How to Heat Form foam

[@otakuxhunter2753]

7 years later this dude just saved my cosplay

[@EvilTedSmith]

I'm so happy to help! Thank you for your support.

[@mgardner70]

Simply the best out here, no shade towards anyone else, but Ted gives up all the details and saves you time and frustration. Thank you, a million times THANK YOU!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Michael Gardner Thank you for watching and subscribing. Tell your friends.

[@mgardner70]

I told all of my cosplay co-hearts!

[@HiddenThicket]

You, sir, just saved one of my cosplays. Curved pauldrons had me completely stumped. You are fantastic!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Hidden Thicket Thank you for subscribing.

[@stockvillain]

Foambending; coolest of the Avatar's skills.

[@its_nukatron]

Great video! That sharpie/foam bit sparked an idea on how to approach a difficult piece for my current project, so thanks a million! :D

[@EvilTedSmith]

Glad to help. Thank you for subscribing.

[@amberhabex1434]

You just saved me how to make slight lines in foam, I was afraid I had to cut it out instead of just smushing it with a toothpick to add those lines

[@EvilTedSmith]

So happy to hear that! I'am here to help!

[@Ultramasterjedi]

so, in theory the metal bowl technique could be used to make larger domes, and in general be an easier way of making stuff like helmet tops and what not? definitely gonna try it

[@joegob100]

the bowl idea is so cool

[@DannyLam4]

THAT METAL BOWL THING IS GENIUS!!! I've been trying to make perfect semi-circles for forever, and shaped on top of domes... never imagined to do it on the inside. I'm a fool...

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Danny Lam No, you are not a fool. I learned this for someone else.

[@DannyLam4]

+Evil Ted Smith it's so simple and yet so ingenuous... XD the obvious solution that I completely missed! Good to know though, thanks for the advice!! :D

[@scottharper3912]

I was literaly heat shaping foam 3 days ago. You are awesome this video would have been so usefull a few days ago. THanks for making these videos. You have really helped me alot with making stuff for my Larp group!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Scott Harper Thank you for subscribing.

[@eggfuyung92]

I think it's awesome that despite having history and experience in the field/industry, you are still learning new techniques and sharing it with us as well. This is the true image of cosplaying and cosplay building.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+eggfuyung92 Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@psisky]

I made a winged sun disc and other wall décor from foam using a soup ladle and the huge lid from my soup pot to mould the foam, just like you did here.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+psisky Sounds cool.

[@Xzo]

+Evil Ted Smith what happened to your live stream?

[@miniaturemoviestudios8779]

Just tried for the first time it sucks but will definitely get better I learned from my mistakes in my first build....ready to rock and roll !!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes, the more you build the better you'll get! Don't give up.

[@jamesmarston8461]

i'm glad this exists as i've never used a heat gun to form foam before and i'm looking to bulid the evil dead chainsaw for a con in a few months. thank you for the tutorial Ted

[@TheFlabagusted]

If anyone is looking for a technique to do Genji's armour from overwatch then that impression tip is perfect.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@stormraynes1707]

Thanks for all the great ideas and tips. One tip on the "anvil," I use a standard pool cue ball.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Good ideal.

[@rotomolding]

#Zenno Zangetsu Thanks for all the great ideas and tips. One tip on the "anvil," I use a standard pool cue ball. @daylight living

[@rotomolding]

#ToastAndJellyfish #Jayden Lee if you don't have a heatgun, or can't afford one, will a hairdryer actually work? @Damien Brand @I Will Trash You

[@WilliamJakespeareProps]

4:08 you could use that technique to make a plumbus!

[@thecoolkidsclub1436]

Omg it's u

[@colterjones8674]

Not without a Shlaammi you don't.

[@gimmerqueen]

Everyone knows that to make a plumbus you gotta take the dinglebop, then smooth it out with a bunch of shleem. Repurpose the shleem for later batches. Take the dinglebop and push it through the grumbo. Then, rub the Fleeb against it. Its important that the fleeb is rubbed, because the fleeb has all the fleeb juice. Then find a shlammie and get him to rub it and spits on it. Then cut the fleeb. There are several hizzards in the way. Rub the Blamfs against the trumbles and shave the ploobis and grumbo away. That leaves you with a regular old plumbus

[@stevenwilliams943]

i always wondered how hot to get the foam.. but from your words... "ouch" it was hot enough for you to definately feel it on your fingers.. cool! thanks :)

[@lasersaber]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for watching.

