What are the pros and cons of the following blanks: Clark Walker XRT Styro Beaded (the ones Jim Phillips is talking about I have only used Clark, but am very interested in stryro Foam blanks but I am a bit confused about beaded stryro, extruded styro…etc. I hear extruded stryro is difficult to shape???
- EPS is the most difficult foam to shape, the beads could be easily torn off, needs spackling work. Cheap cost and easily to obtain. Have to use epoxy resin to glass it. 2) Styrofoam also work with expoxy only, easy to shape but hard to otabin a large block. 3) PU foam just like the Clark can be done in both epoxy or polyester resin. Regards, Crabie
One part of the equation… This refers to pink extruded (Owens-Corning) Styro. extruded styro - tends to tear easily. it has more flex and give (& memory) than Clark foam, but you must plane it slowly and be careful with sanding it out. Almost anything stuck to the sandpaper will catch and tear a line of nicks into the foam. Not good to touch this stuff with a surform, or (IMO) lower than an 60 grit paper. On the pro - side. It doesn’t dent quite as easy as clark, does not (apparently) absorb water, and seems to be stronger than clark. I think this stuff might be great for machine shaping as the router cut it absolutely clean when I cut the holes for my fin boxes. there are others here who can tell you much more. Those styro blanks that Jim and Herb are discussing sound very promising… EJ
Yes, those blanks Herb and Jim are talking about do sound very promising, I can’t wait to find out where they are available???