Foam pad for cutting

[camardelle]

Looking in big box websites for this and I have no idea what it’s called or what to search for.

I want to break down some plywood and see guys cutting on some kind of foam (maybe?) piece they put under the sheet of wood.

What the heck is that?

 

[Hubmonkey]

What I have seen people use is rigid foam insulation sheet. They lay the plywood on top and it gets it off the ground... Something like this... https://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corning-FOAMULAR-150-1-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-R-5-Scored-Square-Edge-Insulating-Sheathing-20WE/207179253

Hub

 

[camardelle]

That’s it! Thanks a bunch bud!!

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

That's a mighty expensive saw horse!

You could buy two saw horses from HF for that amount and get CHANGE. And they'll last a whole lot longer!

 

[camardelle]

True, but then I wouldn’t be as cool as the guys on TV.

Big fan of HF, but their sawhorses were a terrible investment for me. I’m wondering if I should invest in a set of brackets and make some sawhorses. They’ll be sacrificial ones as I won’t keep them indoors.

Actually I may have some metal ones out back. [emoji33]

 

[kbs2244]

I have used two 2x4 laid on each side of the cut.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I like my Ebco folding sawhorses... Made in USA...

https://www.lowes.com/pd/EBCO-24-in-Steel-Saw-Horse-1000-lb/3073379

Screwed on some scrap 2x6 to the tops. The legs fold up into the body and store up on a shelf. Only downside is some sharp edges but if you pay attention while folding / unfolding the legs you will be fine.

 

[PWC Repair]

Sometimes you need to cut sheet goods in half. Without 2 sets of sawhorses or a helper you'll get a snapped corner and half your sheet falling off onto the ground. I've been known to cut in between a couple pallets on several occasions.

 

[Hubmonkey]

Also need to consider there is less tear-out with the cut being supported by the foam.....

Hub

 

[EVOLVO]

Using a foam underlay is also a good way to cut sheet metal if you don't have a band saw. If you use the jig saw lay the sheet metal on the foam and get to cutting. No more vibration trying to cut metal hanging over the edge of your workbench. Works like a champ!

 

[ScottsGT]

That’s it! Thanks a bunch bud!!

I use the same thing and experienced an unexpected issue. I store my foam sheets cut into 2X4 sections so I can use smaller pieces if needed, or as much as needed. Problem is, they warp over time standing on end.
I used them the other day to cut some circles from Masonite board and the Masonite wasn't heavy enough to flatten out the warp. Cutting depth of the router varied with the warp.