How was this made?

[Packard]

To my eye, it looks like they simply took a Ball canning jar lid, and poked a bunch of holes in the lid and screwed it onto a handle.  They could have just as easily screwed it onto a jam/jelly jar.  But canning jars sell for about $3.00 and this sells for $14.00.

I wonder if you can mount sand paper on one of the Ball jars. 

I could be all wrong.  They could have had the lid custom made.  But it looks like a 3D printer plus a canning jar and a lid that someone poked a bunch of holes. 

https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Foam-Shaper

 

[jeffinsgf]

I would be more interested in "why" it was made.  [blink]

 

[ChuckM]

"Use this shaper on cushions, bolster pads and automotive seating to achieve rounded edges and contoured seats."

Looks like it is machine-punched.

 

[rmwarren]

Like the Critter, start with a readily available item and adapt it for a specific use. Beats manufacturing 10,000 custom sheet metal circles and bands to launch a niche product.

RMW

 

[Packard]

"Use this shaper on cushions, bolster pads and automotive seating to achieve rounded edges and contoured seats."

Looks like it is machine-punched.

I agree, but I would bet that the prototype was made by hammering a nail into the lid over and over. 

I was actually pretty impressed that they were able to avoid all that tooling and use a readily available part for this.  Canning lids are two piece affairs.  I wonder if it could make a sanding version by adding a piece of adhesive-backed sandpaper to the center disc.  But that raises the same question as Jeff posted earlier:  Why?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

But that raises the same question as Jeff posted earlier:  Why?

I would assume that it is intended for something where a regular abrasive wouldn't do much?
It looks more like a greater/shredder for shaping, not sanding/smoothing.
Maybe hard foam cores for fiberglass projects?

 

[Packard]

It does not need to be smooth, it gets covered with fabric.

 

[Packard]

The way I always made the radius on the foam was to first cut the foam to size (the backing board length and width plus 2x the board thickness in both directions).

Then I cut it on about a 45 degree angle around the perimeter.

Then I place it so that the smaller dimension is facing the backing board.  If it is a large piece, then spray adhesive or adhesive transfer tape works to keep it in place,

As you wrap the piece with fabric, the foam will fold over the 45 degree angle and make a nice smooth radius.  My method does not require any special equipment if you already have an electric knife (for carving turkey or roast beef).