carving tools for DIY backgrounds

[jonny5]

im getting my materials for my DIY background but some confusion over right tools to use. Looking online i have like 50 choices.
I dont think the wire cutters or electric knives will be usefull for detail so not looking at those but from experience what tools do you all recommend?

 

[everlastace]

What kind of background is it? What is it made of?

 

[jonny5]

oh hehe ya that info would be usefull. Im doind a DIY 3d background made from sytrofoam, using drylok for waterproofing and quickrete colorant for colors.

 

[DIDYSIS]

Harbor freight

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[everlastace]

A razor blade, coping saw, and drywall sanding block would get you a great start

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[sashimimaster]

What about a dremel?

 

[everlastace]

Dremels are good for that too!

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[Oughtsix]

 

[MyGiants]

I currently working on a custom corner section for a 110g plant tank. I only used a steak knife a butter knife and couple different size spoons for carving. I did use a wood saw to make be cuts and a loose piece of 80g sand paper. The foam I used is a polyurethane closed cell foam. Its different then the styrofoam mostly used here. It cuts and carves easier. I just happen to have a 12"x12"x12" block of it I purchase a long time ago for fiberglass project I never did.

 

[the_deeb]

IMO the dremel and other electric tools are overkill. It's just styrofoam - it doesn't take much to cut it.

I've built a bunch of styrofoam backgrounds (see links in my sig) and all I've ever used is a sharp paring knife for straight cuts, a keyhole saw for rough curved cuts and a rasp and file for shaping.