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

Actually it was Atlas foam...I will try Bestway foam now. 

OK, Jay, I'm really sorry!  I found the Bestway site, but I'm wondering which foam you use.  http://www.bestwayfoam.com

No worries I just responded to your PM. Let me know if I can help again.

Thanks for the info, at least now we all know the "myth" of reticulated foam! I'll stick to what I use for now then since it is inexpensive enough and seems nice and firm and strong.

I have been getting foam at Hobby Lobby, since it is a stock item there. I have also purchased from a foam company.  The first thing they want to know is which one you want (they don't call it ppi, but I guess it is).  I purchased one of the cheaper foams and was not happy with it.  

Can someone tell me what ppi is preferable?
Also - I need 1/4" foam and my supplier has gone out of business. Any suggestions?

Thanks