The National Park Service writes helpful little go to guides on many topics
related to conservation. Here is one on packing artifacts for shipping and
includes a section on cavity packing...
http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/17-02.pdf
The NPS museum handbook is also available on line for reference
http://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/handbook.html
I learned cavity packing in school and on the job. I used to work for a
organization that created traveling art exhibits, complete with custom
shipping containers. I think cavity packing really is a hands on learning
curve. Practice a lot with old polyethylfoam scraps. Make cavities for odd
shaped items on your desk like paperweights.
I love hot knifes, but they do smell like heck and can be a pain to clean
when you are first learning. I find using thinner layers of foam and a
scalpel to be very effective as well, no off gassing fumes of death. This
method works especially well for smaller projects where the clean up of the
hot knife isn't worth it.
I am curious what you are housing and how things will be stored. This makes
a difference in what you construct. A large pot only needs to have a
support of its lower half in many cases if it is in secure shelving. But if
you want to move that same pot around a lot, you may need a more robust
system. Keep in mind if you fully incase an item in foam, you are creating
a micro environment.
Let me know off list if I can assist you further, I quite enjoy this
particular aspect of collections care.
Sarah Allen
David Harvey
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COM> To
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SE.LSOFT.COM> Subject
Re: [MUSEUM-L] Hot Knives for
Constructing Foam Artifact Housing?
05/20/2010 11:24
AM
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Also - you have to do this in an area with very good ventillation as some
measure of smoke will happen, and in the beginning you are bound to burn
the foam a bit until you get the hang of it. I would suggest practicing on
foam scraps at first.
There are various places you can buy the hot cutting tools and accessories
- more craft suppliers have them. Try Micromark.com, they carry tools for
serious hobbiest who builds trains, dioramas, and miniatures.
Cheers!
Dave
David Harvey
Senior Conservator and Museum Consultant
Los Angeles, CA
On Thu, May 20, 2010 at 10:19 AM, Regan Brooks <
[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hi Camilla,
We’ve used a hot knife several times for both housing and prop design (my
favorite were the phoenix and two six foot long oriental dragons!)
Precise measurements of both your container and the artifact are a must.
I’ve had good luck with Ethafoam 180 though depending on what it is
you’re housing you may want the 200 or higher. One thing I will say about
using the hot knife – mark your cuts and keep the knife moving at a
steady pace once you start cutting. Otherwise you’ll end up with strands
of melted foam on your blade and (voice of experience) it’s a pain to
clean off.
Best,
Regan Brooks
Registrar
Gaston County Museum of Art & History
PO Box 429
Dallas, NC 28034-0429
704.922.7681 ext. 107
www.gastoncountymuseum.org
Become a fan of the Museum!
Visit us on our Facebook page and see what we are up to!
www.facebook.com/GastonCountyMuseum.
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of camilla rockefeller
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 12:50 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Hot Knives for Constructing Foam Artifact Housing?
Dear All,
I'm researching the construction of custom foam housing for artifacts,
using a hot foam knife, but have had minimal success with internet
searches. Could anyone suggest a good source of instruction for preferred
materials and for the housing-construction process itself?
Additionally, if anyone with experience constructing custom-foam housing
would be willing to share their expertise, that would be greatly
appreciated!
Thank you,
Camilla
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