Re: [Paddlewise] blowing foam

Kevin Whilden wrote:
> 
> I hate cutting, sanding, grinding, or any other kind of shaping of minicell
> foam. [snip]

> But now I've got a whole new system that results in a perfectly fitting,
> custom molded foam support every time. The only tools that are needed are a
> scale, some popsicle sticks, some plastic food bags, and the always handy
> latex gloves. The foam used is two-part expanding resin foam, which "blows"
> out to large volumes and becomes very rigid and durable (though slightly
> brittle) in about five minutes after mixing. 

Kevin's got a great system going; I think I might be ready to try this. 
Plastic bags are critical, and don't skimp in the thickness; ditto the latex
gloves.

Two caveats:

1. One of the components of these polyurethane foams is a possible sensitizer
for some folks, and skin contact is a definite no-no.  Not an issue for most.

2. On _long_, persistent submersion, PU foam breaks down (takes many
weeks/months, IIRC), so that this stuff is a compromised material for flotation
in boats.  Probably not an issue for the use here.

Bob Denton has already mentioned the UV degradation.

For those who are environmentally conscious, the "blowing agent" in PU foam is
no longer a CFC (ozone killer), but plain old CO2, from a controlled amount of
water in the formulation.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
who enjoys sculpting minicell
and sometimes glues chunks back in to cover his mistakes!
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