Using Foamcore: Part 3

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Part 1 of this foamcore series is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZnJfJR6jZeDaM0 Part 2 is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5qtZaqcacSomsU Part 4 is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKCld62MepZ3eK8

[@CueBall909]

A technique for removing boards and components that I've seen used a lot on BGG is to put a ribbon underneath, attached to the bottom at the far end. That allows you to pull the end of the ribbon to lift up the pieces. Sort of like the little tabs used in electronics to allow easy removal of batteries. You might consider doing the same thing for each "layer", so that you don't have to bend the box outwards to pull each level out.

[@Widget0205]

One thing that helped me when building my Descent box is to get a simple T-square. It's perfect for making sure your cuts are straight and really speeds up the process.

[@clemensruis]

I just stumpled upon this video series by luck - and I'm really glad I did. I don't really play table top games - but this idea can be used on pretty much anything! For makers to keep their things sorted, like for electronic components or modules. For your home to keep it tidy and to be able to sort your stuff. I have lots of large containers which lack dividers - and with this I can make custom-sized dividers and segments. Awesome!

[@clemensruis]

Or a custom-made jewelry box for my GF. You could make it look really nice too (like using acrylic insets, paint, aluminium tape, glue-on decorations)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

That's true! Foamcore is a very useful material indeed.

[@alastairblake]

A thing you can do to keep everything in it's place when transporting is to cut another "base" that you put on the top layer as a lid that stays flush with all the internal separators underneath. And you can use those pins you love so much for extra grip to keep the lid on. Or flat elastic bands if you don't want holes. Or, if you're really OCD and have enough time and you want a really professional looking box you can insert tiny neodymium magnets into the foam of the lid and into the layer underneath. :D

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Yeah, magnets are always fun! Usually I just use the cardboard insert (if there is one) cut to the size of the box as a kind of lid. But I always also store and transport my games horizontally.

[@ReallyBigBadAndy76]

Almost five years old and this video is still helping people (me) understand how to work with foam core. Thanks for making these!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

My most popular videos, I think. Cheers!

[@boardgamecloset]

Thanks for sharing. Made a few rookie mistakes but I can't wait to do this for some of my games. I was a ziplock bag nut. I put everything in bags but now with custom inserts I think I can let go of my obsession with plastic bags :)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

I was exactly the same.

[@waltercardcollector]

@@EsotericOrderGamers Me too! But now one of the ways I measure how effective my insert is is by how many plastic bags it saves me haha

[@ExcalibursZone]

One thing you could do for cards is add a ribbon that goes underneath the cards and is glued & pinned in place under a wall. That will allow you to tug on the ribbon and access the cards as well. :) Thanks for the tutorials!

[@htrabj]

Great tutorial! Super helpful - I just built my first two organizers using your tutorial and they came out great. One small difference - with all the components in the box, I used a mechanical pencil to mark off where I needed walls, then took all the pieces out, then built the walls. Turned out better that way because I'm a newbie and used WAY too much glue initially :)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

It's excellent to get the perspective of someone doing this for the first time Julia, thanks!

[@RussFoster]

This is an awesome tutorial. I'm not sure why it's taken me so long to find this. I've been making my own organization for games using cereal boxes, card stock, and plastic bags. What you've done is an entirely different level. I especially like how you addressed making a notch to pull cards out. I also like how you re-used the original cardboard insert. I always hated just throwing out the original insert, since it usually has some texture/flavor/picture on it. Using it as a lid and separator is genius. Nice job on the tutorial!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Glad you enjoyed it Russ! Please subscribe (turn on all notifications!) and check out my other videos and the website. :)

[@mrpaulommf]

Hi, great idea using foamcore. Inspired by you I made myself 3 inserts, Arkham Horror (basically just the cards, for base game and 2 board expansions); GoT LCG (base, 2 big exp. & 3 chapters) and Mansion of Madness (base & Alchemy exp., the medium and small monsters didn't fit. Very proud of myself! Thanks for the video!!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Thanks folks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@StephanBeal]

2:30 - i can highly recommend getting a ruler which has an anti-slip rubber strip along the bottom (some have cork, too, IIRC).

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Excellent idea.

[@sharon94503]

Cricut makes a great 18" aluminum, rubber grip bottom safety ruler with a raised ridge to protect your fingers.

[@samfrey6205]

Thank you so much for this series of videos. I have completed an insert for my Marvel Legendary Game and now I have room for all of my cards again. It was fun, and very rewarding. I made a couple of mistakes, but nothing from which I could not recover. Again, thank you for this. I see myself doing this much more.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Sam Frey Great to hear!

[@le12ro]

Sam Frey Hey, I was thinking to do an insert for all of my Marvel Legendary. Do you mind posting a few pictures how yours look like?

