I was wondering if anyone else is using this material to make arbors. Found it on Amazon, not hard as the Flexcoat arbors, but lighter and easier to work.

Urethane foam comes in different densities. The Sculpture foam density varies depending on the manufacturer and what type sculpture it is intended for. I woundn't think you'd want anything less than about 8lb for the best combination of rigidity to weight.

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Mike,
I agree with Tom; ~8lb foam would probably offer the best density / rigidity to weight ratio. While higher density foams would be OK and really wouldn’t add much weight due to the rather small size, lower density foam may not be as resilient to the repeated forces applied under a reel seat. One also needs to consider the actual type of material used to make the foam. Most rod building foam arbors and grip material is polyurethane which is a very good choice. Much of the foam core sheet material for the structural “sandwich” composite industry is a type of PVC (such as Divinycell) which is also an obviously good choice. Those are the only two that I know of which are compatible for the composite industry, rod building included, hence I cannot comment on any others. Basically, if you can dent it with very firm finger pressure, it may not be a high enough density or an incorrect material (styrofoam ect.).

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I have used foam arbor material to make ramps off the ends of spin reel seats, and it works very well. Easy to turn to shape and with a couple coats of wrap epoxy on them, I've never had a failure. I don't use rod holders, though. The density is unknown to me but most of mine have been Batsons.

It takes paint very well and if painted white or ivory, it makes a great background for feather inlays or decals.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input.

Mike

What about 16 pound density?

Building rods in MA, Building the community around the world

Way too much. That stuff is like concrete and about as heavy.

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