu
Xacto Black Gripster: amzn.to/2JuxOCx
SHINWA Machinist square 150mm: amzn.to/39zZ7GQ
Luer lock bottles with needles: www.ebay.com/itm/402687721827
Contact me through www.botzen.com for design work, you can follow me on Google plus plus.google.com/+EricStrebel also follow me on twitter at / botzendesign (@botzendesign) I always post cool design stuff there.
Botzen Design Inc.
Industrial Design and Product Visualization
www.botzen.com
Facebook: / botzendesign

[@renatovelarde422]

I just started looking for foamcore building stuff to make my crappy toy dramas look more real and this is by far the most informative short video I've seen in a long time. Video produced super nice too. Thanks!

[@EricStrebel]

Renato Velarde glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the comment and support, feel free to share on your favorite social media site! Cheers

[@jonnyone-truck2460]

great video. I like to use bare utility blades for foamcore. I use the extra length of the blade to help guide the cut. A very shallow angle with your blade allows for an easier and cleaner cut. I learned some great techniques from Flite Test, as they use foam core to build RC aircraft.

[@lindadechow2212]

This is great! Thank you. I have a foam blade using a stencil cutter, so the sharp cuts are easy. Also, using the 45 deg angle, along with the tape makes it so easy! Wow, wish I had this info when I built my dollhouse (many eons ago =). Thanks again.

[@bassambassam2721]

Thank you for your explanation and clarification

[@rosalina_gonzales2000]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge..now my projects will be cleaner

[@EricStrebel]

You are so welcome!

[@bjuracek21]

Thank you for this video! I want to make a storage container with little drawers made out of cubes. This is perfect!!! Thank you!

[@robgonzo]

How did yours turn out? I'm planning to do the same!

[@hebrewhammer1000]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. I learned a lot.

[@steelydanfan100]

Eric, great video, I will tell you that hot glue is a must for RC airplanes, the fast set becomes your friend when you are gluing rudders and other control surfaces, particularly for a beginner as I am. I am the "client," but I totally understand you are referring to a potential customer. Very well done, thank you.

[@ddegn]

I'd be curious to see a comparison between the strength of hot glue and white glue when used with FoamCore.

[@confidence_onyema]

You are an absolute angel! Thank you.

[@cassandraholland5670]

Very professional. Thanks.

[@anthonyraymundo9102]

Just came across your videos! Super helpful thanks!

[@dougb70]

This is a solid production. We need to get you to 1M subs.

[@EricStrebel]

That would be nice, feel free to share on social media and let people now about my channel :-)

[@nellyromerodagda7402]

Me encantó, muy buenos tipos para trabajar este material

[@dovah7949]

Thx for this video ! i didn't know how to make good cubes for a diorama ! Now i know ! :D

[@MarieFlanigan]

Thank you. Very useful information for beginners.

[@EricStrebel]

Your welcome, good luck with your project

[@talktocory]

One more thing... I usually use Aleene's Tacky Glue instead of PVA because it dries quickly and the tackiness of the glue helps hold things in place while you make minor adjustments.

[@kouliniksatya]

Has an informative and catchy intro? Has specialized videos on making amazing structures out of foam board? Uses easy to find material? prefers PVA glue over a glue gun? measures in metric?! You sir have a new subscriber 😍

[@EricStrebel]

Awesome 👍 Thank you!

[@kathleenhodges5184]

I don’t just like or thumbs up this video. I LOVE IT!!!!

[@EricStrebel]

Thanks man, feel free to share with the world on social media. I appreciate your support

[@cherrielee144]

Thank you!

[@alex630710]

Excellent work. Hope you ll make some more, such as building a printer out of foam core.

[@UmbelinaReginaldo-dk8ci]

Perfect

[@halfmumi]

Eric, Just letting you know, was here before you hit to the Million Subs, these kind of videos are gold and keep em coming! :) Ps: I hate foamboard but love hot glue. (:

[@EricStrebel]

OMG, I have to hit 10K first then 100K then I can think about the 1Million mark, Thanks for your support though, much appreciated! Feel free to share on social media. Cheers!!

[@bb8219]

I found out the best way to glue foamboard without messing up is to use a thick needle (you can get it from a pharmacy) and fill it with UHU glue👌

[@dougb70]

i saw glitter girls doing this too. Also the shadow box crew.

[@BeanieBooSafari]

Sooooooo helpful!!!