[@le12ro]

Sam Frey Hey, I was thinking to do an insert for all of my Marvel Legendary. Do you mind posting a few pictures how yours look like?

[@samfrey6205]

I am kind of new at Google+ so I was not sure how to put the picture in this reply. So, follow this link. plus.google.com/105513555718600184718/posts/YFhwENiPfJ2

[@samfrey6205]

I made cuts on each of the walls for the board. You can see it if you zoom in.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

The Descent foamcore plans are on the website. More vids in the works!

[@EviLNox8]

I actually came across these videos as I was googling "foam board" because I wanted to find where I can get some so I can make an insert for Caverna. And just figured I would watch. I found some sheets, not as large as yours for $1 each, but they are only about half the size of the large sheet you used. If I enjoy the caverna project, I will likely make inserts for all of my games.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+EviLNox8 Those sheets cost about NZD$24 each here!

[@EviLNox8]

Wow, that's about $17 USD. My sheets are 30"x20" but I was only able to get white.

[@Kanvass01]

Great tutorial man, very unique idea to make a video about too. Well done.

[@Fishingwiththefishers]

This is such a helpful series. Thanks so much man!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Thanks for watching Gavin!

[@jordanr.4614]

Been painting Descent 2nd edition while watching [all] your videos. Loving what you do with the foam core. I just finished putting everything except the largest models in mini plastic containers/tackle boxes, but after seeing your Descent box at the end of this video I'm thinking I might have to reconsider. I also laminated my hero cards, which I haven't seen anyone else mention. Hope to see more vids from you :)

Thank you for these videos. I've done some inserts for my boardgames before but the tips you give here are very valuable ! Nice job !

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Glad I could be of help.

[@feytertom]

awesome series of videos - definitely using these techniques to give my Concordia game a makeover!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Excellent!

[@dyeyk2000]

You have inspired me to take another shot at taming this material called -- "foamcore"

[@TheDudeAbides-247]

How about creating a stockpile of insert components that can be glued into the game box as needed? One type for standard sized cards, one for counters, one for dice, etc. You could build an inventory and plunk them into the boxes, and make custom bins for off-sized areas when needed. Cut the custom bottom piece of foam board and then lay down the bins you need from your stockpile.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+Dan Limbach Interesting idea, but given the wide variations of box, card and component sizes, I'm not sure it could work practically.

[@Avataarkaap]

Thanks. This was great! You've inspired me to make one for my Blood Rage set.

[@elsymirj425]

Thanks for this series of videos. It looks like I have quite a bit of work ahead of me, because so many of my games need this treatment. Luckily, I do have quite a bit of foamcore sitting around.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

It will, never fear! I've done over 100 of them, but you'll be cutting and gluing with the best of them after you've done a couple. :)

[@davelandrytube]

Great series! Thanks. Would love to see detailed plans for the D&D board games (LoD, WoA, etc)

[@barbaobardo2692]

Amazing, clean cuts. Congratulations!!!!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

A sharp blade is the key. Watch your fingers!

[@hypersapien]

you missed an important warning: customizing your board games is extremely addictive!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

WARNING: customizing your board games is extremely addictive!

[@hypersapien]

The Esoteric Order of Gamers heh heh

[@mrbrianparker]

Right, I'm inspired. I'm going to do this.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Go for it!

[@TheDudeAbides-247]

Awesome insert. I like the angled pieces that allow you to get a finger in to lift out the cards. Could you do this with just one angled piece that is a bit longer than half the width of the space? It would save cutting and gluing 2 pieces.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+Dan Limbach Sure, I sometimes do that.

[@kevindomara]

This was super helpful, thank you!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Great to hear, well done!

[@magnoliasouth]

First, one suggestion I have (for people like me who make glue messes) is to use plastic wrap to cover your components before laying them in there. Then you're all good. Just be sure that the bunched up areas where the plastic wrap folds over itself faces upward toward the top of the box. This way it doesn't skew measurements. Second, AWESOME VIDEO SET!!!!! I watch a lot of demonstrative videos here but this, by far, is one of the most useful I've just about ever seen. This is not limited to gaming. This is useful for organizing desk drawers, my panties (yes, I'll say it because we women wear them... well, most of us) my socks, my jewelry, crafting do-dads and my whatever else I feel like organizing because I'm OCD that way. You do make it look much easier than it probably is. I'm a terrible line cutter. I'm a terrible keeping everything the right uniform size person. If you like knitted sweaters with one side shorter than the other or one arm tighter than the other, then I'm the knitter for you. Though mine may not be as perfect as yours, it'll still be just as useful. Many, many thanks for sharing! I truly love your videos and I very rarely pass out this much praise. :)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+magnoliasouth Well, I'm very pleased indeed to receive it, thankyou. Great to hear that these videos have been so useful for you!