[@Kialna]

The metal bowl one is new to me. Great stuff!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Kialna Not any more! Now you know.

[@BenDrawsStuff]

Hey another cool trick is to do a shallow cut into your foam for detail lines, and then use the heat gun over thanpt, and it actually makes the line much more defined, great for detailing I must say.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+BenDrawsStuff I like that trick!

[@BenDrawsStuff]

+Evil Ted Smith You do? Thanks man! By the way, thanks for all the other videos, you're a great help to me and mony others in the cosplay community, keep it up dude!

[@oscarbear1043]

Ted thank you. Your experience is invaluable.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thanks.

[@jillgab03]

"foam bending". you sir is the new avatar :D

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@zackblack1387]

thank you ted. this video will be really helpful when building my mandalorian armor.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for watching and subscribing.

[@damienbrand9422]

Thanks Ted!! Many great techniques for this making-newbie!!

[@AdyG838]

Thank you for the explanation and tips i have never done anything like this before so it was very helpful

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@nickybanks1191]

Hi Ted I have just read about the films you have worked on very interesting and impressive 👍

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you.

[@thingmaker3]

How do I hit the thumbs-up twice? This was such an eye-opener!! THANKS TED!!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@Izashaxnin]

Your tutorials are always super handy! thank you so much!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Izashaxnin Thanks for watching.

[@gracenblackwelder7727]

If you don't get quite the shape you want, can you heat the foam again and warp it more?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes.

[@Tweaked_ej6]

@Evil Ted Smith I have a simple question that I have found mixed answers on. If you heat EVA and it seals the edges should you sand down the edges again before applying glue and adhering your parts? Or is it okay to glue seals foam to sealed foam?

[@avidwriter2882]

You're back!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Avid Writer Yes, I am, and I'm here to stay!

[@IntentionNatalie]

This is really great. Can you tell me what temperature setting you use and how long you typically heat the foam?

[@EvilTedSmith]

HOT! I have just a stander heat gun. It dosen't have a temp control on it and it works fine.

[@IntentionNatalie]

@@EvilTedSmith okay good to know. Mine can go up to 1300 so I may have to do some experimenting. How long would you say you heat it for?

[@QueenVibe333]

Thank you for a well made video that is easy to understand.

[@EvilTedSmith]

You're welcome. Thank you for subscribing.

[@monkeyzeetube]

Thank you Ted..You are an angel not evil..

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@Nadel666]

Hello Ted! What is the best temperature to set on heat gun?

[@carldagroundskeeper]

Hmmm I see a Star Trek TNG-style borg costume in my future! Thanks for the info Ted! :D

[@JAKphoenixify]

Thanks for the tips, really going to help with my azarael cosplay :)

[@diegomonzon1820]

Thank you very much for your advice! greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Diego Monzon Thank you.

[@katmanco3699]

+Diego Monzon Not to be mistaken for Buenos Aires spain

[@dan36100]

J'ADORE C'EST SUPER SE QUE VOUS FAITE

[@buttercup7711]

this is amazing!! I am gonna make costumes for my boyfriend and his friend from undertale!!

[@MrMarcellusPye]

Bro your vids have gotten super awesome! Content wise your vids have helped me start to build a cosplay from my favorite game to send more time with my sister. But now this video has such nice quality video and audio wise. Love your stuff!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+MrMarcellusPye Thank you for watching.

[@MelindaMonteverde]

The metal bowl !!! Yasssss

[@rangikunotefi]

:ooo the bowl method will work as well with just 5mm eva foam!? :ooo

[@ErionAstale]

Thank you so much for this! May I ask? What's the minimum temperature needed to get that o so wonderful curve? Would 200°c be enough?

[@pujpromptunikjoy6971]

Also,will the thickness and density of the foam be as hard as it was before it was heated?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes, the foam still stays frim.

[@octaviogarcialavergne4068]

wonderfully explained.. thanks

[@EvilTedSmith]

Glad you liked it

[@JGDeRuvo]

How about oblong shapes? Like doing a gentle curve for something like a helmet?

[@EvilTedSmith]

+James DeRuvo Foam anvil!

[@hector3197]

graxias por los vídeos, he aprendido mucho de ellos. mis respetos

[@RyanMatta]

Great Video ted, If you are ever interested in making a custom toolbox for photographers using your techniques, I'd love to collab, film, edit and help you produce the entire video. I'm actually watching your video now for that exact reason. I have a feeling I will not even come close to what you could accomplish. If you have any advice as far as how I would go about making a mold for a camera or lens please reach out. Thanks Ted

[@EvilTedSmith]

My mission is to get people to build her own stuff, I no longer do commission work. But thanks for asking.

