I'm going to increase my skill set by learning to turn my own nosecones. All the various build threads and resources I find all show using a pink foam. I just returned from the hardware store and all they carried was a blue foam (made by Dow and they were 4 x 8 sheets) and white foam (unnamed manufacture, 2 x 4 sheets). Can I use either of those? I do plan to fiberglass over the foam.
Thanks,
Alan
NAR/TRA Level 2
Alan:
either Pink and Blue panels available from the big box home repair stores will work. As Greg was saying you just want to be sure your getting open cell foam, that means it doesn't clumble into little round balls when it's rubbed or broken, rather a fine almost sandy particles. plain Old white closecell styrofoam can be used but your gonna end up with a much rougher core than with the open cell materials.
I've even used floral foam from Micheals in a pinch but it's really crumbly, I'd stick with either Pink or blue Styrofoam building insulation panels instead. I usually buy 1", 2" or 3" thick material for turning.
Be sure to ware at least a particle mask while turning the stuff, you don't want to be breathing in the dust
Even better, though way more expensive are the Hi-density urethane foams. Any of them form 15 to 22 lb/cu ft are great for turning cones.
Hope this helps a little and Good luck with your turnings.