Foam rubber for molding press

[Rayban]

Looking for a source for 1" thick foam rubber to use with a press to mold leather.

I understand I need 4 , 12 x 12 x 1 pieces

[Rayban]

Need sources for foam rubber (or similar product) to use for molding leather using a hydrolic press.

Thanks,

[battlemunky]

If you can't find it raw, the garden section at your local home improvement store has the kneeling pads.

[Rayban]

Good idea, thanks.

 

[thunter9]

rayban where are you

you want what is known as cloud crepe it coms in 48 iron 1 inch 

[Colt Hammerless]

Searching here on Leatherworker, the most commonly recommended material for press molding things like holsters, is 1 inch thick natural gum rubber at 40 durometer hardness.  The least expensive I've seen it is here:

https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/31934656

You can get it in 12 x 12 on there, but it's a little cheaper to get it in a 12 x 24 sheet and cut it in half.

Paul

[thunter9]

if your in ohio go to a shoe repair shop and asked to see some soletech cloud crepe so you can tell if thats what you want then order it in

 

[thunter9]

crepe comes in different density 30x36  1/2   runs 35 or so glue together 

 

 not made true gum rubber for years

 

might as well go with some of the new corks that out there

 

[thunter9]

take an old saddle pad synthetic and cut that up

 

they got those floor mats also

 

[thunter9]

i always wanted to make a vacuum system and use that. never got any further that the pump

 

[Dwight]

6 hours ago, Rayban said:

Need sources for foam rubber (or similar product) to use for molding leather using a hydrolic press.

Thanks,

Try this one:  https://www.ebay.com/itm/387-1C-Rubber-Natural-Gum-1-In-Thick-12-x-36-In/381935295108?hash=item58ed1e1a84:g:70EAAOSwIFtaDzVf

May God bless,

Dwight

[Rayban]

Unless someone has good reason to talk me out of it, this is what I've decided to go with:

https://www.zoro.com/e-james-rubber-sheet-gum-1thick-12x12-40a-387-1a/i/G0303064/#specifications

[thunter9]

all those look like synthetic to me maybe cork & glue as thermo cork

 

 

[mikesc]

The one that Rayban has chosen says it is "natural rubber"..
ps..I love that zoro website..especially the "about us" :)

Edited November 20, 2017 by mikesc

[Rayban]

Got them in yesterday...wow, FREE overnight delivery...Zoro rocks!!  I didn't expect the stuff to be so dense, but then it's my first rodio with this process.

Just waiting for the steel plate I've ordered now.

I'm told by more than one experienced holster maker that my 6-ton press should do the job.....if I'm not happy I might need to step up to the 12-ton. Harbor Freight is just 10 minutes up the road.

[thunter9]

if you build a vacuum table [ pan]  and used  1/8 in latex sheeting  for the bladder you should be able to use that . never molded holsters but i build custom ankle braces and molded with vac. and it worked sweet