Ideal foam padding for leather

[SolarLeatherMachines]

8 hours ago, CaptQuirk said:

If it is sandwiched between two pieces of leather, and the leather is properly sealed, I'm thinking it would have to be drenched to be a problem?

Ugh.  Bacteria growth is a real problem.  

Always use closed cell foam if you can.  These guys sell and ship at reasonable prices.  http://www.thefoamfactory.com/closedcellfoam/closedcellfoam.html

Alexander

[Anubis78]

Thank you for the feedback!  I'm definitely gonna go with the closed cell just to be on the safe side.  

On 6/28/2017 at 6:10 PM, SolarLeatherMachines said:

Ugh.  Bacteria growth is a real problem.  

Always use closed cell foam if you can.  These guys sell and ship at reasonable prices.  http://www.thefoamfactory.com/closedcellfoam/closedcellfoam.html

Alexander

 

[SolarLeatherMachines]

This is going to crack you up:  One of the best sources of foam padding is Uline.  Back when I was making a lot of padded items, I tried their packaging foam.   It comes in different sizes and thickness, is water proof, just the right amount of cushion, easily sewn through, and above all, inexpensive.  Swear to god.   I used the 1/4" and 1/8" stuff.  

Go Here:  https://www.uline.com/BL_855/Uline-Foam-Rolls

 

 

[Anubis78]

Wow, but how long does it hold shape/firmness? 

[Sonydaze]

On 7/3/2017 at 8:15 AM, SolarLeatherMachines said:

This is going to crack you up:  One of the best sources of foam padding is Uline.  Back when I was making a lot of padded items, I tried their packaging foam.   It comes in different sizes and thickness, is water proof, just the right amount of cushion, easily sewn through, and above all, inexpensive.  Swear to god.   I used the 1/4" and 1/8" stuff.  

Go Here:  https://www.uline.com/BL_855/Uline-Foam-Rolls

 

 

+1   I have found that it works well and lasts.

[SolarLeatherMachines]

A long time.  At least 5 years since I first used it.  

[DrmCa]

Open cell foam deteriorates much quicker and breaks down into dust under stress, such as in the folds.

[Silverd]

No one is talking about the other important aspect of  selecting the best foam for a project which is the base material.  Foam comes in many material types: natural rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene and more as example. I purchase foam in various materials, thicknesses and density including in open and closed cell types including memory foam.  Take a look in the McMaster Carr on-line catalog for a wide selection.  I purchase small sample qtys of foam in a range of physical properties close to what I think will work then make a final determination based on testing the various foam samples with the actual project leather I'm using.  I bit more scientific approach than what many may have the patience for but that's how I work out a solution.  Just saying!

Silverd

[Jarednem]

Silverd, you mentioned foam types, say I wanted to make a rifle sling or a camera strap, which foam have you used and recommend? Would you just use the foam sewn onto the leather or sandwich between leather (internal padding) I have closed cell neoprene I tried using for leather coozies (that stuff grips!). Which has to best odor elimination?

 

[Silverd]

For most of my projects I use closed cell Polyurethan foam which I purchase from McMaster Carr.  I buy several thicknesses depending on the application.  For a rifle pad maybe no thicker than 1/4"  possibly 3/16" .  I use chrome tan Calf or lamb skin in 3-4 oz weight.  I cut the pad shape in the leather so that the finished pad is larger by 1/8 - 3/16" than the belt on both sides.  I then use contact cement to glue the foam pad (also cut to shape) to the leather.  Then I fold the leather over the foam on both sides so that the seam is located down the middle of the foam.  I usually trim the ends prior to all of this so that the pad blends into the belt.   Sew the pad to the belt with the seam facing in.   They look great and are quite easy to make once you get the hang of them. 

 

Good luck!

 

Silverd