I’m OK enough with 2D milling as a beginner and would like to start learning milling of 3D objects from STLs. The docs mentioned HD foam but I can’t seem to find a bulk foam seller near me. The next best thing is foam board insulation from Lowe’s - it’s cheap, I can probably stack and glue them for taller objects.
Is that the right stuff to use? If not, any suggestions for cheaper materials? Plan B is to find a scrap pallet and take it apart to practice on wood rather than foam.
I believe the foam you linked will work fine, but typically I see this one being used. Note that, though more expensive, you are purchasing 4’ x 8’ and it is cheaper per square foot than the foam you linked.
I’ve made a variety of props milling the pink foam. As is, the foam board is fragile and prone to denting. If you mix latex paint and dry wall compound, you have “monster mud” that can be used to coat and harden the surface.
Milling the foam is very forgiving, which is both a good and a bad thing. That is, it is easier to have successful jobs in reasonable amounts of time, but there are additional things to be learned when moving to wood.