Thanks to John Ridderbos and Steve Brettell for relating their experience with using hollow punches to create foam bodies. Thanks to Allan Fish for the note on the Sears drill presses.
Since I have few opportunities to angle for warm-water species, my needs for the foam are different. I don't need to turn and shape bodies for poppers (for example). What best suits my needs would be foam that floats VERY well (certain kinds of open cell foams float better than the denser close-celled foams, and I have found the typical Wal-Mart or craft store 2mm foam sheets hardly float at all...
It's a rarely found bonus if the material comes in useful colors or in white (for dyeing), and is easily produced using these punches. Often I would shape the ends of the foam cylinder with scissors, then tie it on the hook shank as the start of a fly.
I was particularly intrigued by a foam block and trout punch set at this link:
<http://www.jvlnet.com/~swinters/> scroll down to trout set description
The stainless steel punches are 3/32", 9/64", and 3/16" and designed specifically for this purpose.
When you subtract the regular cost of the six foam blocks, the punches work out to $8.60 each. Still on the high side, but possibly a workable deal for someone who does a lot of work with trout-sized foam cylinders or rods. I keep Rainey's Float Foam in business with my annual purchases, so maybe these punches will save $$ in the long run. *g* Sticks in my craw to have to pay $4 for 2 feet of rubber rod!
Something for the Christmas list.
Wes Wada Bend, Oregon
