I know that this topic has been visited many times...I read a lot of posts here already.  I'm just wondering if you that use reticulated foam use it for everything.  I've used 1/2" reticulated quite often, however, I still purchase the regular polyfoam from Hancock fabrics also.  It seems with the current price of polyfoam, I could get the reticulated for even cheaper...would you use simply that then?  Or do you think there is still a "place" for polyfoam? 
Guess I'm just wanting some input on all of this, especially since cost has been going up.
Also, everyone please feel free to post where you purchase your foam (poly and reticulated) for the best prices.  It's always nice to get updates and current BEST prices.
Thanks!
Sara

I've been getting my foam from www.foamdistributing.com but I won't say they are the cheapest, they just happen to have a wide selection and are the only place that I have bought from so far. They don't have a minimum order either. You can order 1/3, 1/2, or full sheets. Their blue LUX foam seems really nice for a higher-end polyfoam that doesn't seem to break down as fast as plain polyfoam.

~Nate

I normally use regular poly foam or what is called here in KCMO, EVA foam.  EVA foam is most commonly used in making cushions for boats and such because it is high density and does not absorb water like regular foam. I've maybe only used reticulated foam once.  

Now wouldn't this foam make a cool looking puppet if you didn't cover it?! http://www.foamdistributing.com/products/rebond.html

I think the EVA foam is like the outdoor foam I've been using instead of "Scott" foam.  It seems that I can get this outdoor foam even cheaper than the regular poly foam from Hancock.  I've been considering using this for everything...puppets will be much lighter and I think the foam will last longer.  Poly foam breaks down after a number of years.
I get the outdoor foam from here:  http://www.foamandfoam.com
Sara

Just out of curiosity, would the Dryfast foam offered at foamdistributing be better than polyfoam? is it similar to Scott foam? The specs are:
DENSITY: 1.8 PCF
COMPRESSION: 60 LBS
FIRM
RESILIENT

It looks like it has a higher PPI than the LUX foam I have been using. I know many say it doesn't matter as much if the foam is being covered inside and out, but for my own curiosity, I'd like to know!

~April

Lovable Puppet Pals - curious as to where you are. Our local Hancocks no longer carry foam, only a batting type foam substitute.  I use to buy all my foam there.

Lovable Puppet Pals - curious as to where you are. Our local Hancocks no longer carry foam, only a batting type foam substitute.  I use to buy all my foam there.

I am in Thorp, WI...Central.  I shop at the Hancock in Eau Claire, WI...it's about 1 hour from me. 
It's still that green foam...wish it was white!  But because of the price, I will probably go more towards the outdoor "Dryfast" foam in 1/2".
Sara

I've begun using reticulated foam which I purchase from Albany Foam in Albany NY.  Before that I used some lower quality green poly foam I purchased from Joann Fabric's, probably the same as what you all get from Hancock.  I switched because I wanted a more durable foam and reticulated is supposed to be the most durable.

So, Jon, are you using 1/2" or 1" reticulated foam?
And which one is it from the Albany site...I see several kinds.

I like foam fast and it is certainly a lot cheaper. I like using all type foams I keep all sizes and shapes.

Billy D.

Which one is foam fast, Billy?  I only see Eva Dry or EZ Dry.

Which one is foam fast, Billy?  I only see Eva Dry or EZ Dry.

Same thing!.... I may have said the wrong name...Sorry! I order from Albany foam to.

Billy D.

http://www.ausinc.net/2008/07.asp

http://www.ausinc.net/2008/06.asp

You know I will add my two cents on this. I have used reticulated foam or "Scott" foam many times. I love how plyable it is and the fact it takes die so well and can be carved beautifully when you buy it in blocks. I get mine from the same place I buy my L200 a company in CA called Atlas foam. The main draw back to reticulated foam for me is its much more expansive than the foam I use and it does not last nearly as long. I don't know who started saying it last the longest but it just doesn't. Its so porous which is great because that's why its so flexable but that also makes it rot faster. And why its used in full size pools as a pump filter as the nickname filter foam came from.

Form my money and that of my clients I stick to the puppet foam i buy from Bestway foam. Its softer and stronger than the stuff from the fabric stores and MUCH cheaper. I build all my puppets from it, well most from it. I can then move the savings onto my clients. I still have a puppet i made in 1994 that is still in great shape made from foam like this and one I made from Reticulated foam in 200 that chunks fall out everytime i use it. I know what the reticulated foam guys will say "you got the wrong PPI" or it wasnt the right kind of foam, but trust me I have been using it since 1991 I know what scott foam is and what PPI works and doesnt work for the puppets Im making.

My two cents!

Jay(drpuppet)

Wow, that's really interesting, Jay.  Could you give us a website or something for the foam you use?  I would really like to look into it.  I am in desperate need of foam RIGHT NOW!   But I don't have a lot of money to spend on trying different things...I need to make the best decision quickly!  
Thanks,
Sara
Actually, I just called them...they are saying possibly $75 for shipping to WI for 2 sheets!!!!!!!  Do you think that's possible!!!!  If so, it's way cheaper to buy the reticulated for me.

75 dollars for shipping? I have never paid that! You called Bestway foam right?

Jay