Tools and Materials:
-----Foam----
1/2" Foam Floor Mats - Materials of choice for making your armor. It comes in a variety of colors too!
1/4" Foam Roll Mat - 72 in X 24 in Roll of thinner EVA foam.
6mm Craft Foamies - Thinner foam for details!
2mm Foam Roll - Even THINNER foam for detail work and it even comes in a rather large roll.
----Pattern Making----
Patterning Paper - This is durable builders paper that is perfect for patterning. Its a lot easier to use this than taping endless pieces of computer paper together.
----Cutting Material----
Designer Series X-Acto Blade Handle - I had a lot of problems with my hands cramping after long hours of X-Acto use. This handle has dramatically reduced that and it gives me a lot more control. A little more expensive than a regular X-Acto blade handle though.
Standard X-Acto Blade Handle - Your standard X-Acto blade for cutting foam!
X-Acto Blade Refill - Replacement blades for your X-Acto handle.
Snap off utility Knifes - Use this for your big cuts. X-Acto is perfect for details while this is perfect for long cuts. This is also your best option for cutting nice clean angles.
Blade Sharpener - Sharpen your dull razor blades. When blades begin to dull they start to tear foam. making clean cuts next to impossible. This has saved me hundreds of dollars. A few passes and my blade is good as new.
Cutting Mat - A must have for cutting foam. Not only will not dull your razors but it will protect your table. The grid pattern is really great for one last measurement before you cut!
----Sanding and Detailing----
Dremal/Rotary tool - I use this for everything, detailing, sanding rough spots, rounding edges everything. Dont bother with the cordless models, you need the power of the corded ones. Also make sure you get a variable speed one. It will make your life 100 times easier.
Rotary Accessory kit - A really nice kit to get you started, sanding drums, wire burshes and cut off wheels.
Belt Sander - When you need to remove the textured side of EVA foam this is one of the fastest ways.
----Glue and Adhesives----
Barge All Purpose Cement - The BEST glue for all your foam projects. It dries very quickly and leaves you with an incredibly strong yet flexible bond.
Super Glue - This is 5 second set super glue. Perfect for emergency repairs and small projects.
----Heat Gun----
Duel Temp Heat Gun - Making foam curve can be a challenge. By applying heat however you can easily mold foam into some really nice curves. Breast plates, shoulder pads, leg armor, all made much easier with the application of some heat and hand pressure.
----Sealing Foam----
Plasti dip - Before you paint your armor or prop you need to seal it. Plasti Dip is your best option. A 4 or 5 coats and your foam will be completely protected and ready for paint! It is fairly toxic so make sure you wear a respirator and spray in a well ventilated area!
----Safety----
Respirator - Plasti dip, foam dust all of that stuff is not very good for your lungs. Dont be stupid use a respirator.
-----Foam----
1/2" Foam Floor Mats - Materials of choice for making your armor. It comes in a variety of colors too!
1/4" Foam Roll Mat - 72 in X 24 in Roll of thinner EVA foam.
6mm Craft Foamies - Thinner foam for details!
2mm Foam Roll - Even THINNER foam for detail work and it even comes in a rather large roll.
----Pattern Making----
Patterning Paper - This is durable builders paper that is perfect for patterning. Its a lot easier to use this than taping endless pieces of computer paper together.
----Cutting Material----
Designer Series X-Acto Blade Handle - I had a lot of problems with my hands cramping after long hours of X-Acto use. This handle has dramatically reduced that and it gives me a lot more control. A little more expensive than a regular X-Acto blade handle though.
Standard X-Acto Blade Handle - Your standard X-Acto blade for cutting foam!
X-Acto Blade Refill - Replacement blades for your X-Acto handle.
Snap off utility Knifes - Use this for your big cuts. X-Acto is perfect for details while this is perfect for long cuts. This is also your best option for cutting nice clean angles.
Blade Sharpener - Sharpen your dull razor blades. When blades begin to dull they start to tear foam. making clean cuts next to impossible. This has saved me hundreds of dollars. A few passes and my blade is good as new.
Cutting Mat - A must have for cutting foam. Not only will not dull your razors but it will protect your table. The grid pattern is really great for one last measurement before you cut!
----Sanding and Detailing----
Dremal/Rotary tool - I use this for everything, detailing, sanding rough spots, rounding edges everything. Dont bother with the cordless models, you need the power of the corded ones. Also make sure you get a variable speed one. It will make your life 100 times easier.
Rotary Accessory kit - A really nice kit to get you started, sanding drums, wire burshes and cut off wheels.
Belt Sander - When you need to remove the textured side of EVA foam this is one of the fastest ways.
----Glue and Adhesives----
Barge All Purpose Cement - The BEST glue for all your foam projects. It dries very quickly and leaves you with an incredibly strong yet flexible bond.
Super Glue - This is 5 second set super glue. Perfect for emergency repairs and small projects.
----Heat Gun----
Duel Temp Heat Gun - Making foam curve can be a challenge. By applying heat however you can easily mold foam into some really nice curves. Breast plates, shoulder pads, leg armor, all made much easier with the application of some heat and hand pressure.
----Sealing Foam----
Plasti dip - Before you paint your armor or prop you need to seal it. Plasti Dip is your best option. A 4 or 5 coats and your foam will be completely protected and ready for paint! It is fairly toxic so make sure you wear a respirator and spray in a well ventilated area!
----Safety----
Respirator - Plasti dip, foam dust all of that stuff is not very good for your lungs. Dont be stupid use a respirator.