Where can I buy a block of foam

[DaJe]

So I plan on building something that would require a mold. I'm thinking of making it out of carbon fiber. But anyways, I'll need to build something to mold it around first. I was thinking of using wood, as it seems more sturdy and all of that. But I'm thinking I might want to use foam instead. It's easier to carve, especially for curved areas. Though rather than make one big thing to mold over, I may make it in pieces, and wood would be good for some parts. But anyways, I need a sturday block of foam, to carve, and then mold over. Where can I find it?

[.Maleficus.]

Local hardware store. Easiest place I'd say. Call up a few, and ask if they have big blocks of sturdy foam.

[calumc]

just get a can of expanding foam and you'll have less waste

[tybrenis]

Expandable foam MIGHT work, but you would have to ensure that you got no bubbles when you were casting the block. Then, provided you got a good cast, you could then carve it to shape. Also, a home depot type store will have big sheets of foam insulation that would work, but the thickest I've ever seen is only 2" thick. Perhaps two sheets could be glued together? Look into the use of acetone to bond the two surfaces.

Your best bet, however, is a hobby shop that sells indoor flowers and similar, such as an AC moore type shop. They sell large green blocks of expanded foam to stick fake flowers in...

[Greco101]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n79fsJ5sQ4&mode=related&search=

I'm not sure if it says in there because I don't have time atm to watch it all the way through but I'd imagine it does.

http://www.mnpctech.com/casemods

[Spawn-Inc]

Greco101 is on the right track with those guys in the video. here is the video were they start to cut the foam and talk a bit about the tools. the foam part starts at 7:00 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dn8Y1cGOPE&mode=related&search=

[nil8]

I think tybrenis is right. Go into your local flower shop and ask them about it. See how much they'd charge you for a stiff foam block in the dimensions you're looking for or ask where they get them and contact their distributor. Most mom & pop shops will help you out.