Cutting foam?

[Macaroon]

I need to cut a ten inch deep double mattress cleanly along it's length without any specialised tools, and with nowhere other than the living room floor to do it: Anybody?

 

[mountainm]

Make 2 long clamps the width of the matress consisting of 2 long batons per clamp and some bolts (could be done with bamboo canes and some cable ties at a push but less accurate) - then clamp the mattress in the middle as tightly as possible leaving a gap big enough to run a knife down where you want to cut - compress it as much as possible - then run a very very sharp knife down the gap repeatedly - then release the clamps.

Can't guarantee it will work.

 

[Macaroon]

Good idea, that. I'd been playing with the clamping idea but just exploring to see if anyone had something I'd never even considered; if nothing else comes along I guess I'll have to find four battens.

Thanks for the input

 

[birchwood]

When making boat cushions we used to cut foam with a bread knife, the electric ones are even better.
Just make sure you keep the knife upright when you cut. A fine felt tip pen is good for drawing the lines.

 

[Toddy]

+1 to Birchwood's comment.

I reupholsterd the sofas and chairs, and I just use an electric bread knife.
The old fashioned type of non electric bread knives work well too though.

They're difficult to use neatly if it's a very narrow strip that needs removed though. Practice is a very good thing

M

 

[Macaroon]

Thanks all, ordinary old-fashioned breadknife combined with a clamp of some description seems to be what's required; all I need now is to be able to kneel so I can do it!

 

[rorymax]

I need to cut a ten inch deep double mattress cleanly along it's length without any specialised tools

OK, I'll bite, WHY? what is going on here

 

[Macaroon]

OK, I'll bite, WHY? what is going on here

It's an upcycle project, nothing more interesting at all; I've got a spare foam mattress of good quality which is surplus to requirements and I'm going to make a bench seat with a back to it, which will be wide enough to use as a day/guest bed.

I'll bet you feel let down now, eh?