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APPENDIX:
The Tools: (and things you’ll need)
1) Knives: a Razor knife, and an X-Acto would both be useful.
2) Glue: 3M “Insulation 78” contact cement, or Foam-Safe CA, or Elmer’s
White glue, or RC-56 type white glue, or Epoxy. You’ll probably want a
couple of these for good measure.
3) Tape: You’ll want 2” wide clear packing tape, and also some “crystal clear”
Scotch Tape if you can find it. If not, you can cut down the packing tape.
4) Sandpaper. Any Medium grit should do fine.
5) Pliers: Something suitable for wire bending.
The Techniques: You’ll probably want to practice these on a piece of the scrap
foam.
1) “Tapers & Angled Cuts”
a) It's almost impossible to cut a straight line freehand. So, what's your
number one tool for angled cuts? Your kitchen counter. Why not?
Formica is everybody's first choice for making hotwire templates, and
it’s tough, so use it where you find it. Lay your foam on the counter with
the end of the foam flush exactly at the edge of the counter. To
accurately control the angle of the cut, position your metal ruler on top
of the foam. If you place the straightedge directly above the counter’s
edge, you get a perfectly straight cut. If you slide the ruler back from
the edge, you get a perfect angled cut. Just make sure to get your
fingers out of the way as the hot wire or knife comes by.
b) Your other option gives you a little more time while you’re working.
Simply Cut & Peel the area where the bevel is going to be, and then
using a medium sandpaper like 200, or 250, carefully sand away the
bare foam until you have a smooth angle.
2) “Glue”
a) To build the Pelican, I recommend your choice of:
i) Epoxy
ii)
Foam Safe Superglue (CA)
iii) Hot Glue (Especially “Long Working Time” Hot Glue)
iv) 3M-78 Spray on Contact Cement
b) “Working with contact cement”
The contact cement will test your patience. I know you’ll be
tempted to stick the pieces together immediately, but don’t be give in.
The 3M-78 will form the strongest bond, if you allow it to dry for AT
LEAST 8 minutes before putting the pieces together, and probably
much longer. Put the glue on BOTH surfaces to be joined. If you’re not
used to contact cement, remember you really only get ONE CHANCE at
putting the pieces together. It really is instant gluing! (except for the
waiting, but that’s already over at that point)
The 3M-78 is ideally a spray glue, and there are some instances
where you can actually spray it during this project. You’ll want to make
sure that you carefully mask off any areas where you don’t want the
glue. You can do this by cutting custom shaped glue shields out of