[@amberrogers7666]

Could you use an embossing gun? I have one I inherited from my mother, and I would like to use that rather than buy a heat gun, but I am having a hard time comparing the temperatures online. Also, most videos cut away while blowing the heat on the foam, but don't say how long it takes to really heat it up! How long do you point the heat gun at it before working with it?? Thanks! Love your videos!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Any standard weekend would work good on foam.

[@amberrogers7666]

Standard weekend?

[@RoseDCLXVI]

Have you ever used worbla/wonderflex? If you have could you make a video with tips and tricks to using it that would be really great!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Agrith-Naar Not a fan of neither one. I like working in foam better.

[@RoseDCLXVI]

+Evil Ted Smith all good man, thanks for the replay ^~^ (sorry about the multiple comments. my phone was acting up)

[@ronc8632]

I'm working on the foam today, if you need the foam in a flat shape ( a cosplayer recommended heat sealing all foam regardless of its shape ) do you just leave in on a flat surface ? And, how long do you use the heat gun for? They said if it starts to bubble, it's ruined. Also, I'm attaching the foam to fabric, contact cement should work fine, right ?

[@CH-kr3wk]

Thanks for this video! I'm going to make my little brother a Jaeger pilot suit.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Chantelly Heart Glad to be of help.

[@abrahamshm6659]

Awesome videos Ted! Can I use something else to heat the foam?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Not really. The heat gun is the way.

[@mattTc17]

The spine thing is cool, I’m thinking Adam Savage and Bill Doran’s Ring Wraith gauntlets...

[@ToastAndJellyfish]

That bowl is fantastic! Where did you find it? I've never seen one that thick before that was actually metal, only materials like heat-intolerant plastic and sometimes ceramic, which I would be worried about inadvertently breaking in the process of pushing from the inside out (what with spheres not being compressible that way).

[@EvilTedSmith]

+ToastAndJellyfish It's a bowl I got from Target years ago. Not sure if they have them anymore.

[@ToastAndJellyfish]

Evil Ted Smith I checked and it doesn't look like they do, but for anyone who's interested it looks like Amazon and a few other places have very similar-looking bowls for sale currently. They're listed as insulated or sometimes double-walled steel bowls. With the results they can give I'll definitely be picking one up. Lots of sizes, too!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Found it! Metal bowl www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FBEI9LM?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00FBEI9LM&linkCode=xm2&tag=thevtech-20

[@liannadonx9563]

Love this! finally I know how to really use that foam 😀 Thanks alot! ^^

[@EvilTedSmith]

You are so welcome. Thank you for subscribing.

[@jakeseamon4737]

Iv been watching your videos and i have to say I cant wait to start replicating your techniques to do my own foam work. My question is my heat gun has temp ranging from 200F to 1000F what are some of the best temps when working with foam.

[@echo3347]

Thanks for these ideas!

[@EvilTedSmith]

+echo3347 Thank you for subscribing.

[@daylightliving8929]

Super great tecnic .Can I make the whole helmet like that?

[@jasonl5500]

Hi, I've been dealing with EVA daily now for 4 or 5 months. I don't melt it , just cutting and what not but I deal with alot of it. I use it in the basement of my house. My question is do you take precautions because of the formamide content in EVA? Do you wear a mask or gloves when working with it? I hear formamide is a very nasty chemical and some EVA foams have been banned in certain countries. Any advice would be great 👍

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yeah when heating it, you should be in a well ventilated area. Or wear a charcoaled filter mask.

[@zackypoohplays8792]

Any advise on repairing foam parts? Sometime you tear them but sometimes their are scratches and holes in the foam when you get it, and when you are on a tight budget you dont want to waist any materials.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+ZackypoohAndFriends I use Kwik seal to fill in holes and scratches. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00062W6MM?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00062W6MM&linkCode=xm2&tag=thevtech-20

[@zackypoohplays8792]

thanks :D

[@Riaan1906]

Another great video

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thanks.

[@emanuelly6174]

I don't have that same heater thing that you have there that device so what a hairdryer work don't be rude I'm just asking

[@EvilTedSmith]

When it come to shaping EVA foam you'll need a heat gun. The hair dryer dose not get hot enough.

