Tire Foam Fixture

[C*H*U*D]

Wasn't sure if this should go into "Tires and Wheels" or "Tools and Procedures".....since it is technically a tool I stuck it here, but Mods feel free to move it if you like.

I've searched around and didn't find anything on any type of foam fixture so I hope this isn't a repeat.

I've been running HB Rovers for awhile, and although I really like the tires, I've always thought the foams were just way too soft for my terrain. Where I work, there is a lot of open cell packing foam so I decided to do some experimenting with what I had available.

My first attempt ended with a few "round looking" foams, but I really wasn't happy with them. So I decided to make a fixture for our bandsaw that allowed me to make a truly round foam. This is what I came up with:

This is some of the foam we have laying around. It's probably too stiff, but better than what I had originally.

First thing to do is cut out a square that is larger than the diameter you want.......rough out the center with a Sharpie and drill out the center with a hole saw. I'm using one that is close to the size of a 2.2.

I put these edge pieces on that helps locate the fixture against the blade.

Then it's just a matter of putting the foam over the rim, and sliding the fixture into place. Then rotate the foam around the rim while the blade cuts it.

It also works well for trimming off a thinner piece for making dual stage foams. I just trimmed this one down......I really want to find some of the pink foam we have laying around.

For my last set that I just made, I wanted a slight chamfer on the outside of the foam. I used this angle plate to make a smooth chamfer around the outside of the foam.

Hope this helps someone.



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[theslowguy]

Very awesome. I been using a 2 1/4 holesaw for the center and an old coffee can for the outside. The coffee can is 6" in diamiter. Just cut the lip off the top and sharpen the edge a bit and bam. 6" tall tire foam."thumbsup" Perfect for rovers and all those other tall tires these days.

 

[Nova's Ark]

Very creative "thumbsup"

 

[hitman46mod]

That is an awesome idea."thumbsup"

 

[TANK]

this is very cool, but curious how that hole saw would work with soft foams.

 

[theslowguy]

In my experience if you run the holesaw in reverse it works good.

 

[slashbasher]

thanks a ton

I wanted to thank the person who put this thread on here. This is going to help me out a bunch. Now if i can find a supplier for the "conform" foam formerly named temper foam so I can get the different densities , soft, medium and firm I can make myself some dual stage foam inserts. .Bob

 

[klausdenmark]

This setup could be really usefull for making a star pattern too if the board is moved to the other side of the table and 'off centered' enough to make one side of the all the V's first and then turn the foam upside down and then finishing all the V's.

 

[Harley]

This setup could be really usefull for making a star pattern too if the board is moved to the other side of the table and 'off centered' enough to make one side of the all the V's first and then turn the foam upside down and then finishing all the V's.

The star pattern really isn't used any longer. Tires have come a long way and it's no longer needed.

 

[rmdesignworks]

Juan....you copy cat...:lmao:Ive been using this same basic set up with my band saw since I cut my first set of foams on the saw...I cut the first couple free hand and then figured up a mounted slide jig like you have...nice work bro.

Probably a good market for these set ups.

 

[ROCKEDUP RICKY]

Juan....you copy cat...:lmao:Ive been using this same basic set up with my band saw since I cut my first set of foams on the saw...I cut the first couple free hand and then figured up a mounted slide jig like you have...nice work bro.

Probably a good market for these set ups.

I like his, lets see yours. I might make me one.

 

[rmdesignworks]

I like his, lets see yours. I might make me one.

Ill dig it out in the next day or two and get a couple of pics...

 

[C*H*U*D]

I thought this thread died over two years ago :ror:

 

[Charlie-III]

I thought this thread died over two years ago :ror:

Interesting set-up.....rather "cutting edge" when you first posted.

Kudos to Klaus who searched and found this thread."thumbsup"

 

[bob1961]

i never seen it before so to it's not an old thread to me, i like the idea "thumbsup" ........bob

....

 

[Mr.Joshua]

Same here Bob...i've been thinking of making some new foams but haven't got around to searching yet. Now I don't have to "thumbsup"

I'm learning that there is no such thing as a "dead thread", with the search police out there!

 

[rmdesignworks]

Here's mine...I couldn't find the slide I made for it but it works just by clamping it to the deck.

A steel 4 hole flat bracket with a carriage bolt welded to it...4 large washers...a spacer and some 1/4-20 nuts hold the hub in place which is made from a 2" abs pipe cap and a piece of 1/8" abs sheet for a shoulder plate.

 

[EeePee]

So, who had the idea first? :mrgreen:

 

[ROCKEDUP RICKY]

So, who had the idea first? :mrgreen:

Why is therea prize, if so I did.:ror:

 

[rmdesignworks]

So, who had the idea first? :mrgreen:

Probably Eddie...got new modern ones and ones dating back to the beginning of time I bet."thumbsup"