Close Cell Foam-How to Cut?

I know this has been discussed before, but tis easier this way. I just received my "slab" of dark, closed-cell foam. My plan is to place most EPs on their side typically like Floyd has shown in the past. My question is, what is the best way to dissect the foam. Do you cut all the way through then wafer the foam for the bottom. Or are there other ways to make a profiled cut. Also, what are the best tools? My problem is that you really only get one chance at a hole and it would be nice to get it right the first time. Also the plan is to mount a few of the smaller 1.25 EPs vertical to save space. My fabricated hole cutter from a serated film tube seems to work well as does the serated cap from an "Edge" shaving foam can. Hear tell that hole cutting saws are also OK. Any help will be appreciated.

Hi Judson.
I like having my larger EP's lie on their side, too.
After tracing the layout lines, I typically cut all the way through the foam with a sharp filet knife. Once you pull out the resulting plug, you can slice it lengthwise, and place it back in the bottom, if you want the cutout to be less deep (I use 2" foam).
I was thinking one might be able to produce a rounded bottom, by sawing with a curved hacksaw blade, or perhaps a semi-submerged hole saw, but I haven't tried this. Could be difficult.
I think I'll just stick with my square cutouts. You can fit a round peg, or EP, in a square hole.
I'm getting ready to reconfigure my case, too.
What kind of foam did you get?
Linton

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Hi Jud,
I cut all the way through, it is too difficult to make a partial cut and get a good bottom to the hole.
Then, as Linton says, I cut a piece from the cut out to fill in and make the proper depth.
I use a serrated fillet knife with a very thin blade to cut shaped or contour fit holes. I use a hole saw spun in the reverse direction to cut round holes.
I have also used a band saw for a large cutout for a scope for instance.
Cut slowly and carefully and lay out the whole case before you begin. Large EPs can lay on their side or if the case is deep enough they can all stand on end and use round holes.

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Hi Bill,
If regular foam, like upholstery foam is used, then the freezing can help a lot.
The type of foam being used in this case is easily cut without freezing and is much nicer to work with when making complex cuts or cutting holes. The Charcoal Foam is made for cases and cutting to shape for tools. Nice stuff really.

I use an electric knife - the same one I use for Turkey at Thanksgiving. This is what the ladies use in the fabric stores to cut their foam, so it MUST be the right way if the ladies do it!

Pat