[@nikitagibbs9859]

Will a blow dryer work just as good ?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Nope! To really shape the foam you need a heat gun.

[@NewbridgePiano]

You've done helmets and armor but what about masks? Darth Revan's Mask from Star Wars would be a good example to show what you can do and if it is possible for you to do. Hope you can consider doing this! Have a great day Ted!

[@OliveRC-Addict]

thanks for the tips :)

[@EvilTedSmith]

+OLIVE RC Thanks for subscribing.

[@ostmen_draugr]

I've been using 2mm craft foam with a 2mm polystyrene glued to it to make an Automail arm & leg. I used a soda bottle to shape the foam & styrene for the big parts but the fingers are proving to be more of a challenge. I'm using only the styrene for them but instead of bending & forming they are breaking right at the bends. Any ideas as to how to make them shaped easier.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+pyruleanfire Make them out of foam.

[@ostmen_draugr]

+Evil Ted Smith I thought about doing it that way but didn't know how well it would hold up being used in an area that's constantly bending & flexing. I'll make a mark iii out of foam & see how it goes

[@russelldavies160]

not sure if this has been asked before does it matter which side you heat up first and how do you heat it for. I am sorry if sounds stupid but I am a absolute beginner

[@EvilTedSmith]

Not at all. I heat both sides when heat shaping.

[@michielpolorocks]

is it possible to use a hot-wire to cut floorboard foam, or is that a bad idea?

[@EvilTedSmith]

+No Gas Green You could, but I find a sharp knife work as well.

[@michielpolorocks]

thanks, will save me a bit of money. keep up the amazing stuff!

[@feralratchild]

Can i still use a blowdryer on the hottest setting because i dont have a heat gun and i dont wanna buy one

[@EvilTedSmith]

You can try....

[@ppman2994]

New drinking game (legal age only): Take a shot every time Ted says ,”Granted.”

[@MyBlanket]

what do you use to 'seal in' after you use a heat gun ?so you can paint it after

[@EvilTedSmith]

Yes, so that when I paint it, it wont look like foam.

[@MyBlanket]

Evil Ted Smith do u use a special type of sealer

[@EvilTedSmith]

Check out Toll of the Trade 2.0 video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKvIhYZshbGYmsU

[@ian6fx995]

damn i don’t have a heat gun and i’m a kid so i’m not able to buy one. is there any alternative?

[@wheelman0848]

Would the mettle bowl technique work for larger bowls for a bigger dome?

[@EvilTedSmith]

I have a video on how to make a foam dome plus a free pattern on my site eviltedsmith.com

[@wheelman0848]

+Evil Ted Smith Awesome thanks man!

[@iwilltrashyou1593]

ok thanks for the input 👍😉

[@Bruno_Conceicão1984]

Hello. How much is the thickness you used to make the foam ball? Thanks

[@EvilTedSmith]

10 mm or 1/2 inch EVA foam.

[@guyfromdubai]

I'm curious to know how big the foam piece can be before you start to see problems with heat form curving it. Like say for a wearable foam helmet couldn't you just take a big piece of foam and put it in a head sized bowl rather than having to cut up separate pieces and glue them together?

[@GRANDCHASER999]

if you don't have a heatgun, or can't afford one, will a hairdryer actually work?

[@EvilTedSmith]

On thinner foam, but not 1/2 inch foam.

[@GRANDCHASER999]

thanks lol, I tried it on my Eva foam, and it worked

[@iwilltrashyou1593]

+Petrick Oud yeah but my heat gun just has a setting for 'low' and 'hot'

[@agentsnarrcosplay9360]

Great video! Thanks for the upload

[@itthumyir4569]

This is an odd question, but could you use contact cement to adhere latex to plastic or foam?

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Itthumyir Trust me, there are no odd questions left. You can. Sometimes I use super glue.

[@itthumyir4569]

+Evil Ted Smith thanks!

[@stampaurfaiz]

Great video! I'd like to get started with this stuff and just curious... Can you reheat and reform the foam?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Once it is heated it's best to leave it alone

[@ThemmeFataleKiva]

Hello! Apologies for bothering you, but I was curious as to if you had any advice/tips for making compound eyes/insectoid eyes that you can still see through (Think things like Kamen Rider or Guyver)? I've had a few ideas, though I'd like to hear your opinions. I absolutely love your videos, btw. You have some rather unique methods that I quite like. ^-^

[@EvilTedSmith]

+Kamen_Rider_Kiva The secret to both of those super heroes is that they don't look through the eyes. The helmets are design so that you look around the fake eyes. On the Guyver head, the actor looks though the sides of the control metal. The glowing eyes are just underneath.

