Plastazote is part of a family of plastic packaging materials that also include Evazote and Supazote. All these materials are available in (at least) black and white, with tan also common. Different densities are also available, some sound ideal for hollow punch material, though not necessarily turning on a lathe device such as a Dremel. Depending on the vendor, other colors are available.
Plastazote is available in sheets up to 1" thick. It is probably the most common of the three materials. You can commonly find this material in medical supply stores because it is used as a cushioning material for diabetic amputees (yuck!). The material is commonly in 1/4" thicknesses, and a pink/white laminate is also available. Plastazote is also available as a box insert for storage of museum artifacts and the like. I am researching this to see if I can locate the foam blocks that these storage boxes incorporate.
Evazote is tougher and more resilient. You might find some used in automotive gaskets and returnable transit packaging. If you buy a TV or some delicate, big device, check to see if you have received Evazote packing material for free. I think this is the most likely target for fly tying foam.
Supazote is softer and is commonly used in life jackets. It's the soft, squishy white material used in these floatation devices.
My next step is to visit the local foam suppliers in town to see what they have in stock... fun project, anyway.
Wes Wada Bend, Oregon
Mark Delaney wrote:
Very nicely explained Mark.� John Ridderbos said that pool noodles were open-cell - sorry John they are closed-cell - but foamed polyolefin (usually polyethylene, polymethylene for the Brits...).� the stuff can't be machined though since it will melt ery easily with any heat build up.� The sufaces often looked pitted like many open-celled foams but that is because the cells in the material are large and end up getting sliced through.� Because of those characteristics what you cut is what you get...the materials foams are made out of are myriad, but many of them have places in flytying.� but those places aren't usually interchangable, EVA (craft foam), �PVC, polyolefin foam, etc.SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
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