Members SolarLeatherMachines Posted June 28, 2017 Members Report Posted June 28, 2017 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 Quote Alexander
Members Anubis78 Posted June 30, 2017 Author Members Report Posted June 30, 2017 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 Quote
Members SolarLeatherMachines Posted July 3, 2017 Members Report Posted July 3, 2017 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 Quote Alexander
Members Anubis78 Posted August 2, 2017 Author Members Report Posted August 2, 2017 Wow, but how long does it hold shape/firmness? Quote
Members Sonydaze Posted August 2, 2017 Members Report Posted August 2, 2017 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. Quote http://www.bound2please.com Sewing machines: 3 - Sunstar 590BL, Artisan Toro 3200, Juki LK-1900HS, Juki DDL-8500-7, Juki DDL-5550N, Pfaff 138-6/21, Pfaff 546-H3, Pfaff 335-H3, Adler 221-76, Singer 144WVS33, Singer 29K-51, Siruba 747B
Members SolarLeatherMachines Posted August 4, 2017 Members Report Posted August 4, 2017 A long time. At least 5 years since I first used it. Quote Alexander
Members DrmCa Posted August 18, 2017 Members Report Posted August 18, 2017 Open cell foam deteriorates much quicker and breaks down into dust under stress, such as in the folds. Quote Machines: Mitsubishi DB-130 single needle, Kansai Special RX-9803/UTC coverstitch, Union Special 56300F chainstitch, Pfaff 335-17 cylinder arm walking foot, Bonis Type A fur machine, Huji 43-6 patcher, Singer 99 hand cranked, Juki DDL-553 single needle (for sale)
Members Silverd Posted June 3, 2018 Members Report Posted June 3, 2018 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 Quote
Members Jarednem Posted October 21, 2019 Members Report Posted October 21, 2019 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? Quote
Members Silverd Posted October 23, 2019 Members Report Posted October 23, 2019 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 Quote
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