[@ThemmeFataleKiva]

+Evil Ted Smith I already knew about things like that. That's also how Toei does the eyes on Kamen Rider suits. 😅 I just think it'd be more convenient for one to actually be able to see out of them. I was thinking of using 2 lenses, one with chrome window tint and the other with a colored tint, with a wire mesh sandwiched between. I'm not sure how effective that would look, though.

[@NikkeiZX]

Question: I have a dual-temperature Heat Gun.... is it best to use Low or High heat on EVA foam? also (in terms of heat sealing) when will I know that the foam is sealed? when I apply heat, I begin to see little sparkles.. does this means it's heated enough or are there any visible signs that the foam is heat-sealed?

[@zennozangetsu1164]

It becomes shiny

[@leonhunter1839]

How long does it take to heat it?

[@vineleak7676]

Enough for you to inhale that carcinogenic formamide getting offgased...

[@certifiedblink7473]

Can you bend thermal insulation sheet using blower? Please answer.

[@EvilTedSmith]

No, it will melt it. EVA foam is easier to heat shape.

[@onofflight4334]

Wow! This is great, thanks!!

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you for subscribing.

[@GIGIOGONZALEZ]

Hey man...what is the white armor of the intro?...you must show us...

[@tullysnedegar]

Soooooo could you make molded foam bra cups from this or is it a harder foam?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Sure if you had a big metal bowl.

[@tullysnedegar]

@@EvilTedSmith hmmmm. Thanks, I'll try it out and let y'all know how it turns out. I just don't know how comfortable it would be as an actual undergarment. 🤔 I mean it'll work for my cosplays either way 😁

[@TheVas76]

How would I heat press using a 3D printed texture roller? I'm texturing the brim of a hat. A texture stamp obviously won't work since the brim is round. I also want to do the top of the hat which is also a curved foam piece. Thanks!

[@EvilTedSmith]

When Texturing foam. It’s best to heat stamp it on a flat surface before Assembly. Now that you have to put together I’m not sure how to do it?

[@missmeruna]

Just when I am about to create my first foam armor - perfect timing! I was wondering: If you heatbend shapes that will have trims or ornaments on them, do you glue them on before or after? Since the foam does get stretched while heating, which alters the dimensions and makes pattering more difficult.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+missmeruna Yes, do detail after your done heat forming you foam.

[@missmeruna]

Alright, I'll try that then. Thank you so much for the answer, and all your great tutorials :)

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you.

[@djprogramer973]

idk why it took me so long to find these videos. I must've been googling the wrong thing or something.

[@EvilTedSmith]

Happy you found them.

[@shan9usfc]

Gained a lot of knowledge here but what's the heat gun setting that you use?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Hot! I really don't know what the temp of a stander heat gun is. There hot enough to heat foam.

[@blaidemaiden]

Fantastic stuff! I'm gear.ing up to be doing some foam projects for my L.A.R.P.ing habit, and your videos are both a help and inspiration. Do you have a link to where I can find an acrylic dome like that? I can't find one on amazon that doesn't have a lip all the way around it.

[@EvilTedSmith]

+blaidemaiden Always kind of hit and miss. I'd suggest checking with local plastic manufacturers.

[@robmeyer7985]

So, a few dumb questions: (1) why not a hairdryer? Temp too low? (2) What temp is ideal? Depends on the thickness of the EVA foam? (3) How do you know when the foam is ready for forming and not ready to collapse from too much heat? When it just gets floppy?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Hello Rob, 1. Not hot enough to shape foam. 2 & 3 Heat gun temp, it's all trial an error.

[@robmeyer7985]

@@EvilTedSmith Thx!

[@StephenOsirusCovers]

sir, I had a question in regards to heat bending with a bowl. can the same thing be achieved with a bowl that has a flat bottom? I'm wondering cause I'm trying to figure out how to make a rounded bevel without the use of a belt sander

[@EvilTedSmith]

Not sure? Try it out.

[@vincetanner2155]

how hot are you heating the 1/2" foam to form it to the bowl?

[@EvilTedSmith]

Heat gun HOT!

[@HelimeNasher]

Very good job

[@EvilTedSmith]

Thank you so much 😀