[@CollectionTHX1138]

How long does white PVA glue take to bond approx 15-30 min? I like the 45 deg angle with painters tape idea I see a lot of people use straight pins if they do the standard 90 deg flat pieces for custom gaming box inserts for example

[@EricStrebel]

PVA can take an hour or more to set up(to be safe), depending on your local atmospheric conditions. Things take a bit longer but the results are worth it.

[@hebasheta3804]

Thank you a lot 💕

[@ochervelvet9687]

Thank you.

[@The2xWhiskey]

You NEED to get a small whetstone to sharpen the #11 hobby knife blades. A few swipes every now and again totally refreshes the edge. I haven't bought many blades in years since adopting a whetstone. Here in the U.S. you can usually find them in the outdoors type sections where the knives and camping gear are sold.

[@EricStrebel]

Interesting idea

[@dreamzone1971]

Thanks!!!

[@user-ug1rs1zc8k]

your welcome!

[@punkrockpub]

Great Video Eric!!! I plan to use this technique on my diorama project!!! By the way, would you happen to know what the weight limit would be on a foam board building? The roof?

[@EricStrebel]

punkrockpub sorry, i have no idea, do some tests. good luck

[@disegnaecreaconalessio]

Nice video

[@thatoneweird0]

Hello! thank you so much for your great video. question for you - whats the best way to make a good 45 degree angle cut? I'm struggling to make the angle perfect. its not a matter of the blade, what i have is plenty sharp. I just don't know how to measure the cut if that makes sense? Thank you!

[@EricStrebel]

You can make yourself a guide maybe out of a piece of wood that's beveled and then you can follow that or just practice a whole bunch

[@suedelacy]

Beast

[@angelreading5098]

Once again some excellent pro tips,no nonsense down to earth techniques,where did you get those useful small weights ?

[@steelydanfan100]

They looked like door handles !

[@stinky59]

thank you, this material is driving me insane. I can’t cut it with any of my exacto knives, even when I put in a new blade. i gotta get some hot glue tbh bc I just need to make A model, it doesn’t have to look nice. That tape trick looks very helpful tho omh

[@Stitchandstorytime]

I have a question. How do make sure thinga are straight? Once I cut in to a board them everything becomes crooked....Im not a pro.Im doing this for my dollhouse.TY

[@StapledArsonist]

What's the structural integrity after assembly? Can they survive being tossed and hit all day?

[@EricStrebel]

Make some and test it to find out

[@adamx20]

Is it just me or does this guy sound like a Rick and Morty Interdimensional Cable channel? Great video, btw. Thanks for the tips. Now I have a starting point.

[@rorymcdines8628]

slab up...six slabs of... foam-core it's called two-brothers! great video thank you Eric!

[@EstebanC]

Eric your videos are great. I have a question, though: which method do you recommend for peeling off foam board? Thank you!

[@diggydice9041]

Sir Strebel, you are a wizard with foam(s) & because I want to do quality work I need to ask your opinion about what type foam I might use? I'm designing an RC Plane & it will be about 40 inches across. Should I use a "Closed Cell foam" or is another type better? I'm looking for durable foam that can be shaped(cut/sanded). I'll use the best glue for the type foam I go with, for aesthetics & hold. I'll also do some type of paint & a laminate. Foam is my main concern & there's so many types that I thought I'd get your input before I do anything..... thank you

[@EricStrebel]

diggy dice closed cell will be stronger, but it's really the outer cover that give the foam board it's strength. look for a quality foam core for your final plane. Best of luck. when you build something tag me on social media to share.

[@diggydice9041]

Yes sir, and for that reason I'm planning a lighter foam for the core of the project & a thinner but tougher foam wrapped around at least the wings of this project. I don't want to use "Hot Wires" to sculpt this, I'm looking for a foam that a Dremel & Exacto blade can do smooth work on. With sandpaper to finish it for paint/laminates. I'll keep you apprised since you know the most about the "Aesthetics" of foam modeling. chat soon & ty again..... don

[@rodneyolinger7955]

I really would like to know what the two metal tools you use that are square on the bottom and have the compound shape on the top. I would love to have a set. Mastering a given material is everything and you are a master. I am looking forward to learning what you have to teach.

[@EricStrebel]

Rodney Olinger they are steel tools for a custom glass blowing prototype that a made in 2014, now they are special square paperweights! Thank for your comment.

[@ddegn]

I've been wondering this myself. Thanks for asking and thank you Eric Strebel for answering. Also thank you Eric Strebel for the interesting video.

[@CallipygianMoose]

For the 45 cuts do you just distance your ruler the thickness of the board away from the edge? So if it was 5mm board would you place your ruler 5mm in from the edge?

