Box foam padding

[Roxie]

Hope you can help.

I have been asked, by our local Church, to make a box to hold a Jacobean silver challis. Ideally I would like to bed the challis in some sort of foam to protect it, but not too sure what to use. I have seen something similar used in the past. It would appear that is been sprayed in thus filling the interior of the box and "flowing around" the object. I would imagine that I would need to wrap the challis in cling film, or something similar.
Comments pleas and thanks
John

 

[twothumbs]

The building foam used for filling holes may be one way as long as you can trim it back and are going to cover it with a cloth /felt material. You would need to be very economic with it possibly coat on coat. Ski boots were done in a similar way at one time ie foot in boot and squirt in some foam via a little nozzle. Sawdust with some light glue may be a historical solution. An interesting question. I look forward to the correct answer. Good luck.

 

[xy mosian]

I think it would be worth checking with a museum to make sure that anything you use will not damage the challis over a long period of time.

xy

 

[andersonec]

Roxie, have a look on here for Ian Hawthorne and pm or e-mail him here http://hawthornecrafts.com/ he has made some ring boxes and done what you are trying to do.
There is a 'how to' somewhere but can't find it, have a look here http://www.getwoodworking.com/forums/po ... p?th=46661

 

[BelgianPhil]

something like this?

Alternatively, Jacobean silver responds extremely well to (hammer) after which the problem is reduced to a very thin box lined with velvet.

 

[Roxie]

Thanks for the help.

A good point xy will look into that.

Not too sure about your suggestion Phil, would not get too much communion wine in it!!! The snaps were very useful.

John

 

[adidat]

what a fantastic idea phil

bookmarked!

adidat

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I fill the back of socket set plastic trays with foam to reinforce them.

Pete

 

[Shrubby]

John
I wouldn't use polyurethane PU foam. Find an inert nitrogen blown polyethelene like plastazote which wont corrode the chalice.
Or fit the box with a wooden cradle covered in felt.Research your materials so that they meet museum conservation standards - many modern materials contain acids,blowing agents and plasticizers that can have unforseen consequences
Matt

 

[mailee]

I dont know if this helps but I made this a few years ago.

I cut out the positions in MDF with a router and then flocked the insides.

 

[TheTiddles]

something like this?

Alternatively, Jacobean silver responds extremely well to (hammer) after which the problem is reduced to a very thin box lined with velvet.

very funny!

I'd go for a range of frames covered in felt or flock

Aidan

 

[Roxie]

Shrubby
Would your thoughts apply even if the "foam" has hardened. Based on this I am having further thoughts, perhaps cradles covered in velvet is the way forward.
John

 

[Shrubby]

John
Plastazote is what museums tend to spec, its not expensive. If you read the museum/conservation press you'll find PU foams are a problem.Or go with felt or velvet on a simple wooden cradle - it should look handsome (Valuable items like scientific instruments and movie camera lenses often came in fitted wooden boxes like this)
Matt