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Keeping photo gear safe and sound is a breeze with a custom foam insert for a camera case. This will protect your camera, lenses, and other gear from knocks and drops. GDT understand how vital it is to keep your equipment in working order, and getting foam cut accurately can really make a difference. Read on to find out how to get a cut foam camera case, and protect your equipment
Best tools for cutting camera case foam
When it comes to cutting your own foam camera case, you'll need the right tools to do so. Firstly, you'll need a sharp utility knife with a straight blade. The blade should slide through the foam easily and quickly for a neat cut without tearing the foam. Alternatively, a hot wire cutter is an effective option, this will cut and melt the foam simultaneously, giving smooth edges. For large jobs, a hot wire will save you time but use caution as the wire is hot
A ruler or straight edge can be helpful for making accurate, straight cuts. Smaller items and less dense foam will be easier to cut with scissors. Finally, remember that a cutting mat will protect your surface and help to keep the blade sharp for longer
Above all, safety is key. Always ensure you cut away from your body to avoid accidental injuries. Hot wire cutters must be used in well-ventilated areas to avoid inhaling fumes, and it's a good idea to get used to working with each tool by cutting scrap foam before you cut any suitable for your camera case
Measuring and planning for photo gear cases
Measuring and planning are crucial before you cut any foam. Arrange all your photographic gear and note the size and shape of your camera, lenses and any other accessories, and then sketch a plan on a piece of paper. Remember to include an additional few millimeters so that the equipment fits snugly, but not so tight that it is difficult to remove from the case
Then, plan where the items will be placed within the case. Think about access-it's probably a good idea to have the lenses you use most often to hand
Next, measure the piece of foam required using a tape measure; make it slightly larger than you planned, and mark it with a pen. Visualize where each item will fit into the foam and adjust if necessary, then the foam will be ready for cutting. It's well worth spending a little time in this phase, otherwise you may find you have wasted foam or cut the case inaccurately; something GDT helps to avoid
Common problems when cutting foam camera cases
When cutting your own camera cases out of foam there are a number of common issues that you may encounter. Firstly, you need to use the correct type of foam. Some foams don't hold their shape, and others are too tough to cut. The most appropriate medium-density foam will protect your equipment whilst retaining its shape well and not prove too difficult to cut with the right tools
Another common problem is rough cuts, which may make your camera unstable when it is placed inside the case. If your foam has rough edges then the item you place within will simply rattle about, leading to damage. Ensure you use a sharp blade and cut smoothly, or a hot wire cutter to get perfectly clean edges, and also remember to measure and cut accurately-making a mistake and finding your equipment does not fit neatly into the foam camera case, you could risk damage to it; hence it is wise to measure twice and cut once
Safe cutting of messy foam for camera cases
Cutting foam may be messy, but it doesn't have to be! Using a cutting mat or a piece of cardboard over your table can catch all the little scraps, and it may be a good idea to wear an apron to protect yourself from stray bits of foam
Hot wire cutters will create very little mess as they effectively melt the foam together as they cut, and cutting a smooth path with a sharp knife is also preferable to hacking at the foam. Remember always to cut away from your body and if necessary ask a friend to help hold the foam stable for a straight cut. Bag up the scraps immediately after you have finished cutting so that you don't end up creating a mountain of waste. Wash your hands after handling foam as it can be quite greasy, and follow these simple steps, and you should find that you keep your work space clean
Wholesale foam camera case suppliers
To make your own camera cases out of foam, it is often useful to purchase it in large quantities to save money. This can be achieved by looking for wholesale foam camera case suppliers on the internet, or by visiting local craft shops. If buying in bulk, don't forget to ask about delivery charges, and it is worth checking reviews to ensure you are buying from a reputable source to provide you with the correct foam for your camera cases