[@michaelmiles1014]

Beautiful work.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Cheers!

[@semikruller]

Building my first box now. Lining the bottom of the miniatures spaces with stickyback magnet inserts and then applying round magnets underneath my minis..

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Nice one, I've been meaning to experiement with that myself.

[@davidheukers]

Thanks for this great videos! Looking forward to bring some in action myself. And I see I need to get me some pins... Would like to see some more details about multi-layers of inserts someday... (Tutorial 4? ;)) And I don't know if you do requests, but Mage Knight would be my first to go... Since I sleeve cards they don't fit in their boxes anymore...:) Thanks again for the very clear instructions!

[@JulysHobbyWorkship]

Thanks for the video, simply amazing. Now you have inspired me to go and make inserts for my games :)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Excellent, another convert! :)

[@rlbonham]

One idea on the card slots - how about drilling a 5/8" hole right between the gap to grab the cards? This way you can actually get the tip of your finger under the bottom card to help pull up all cards. Thank you much, btw, on your work for this video!!!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Interesting idea!

[@CronicasDeSal]

Incredible video! Thanks a lot for all your work! Too bad for me I just can't find foam core here in Brazil...

[@blueeyed32]

Building my second game insert!

[@gabrielhervas8999]

Thanks for this videos of using Foamcore! thank you so much!!!!!!

[@jasondazed]

Looks great, thanks for the tutorial!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Thanks very much - and go for it!

[@hobie1dog]

Very enjoyable and helpful

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Excellent!

[@MrCai01]

Thanks very much for these videos, I've now made a few for myself, loving them all so thanks very much for inspiring me to giving foamcore a try. One thing I did add, is I printed images related to the game onto a thick card, and stuck them into the bottom of the foamcore base. Such as here (game of thrones): i.imgur.com/aFUfmIZl.jpg Thanks again!

Thanks for the video! It really motivated me to try to create my own insert. But I hace a question, though. I have seen plenty of multilayer amazing inserts in the BBG, with detachable parts that help a really quick setup. How do you approach an insert like that? Do you first cut a piece as big as the base and divide it in the sections of the desired level or do you measure each piece individually? thanks in advance for your help. And if you want to make a video about an insert like that... who am I to stop you? ;-)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

For an example of that kind of thing, check out the Merchant of Venus plans on my website. There's no special technique really. I usually make a base-sized box into which I place separate trays, but it depends on the game and the space I need for the components.

[@JanisGoldmanis]

Really appreciate the tutorials, thank you!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

You're welcome Janis!

[@heikek9998]

Thank you very much. Now I will try it.

[@Bear4rms]

Very inspiring! Thanks!

[@woosnext]

how thick is the foam board you are using? And what size would you recommend for one sheet of foam core to provide enough material for a "regular" sized game (like the fantasy flight boxes). I'd like to build a box insert for Eldritch Horror and Legends of Andor.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

5mm. Buy a big sheet and experiment, I'm afraid I can't tell you how much to buy as there are too many variables.

[@MrsBobsMom]

Great videos! How do you go about determining how big the compartment needs to be to hold a bunch of tokens? Probably by now you can just eyeball it, but do you have any tips for this when starting out?

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Eyeball it. :) No really, just put the tokens in there and estimate. How accurate you have to be will depend on how many components you have in the whole game. If you're worried, create the interior spaces by attaching the walls with pins and no glue, so you can adjust once you've designed the whole thing, then glue it all in one go.

[@iamlordstark]

This is how these type of board games should come packaged already lol xD! Great job though :)!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Yes, if only every game had a custom-made box insert ... unfortunately we must make our own a lot of the time.

[@Dextergec413]

man, I don't know how you cut so straight. I'm here just flying all over the place. the ruler moves or my knife pops out. I've got all sorts of uneven edges lol.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

It just takes a bit of practice Dex!

[@AnthonyRoberto]

I'm really struggling getting strong right angles when I cut... any additional tips? I've tried holding the blade up straight, but still no luck. Thanks!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

It's just practice, you'll get the hang of it in no time. Use a sharp blade, get above the cut as you make it, and remember you don't have to cut right through in one cut so let the blade do the cutting, not the force behind it. Watch the fingers!

[@GreggBolinger]

All that organization and bare naked cards (no sleeves)? Blasphemy! HAHA. Great videos. Time to head to the craft store. Thanks for sharing your hard work with us.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

I just can't get into the sleeving thing, it just seems to ruin the 'feel' of cards for me!

[@juencadu]

I just can say, thank you!

