faomboard questions

[CSXect]

Does foam board cut smoothly or does it leave a rough edge?I plan on making 4x8 tables around the wall so I can have plenty of track loops and some room for a passing siding or two and maybe some accessories. the outside loop will be o-72 with a passing siding a loop of S and aloop of On30

 

 

 

 

[RXRon]

If  you  use  a  hot  wire  foam  cutter  it  will  be  smooth.    Knives  or  saws  tend  to make it  rougher

[tjsprague]

thoughts from my foam board layout experience....

A hot wire foam cutter is difficult to get a nice straight cut also. To cut very straight and exacting sections I use  a large carving knife I "borrowed" from the kitchen. A good heavy, smooth and sharp blade does it best. If you want to use some foam board above grade for scenery you can use something with a serated edge to get a nice rough tecture, a sheetrock saw works well for that too. and the hot wire lets you cut curves and sculpt, but have plenty of ventelation.
 

Good luck, sound like you have a nice plan. Be sure to post photos and don't plan too long, you gotta just junp in and do it. 

 

Tim 

[dwiemer]

Still putting it down, but what I have experienced so far, if you use a good sharp knife, you can cut a straight line into the foam board and then bend it at a creese like you would sheet rock.  It breaks easily this way and has  a nice smooth cut.  You can then use a serated knife/saw to do the rough texture later.  I have used 3/4 down on the plywood as most of the items like the Hobo campfire, and swings, have 3/4 bases.  You can cut the foam to fit the bases of these items and then make a smooth transition.

Dennis