Looking for some open cell foam

[Don Stracener]

Can anyone help with this?

I am looking for some open cell foam and don't seem to being having any luck here in Grants Pass.

Anyone tune me in on where to get some?

Thanks

[chadk]

Have you checked ebay? Try searching using various key words, besides the obvious "open cell foam"...

[Don Stracener]

Just checked Ebay for 'open cell foam' and 'fly tying foam'

Nothing there that's going to work.

People here say dig in the trash behind stores. Stores here are wierd about that and haven't had any luck. Checked at some craft stores, nothing.

I know they make this stuff?

[chadk]

I'm assuming you are planning to do some nymphs, streamer, wet fly patterns, right?

Aren't most synthetic sponges in the store 'open cell foam'?

You can get some made specifically for fly tying, but you can save a little money and buy a sheat \ roll \ pack from somewhere else and just cut and color to fit.

Commercially, do a search on this (google and\or ebay):

Larva Lace Fly Tying Foam Larva Lace Fly Tying Foams have been developed for use as an underbody for Larva Lace Body Material or Nymph Rib. The pre-sliced widths and thickness and available colors, makes this foam the finest on the market today. Comes in Wet Open Cell, Pre-Sliced, Dry Closed Cell, Pre-Sliced and Dry Closed Cell, Whole sheets. Will accept most indelible ink for colors. Use the Wet for underbody on stoneflies. Use the Dry on terrestrial patterns. Sheet form is 4” x 8” x

[toddsbernina]

Go to the upholstery section of the nearest Hancock Fabricks they have a bunch of open cell foam. There is a hancocks in medford.

[Don Stracener]

Thanks, you guys.

I get to Medford about every other week, will stop in there.

I will also check into the Larva Lace Fly Tying Foam.

Any other ideas are appreciated.

[troutaholic]

Electronics often come packaged in either open or closed cell foam. I've used the black closed cell for some awesome beetles. It has a larger grain than the commercially available craft foam and is shinier. I've never tried the open cell, but I've seen it as packaging. You might try Circuit City's dumpster...

[Don Stracener]

That's an idea, will be over there this weekend. I'll try to get to the dumpster, they don't make it easy anymore.

Thanks

UPDATE:

Was driving to the fly shop last night and saw a place that did upholstery. The sign said 'We sell Polyfoam'. Short version, they gave me a bunch of scraps. I am all set for quite a while. Thanks for input from everyone.

[toddsbernina]

Don can you post some pics of some flies that use open cell foam when you get some finninshed up. I'm having a hard time picturing where you would use the foam.

[Don Stracener]

toddsbernina,

Sure be glad too.

Most flies that use open cell foam you can't see it.

A pattern I have tied several of is the River Witch. The underbody is open cell foam. Then you cover the foam with silver or gold tinsel. You weave two colors of larva lace or liquid lace over the tinsel then build the head.

The open cell foam acts like a sponge and soaks up water helping the fly to sink. It makes a good base for the fly. I can think of nymph patterns and wet flies that would work good too. I'll see if I can tie a few. You want a photo of the River Witch, they're done?

[toddsbernina]

Ok i get it now i was thinking you would use it as the ass end of a hopper or something. any way its as clear as mud now. yeah post a pic of the river witch.

[Don Stracener]

toddsbernina,

Here you go, a few shots of the River Witch with underbody of open cell foam.

[toddsbernina]

Those are pretty sweet flies.