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The pre-cut insert however was only designed for small 1.25" EPs, and some rectangular blocks?
Thus, fitting modern EPs is a challenge.
I look hard, but could not find any cubed foam insert of the right size. Besides, cubed foam is typically too soft to hold heavier EPs; and cubes fray with time. It was about time to learn how to make my own custom inserts.
I like to store EPs standing and needed a way to cut smooth circles of various sizes. I have considered hot wire foam cutters, hole saws, electric knives. Then, stumbled by chance on Youtube video of a guy using copper couplings - brilliant!
I bought a few 1" polyethylene foam sheets of eBay to cut to the size and stuck to desired depth (2" for this case). I went with polyethylene because it does not absorb moisture and resists compacting better than polyurethane.
Surprisingly, local hardware stores don't carry copper couplings larger then 1". eBay to the rescue again! These three sizes cover most of my EP collection except a few large EPs. I sharpen one side of each coupling and tested them on a foam piece. Basically, you apply a bit of pressure with your hand and twist it as you go. Works like a charm! Nice professional holes.
A nice job Bigzmy, forstner bits work well on this type of foam also.
Gabrielle See Far Sticks: Elita 103/1575, AOM FLT 105/1000, Bresser 127/1200 BV, Nočný stopár 152/1200, Vyrobené doma 70/700, Stellarvue NHNG DX 80/552, TAL RS 100/1000, Vixen SD115s/885 EQ: TAL MT-1, Vixen SXP, SXP2, AXJ, AXD Az/Alt: AYO Digi II, Stellarvue M2C, Argo Navis encoders on both Tripods: Berlebach Planet (2), Uni 28 Astro, Report 372, TAL factory maple, Vixen ASG-CB90, Vixen AXD-TR102 Diagonals: Astro-Physics, Baader Amici, Baader Herschel, iStar Blue, Stellarvue DX, Tak prism, TAL, Vixen Eyepieces: Antares to Zeiss (1011110) The only culture I have is from yogurt
Looks great Andrey !! Excellent idea on the couplings.
Can you post links on where you bought the polyethelene foam and the couplings from?
And also to the youtube video? My EP case pluck foam is starting to deform
ARock wrote: ↑Tue May 28, 2019 1:41 am
Looks great Andrey !! Excellent idea on the couplings.
Can you post links on where you bought the polyethelene foam and the couplings from?
And also to the youtube video? My EP case pluck foam is starting to deform
Bigzmey another thanks for an excellent thread! I will be sure to follow this up for my EP's. (The ones not already in a box that is).
Refractor - APQ 130 Reflector - Meade SCT Au coating. Mount - AYOMaster (on order)
Cameras - Blads, D70s, D3300, Lunar and Planetary Cameras (2)
DIY Glass - German military and opthalmic sourced items, AGFA AVIPHOT DIA C