pelican foam alternatives?

I've been using some plastic suitcases to carry around some grip gear - nothing fragile by any means, but i'd like to keep it from getting too scratched up - and I was curious if anyone used anything as an alternative type of foam to Pelican's foam to save some money? I can't see spending $50-$100 on foam, and don't need it to be pick-n-pull squares either, just something to keep the equipment mostly in place. I'd like to keep the cost below $20 per case.

I've considered using foam yoga mats cut to shape, glued together, and hollowed out, but haven't found a good source for those yet.

anyone have any suggestions?

Why not just buy the padded dividers? It keeps them in place and you can adjust it

I got a brand new set of foam on eBay for $25

+1 for the dividers. Much more durable that the foam.

Dividers anytime. Much more flexible when you change gear or pack different things.

I have made diy foam inserts for different reasons for the last few years (I was using them for my Radio Control gear). I always went to a camping store and picked up the cheap sleeping foam. I believe I was able to get 3-4" thick pads and glued together to get desired thickness. Then took my wifes electric knife (turkey knife) and trimmed and cut away to any size and shape needed.

Warning this resulted in my wife getting a new knife after she found out what I used it for ... but now I have an electric turkey knife in the shop when ever I need it.

i don't know what the local equivalent would be to "Michaels" or "hobby lobby" - but any hobby store should have foam blocks super cheap to fill up whatever size you want
and cutting it to your own desire
with or without turkey knife!

not sure if this would fit what you are looking for, but
http://shop.hobbylobby​.com …17-smart-foam-pad-984344/

ceriltheblade wrote in post #16387387
i don't know what the local equivalent would be to "Michaels" or "hobby lobby" - but any hobby store should have foam blocks super cheap to fill up whatever size you want
and cutting it to your own desire
with or without turkey knife!

not sure if this would fit what you are looking for, but
http://shop.hobbylobby​.com …17-smart-foam-pad-984344/

that's exactly what I was looking for! I have a case for suction cups and super clamps for my car-rig and up until now, they have just been loose in there and are starting to get a little banged up. this should definitely help.

I wouldn't use the term PADDED DIVIDERS.....

The Dividers have some padding, but there is none on the bottom of the case.......

I lay some bubble wrap in for that....

Mark H

Skip the foam and go with the padded dividers.

'egg carton' foam should be easy to find online, get the right thickness for top and bottom of your case

I have the 1510 pelican case

My foam is failing because I have removed parts of it wrong. and added a couple of lenses.

One thought is to buy a new block of foam and cut it myself.
Foam can be a real pain to cut,

If anyone is wondering how the factory cuts foam they use a hot wire CNC
but I ran across this video.

The only trick would be to drill a hole through the foam then feed the wire through hole and attach the wire to your pvc wire holder.

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=fi3CAtpvJJs
But after you buy the stuff to make the cutter you could of bought a new one.
A person would have to make more than one to make it worth it.

Farmer