[@EricStrebel]

Correct

[@421whitney]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have had so much confusion between foam core and foam board and expanded pvc sheet…I Make dollhouse miniatures ..This is perfect for making room boxes or even the small doll houses. I love the way you do the tape with the Elmers glue. I don’t own a glue gun ,so that will be perfect for me. I have trouble with cutting perfectly. I’m ordering some expanded PVC sheet ,because I’ve seen a couple of KZbin videos where people make doll houses with that and it seems to be more clean-cut. And durable...Do you have any experience w expanded pvc sheet ,or know about it? Also, What X-Acto knife are you using? I got a number two blade and I think that was the wrong one to get ..I believe it’s less sharp… Anyways thank you for any help you can give me! And thank you so much for the video ,,it was very helpful!

[@EricStrebel]

Whit * I have not made any videos about the expanded PVC sheet I do not believe that you can just cut it with a standard X-Acto knife in the same way that you can a piece of foam core or cardboard. X-acto blades should be linked below the video

[@421whitney]

Eric Strebel Thank you so much for the quick reply! I know it’s possible, because there is a KZbin video ...I believe it’s called DIY miniatures… But he puts on there that he uses expanded PVC sheet… He directed me to a page on Amazon and it’s only about an eighth of an inch thick (may be a little bit more)… I believe you can buy different sizes… But he cut through it perfectly with a craft knife. I guess I’ll find out ,because I’m going to order it soon, and see how it goes… I’m getting the smallest piece possible… ($9$ I do very small doll houses so I don’t need much… Thank you for all your help!

[@AnimeWars2002]

What about contact cement in place of white glue? I'm not sure if it react negatively to the foam but you'd get something tacky after a few seconds. Hot glue is a pain for small fine projects. If I'm working with electronics of filling a hole, it's awesome. Don't care about stringing or being neat.

[@EricStrebel]

Neoblackdragon don't know, it might eat the foam would have to test, not sure it would be strong enough, but you just never know. Try it and reply back to let everyone know.

[@AnimeWars2002]

Yep, it will indeed eat the foam. It won't eat through it like some other chemicals but it's more then enough to give you a very bad day. It's perfect for making models out of gym or exercise mats though. Strength depends on use. Pulling is out of the question but something that is pushed or stacked should hold up. Though foam core is cheaper and you could walk into Walgreen and get it.

[@EricStrebel]

Good to know!Neoblackdragon Epoxy would work though.

[@albertwang9756]

Can there be a video of going over the 45 degree angle cut? It wasn't shown well because you fast-forwarded the beginning process, which i feel is extremely important to demonstrate

[@EricStrebel]

Practice

[@Novelacapoeira]

I'm making a halloween costume -- school bus, to be exact, and using foam core to be the bus. I did not cut 45 degree angles, and I'm not so concerned about it looking perfect, however, I am concerned about finding the right glue to bond everything. Do you have glue suggestions? I have tried crazy glue and hot glue and neither work.

[@EricStrebel]

Hot glue works of course and it's fast, white glue is clean but takes a long time to dry.

[@cekuhnen]

Eric - hot glue requires skillz !

[@EricStrebel]

Sure does, still hate hot glue though

[@cekuhnen]

@@EricStrebel I actually clinch each time when I see a hot glue gun - but I started to appreciate it but use it more to add glue dots than lines.

[@xraydelta1]

Eric, who is the maker of the square shown at 1:37 top/left of frame please? I can not decipher the logo and it is unfamiliar to me.

[@EricStrebel]

Roger McCarty I purchased it on ebay. I love that tool. It has a penguin on it next to the logo. Google translate is no help

[@xraydelta1]

Eric Strebel Thanks Eric, that was enough to find it. It is made by Shinwa (Japan). My apologies because they make other great tools. This question will cost you money, ha. Best to you!

[@EricStrebel]

Roger McCarty most excellent! Yes, I went to the website and that is it! they seems to make measuring devices. I really like that right angle tool, it's incredibly useful and works well.

[@tomatoes3]

Eric, can I ask that you remove the music please. Anyone wearing hearing aids as I do can hardly hear your voice . Other than that I'd wish I'd seen this last year !

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Pro tip. Just buy a rabbet cutter for foam core, cheap and can be found on amazon and make those 45 deg. cuts.

[@ThomasWarsaw]

Where did you get that metal square with ruler?

[@EricStrebel]

Should be a link in the description to that square

[@jakeelmore8799]

I'm making a model car that has a lot of smooth curves any tips?