[@eastcoastboardgamer]

Well I am heading out to buy foamcore now to give this try!!! Here goes nothing lol. Thanks for the videos!!!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

You're welcome. Good luck!

[@mrpaulommf]

oi, eu moro em Brasília e comprei com alguma facilidade. Outro nome usado aqui é foã ou foam. É comum como material de arquitetura.

[@justinrrizzo]

Great. Thanks. Cheers.

[@DonStavar]

Can we get a foamcore plan for Cyclades plz ?

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+Stavris V My copy is in storage at the moment, sorry!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Great idea. Just be careful when using a plastic T-square with a sharp knife.

[@Scribblescrabbly]

Any chance you'll be providing plans for Betrayal at House on the Hill?

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Sometime in the future perhaps. I've designed one, but my copy is, unfortunately, in storage at the moment.

[@TheDudeAbides-247]

Plus, he gave us the method of designing our own inserts. No harm in trying it on your own rather than waiting. It's just inexpensive foam core and time. Put on some music, ice down some good beer, and have at it.

[@Scribblescrabbly]

+Dan Limbach Yup that's exactly what I ended up doing. :)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+Albert Good advice Dan!

[@forger42]

How thick are those foamcores? 5mm?

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+Lars Wrang Yes

[@shmulful]

а что за материал Вы используете ?

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+Sasha Gedz If you're asking what the material I'm using is, have a look at part 1.

[@shmulful]

The Esoteric Order of Gamers ok. hard understand nameof material. try un part one, great videon on youre channel. sorry my eangleash. Отличный канал - очень добротное видео, спасибо! Хотел просто чтоб список материалов под видео был, мне сложно на английском понять что это =)

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

+Sasha Gedz The stuff is called foamcore in English, no sure what it's called in other countries. :) The glue is simple white PVA glue. Glad youre enjoying the videos!

[@shmulful]

+The Esoteric Order of Gamers ок find its пенокартон in my counrti, это пенокартон спасибо большое!

[@Synbious]

+Sasha Gedz Where I live it's called 'foam board'.

[@zazathedevil]

Now i can set abbout building a Firefly insert so i can keep it all together thank you :D

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Go for it!

[@VictorSteiner]

Damn that glue needs long to settle .... want to go on :D

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Are you using PVA glue? It dries pretty quickly.

[@VictorSteiner]

Yes, after watching your video I googled a lot and some people talked about PVA and not wood glue (which would be PVAc or some other letter). So I bought PVA ... do you know if wood glue would also be ok? I think it's called white glue in English. The stuff takes about 20-30 minutes to really bond hard. I didn't have pins in the beginning, so everything felt less stable anyway. But it still takes its time after every step.

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

I can't comment on particular glues - I use cheap PVA white craft glue that dries clear. It bonds pretty quickly, but I use pins so I don't have to wait between every step.

[@StaffanPalm]

This might be close to blasphemy, but do you need to bother making a whole box and using a lot of board just for the bottom for other than aesthetic reasons? If all you really need are the dividers, couldn't making a frame around the edges make it sturdy enough (All the vertical parts)? Or even a grid without the frame? (Interlacing the pieces using notches half the width of the strips could help) Or to really stick my chin out, why not go ahead and glue the dividers to the game box itself!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

'Cause it'd be ugly, not as strong, and more difficult to do. :)

[@StaffanPalm]

And of course the contents would not be as well insulated from freezing winter. Thanks for sharing your foamboard wizardry!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

And zombie apocalypse. You're welcome!

[@Glisern]

If only this stuff was available in Norway...

[@mrchoochoohead9033]

protip. buy a cheap whetstone and sharpen your blade. one blade will last almost forever and it will take much longer to dull so you will get smooth cuts for longer!

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

Oooo, good idea.

[@mrchoochoohead9033]

@@EsotericOrderGamers went through about 4 blades in a week. now the blade im using has been in use since june!

[@fmoros]

Is this the same material that students use to make board projects for Science Fair?

[@EsotericOrderGamers]

I don't know, I haven't been a student for 38 years! It's called foamcore. It's a 5mm sheet of compressed foam sandwiched betwen two thin sheets of card.

[@fmoros]

then may be not... the ones i have look similar but without the 2 thin sheets. thanks

[@heli400]

why not use hot glue?

[@briansandahl4149]

excellent videos. well done man! i sell this stuff at my work. at hobby lobby you can get it with a 40% off coupon so it will be like 5$ for a 32x40 :D

[@TheDudeAbides-247]

+brian sandahl Dollar Tree sells 20x30 inch foam boards in white and black for a buck. One sheet should be enough for most inserts. Also very good for prototyping tiles, counters, and other components you want to be relatively flat and light.

[@ElwoodSilentstep]

awesome O_O