[@EricStrebel]

Yeah, don’t use foam core

[@dh2724]

Nice! Thanks, from a beginning beginner.

[@EricStrebel]

You're welcome, That's why it's called basic, 😊

[@williamconibere7701]

i just need to do my Design tech homework

[@tetsuoswrath]

Hot glue is for hacks? Show us on this doll where the hot glue gun hurt you. :{J

[@frequency49]

Great video. Better without music.

[@danisa6312]

🙏❤️️

[@taylorb.3014]

Would EVA foam be a good substitute for FoamCore?

[@EricStrebel]

For some things, but it's not as rigid as foam core, watch my video about secret foam core

[@taylorb.3014]

@@EricStrebel Thank you!

[@billd.iniowa2263]

try using carpenter's wood glue. its a thicker PVA than Elmers. it will dry MUCH faster.

[@EricStrebel]

I am more concerned about appearance, wood glue is yellow and not ideal for quality looking parts id some glue is visible. Good idea though Bill D. in Iowa Thanks for the comment and your support.

[@billd.iniowa2263]

how about Mod Podge then? it dries clear and is thick too. i love it for gluing paper.

[@jsuribe7495]

Hi Eric. Great video! What is the the metal ruler with the square bottom. Brand? Thank you!

[@Deicoon]

Are there benefits to cutting 45's over rabbits?

[@EricStrebel]

Yes, Rabbits are tricky and require more work. Deacon Thanks for the comment and your support

[@youtubsuck]

Is this waterproof

[@junzhz.1]

Bro this is my homework but looks nice

[@EricStrebel]

What school are you attending where they teach cardboard modeling?

[@junzhz.1]

@@EricStrebel I go to a school in England and its for tech but nice vid

[@EricStrebel]

What school, what is the class called? Rather curious.....

[@junzhz.1]

@@EricStrebel the class is called technology and in England most secondary schools do it

[@EricStrebel]

Cool! Would love to see a picture of what you make, feel free to share on social media, tag @botzendesign, cheers. Thanks

[@thaleiakhader358]

How the actual heck do you do the 45 degree angle… I’m literally rage quitting and you just do it so effortlessly in one slice like-

[@EricStrebel]

Practice my friend, practice

[@konohamarutard]

Should I wear a mask when working with this material? I cut with a dull blade which is a pain in my ass so I stopped working on it until I get a sharp one. Anyway because it's dull a lot of the foam parts were on my table, am I at health risk for having those?

[@EricStrebel]

Should not be needed.

[@roffencs]

3 or 5mm foam core?

[@EricStrebel]

either would work, but generally I use 1/4" thick as that is what is local available to me

[@zastyyn2688]

It's also called mousse

[@The1SilverShadow]

Tutorials are good .. the loud buzzer sound that woke half the cul-de-sac is just ...well, could you not have just checked the volume settings when making the tutorial?

[@EricStrebel]

😄 thanks

[@SianaGearz]

Google's automatic subtitle transcription thinks your name is "Eric Pebble".

[@EricStrebel]

Awesome thanks for letting me know, Fixed! White glue gives me super powers, Rock on!

[@RobDuarte]

"construction adhesive" 😂

[@thejoker5634]

hello ppl from my dt class- JJ

[@MatsAndersson]

Why this awful foreground music?

[@EricStrebel]

If you have some music that you prefer that you made for me to use in one of my videos feel free to send it along.

[@MatsAndersson]

@@EricStrebel Well you know, musical taste will vary. What i'd pick will be awful in someone else's ears. What i'd suggest, is turn it down a few notches to where it no longer competes with your voice-over for the attention in this otherwise great video.

[@cindychen3739]

you know that if you put some vasline or petroleum jelly on the hot glue gun then it won't be so thick right it will thin it just right and you know that if your spiral your glue gun (move your gun if a circular position) it won't be so stringy right?? PLEASE READ its obvious you don't watch life hacks

[@cindychen3739]

u should know how to use a glue gun if you hate it I use to think the glue gun was to thick before I knew those hacks not hate just giving advice

[@EricStrebel]

If I wanted a different bead, I would just change the nozzle to a different diameter, not add a lubricant to thin out my material. I just don't really like hot glue, it's messy and potentially dangerous because it's hot. Thanks for the comment, keep on hacking' cindy chen

[@tetsuoswrath]

And after about a minute I can tell you're not nearly as good at cutting the foam core as you boast in the first half minute. Just critiquing the video. :{J

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Pro tip. Just buy a rabbet cutter for foam core, cheap and can be found on amazon and make those 45 deg. cuts.