So I hear foam boards are better for base of cakes.

I've a few questions.
What size thickness?

How do you get them to be round all the way around? When I have to cut a cake board to size inevitably I've got jagged edges...any tricks?

Do you just take the pan (the next size up) and trace it on the board to get the right size?

Any other tips you wise cakers can hand down to a newbie when it comes to this kinda of thing??

Thanks!

I use foam boards alot, i just get mine from michaels, im not sure how thick they are but they are pretty thin. I just trace the outline with a pan and then just it with a bread type knife. I prefer these compared to the cardboard ones i feel they are more sturdy
HTH

Some foam board I've purchased in the past had more of a paper coating on them - not so nice. The ones I bought at Hobby Lobby are more of a shiny coating - I love them. I use the 1/4 inch between tiers but I've used the 1/2 inch for the bottom. I found 1/2 in black recently, used that as a square bottom board, put a white flexible cutting mat on that, red/white/black graduation cake - it was stunning. I purchased the cutting tool they have - it works great.

I too have used foam boards. I trace them with a larger pan or with the inserts that come in the pan when I purchase it. I also cover mine with freezer paper and if I could reuse them I just change the paper.

I just did a small cake today and used the 1/4 inch size. For heavier cakes I would use the 1/2 inch foamcore. The 1/2 inch is also a better size to attach a border ribbon around. I use a small sharp craft knife to cut them . I have not seen a special tool but will now look for it. The craft knife works pretty well. I love the look of the white board as a backdrop for the cakes.

Of course I don't have the package my cutter came in but www.foamwerks.com is printed on it and it comes with extra blades. And I think I bought it at A.C.Moore, it was right beside the foamboards. I bought the cheaper one, they show it as cutting straight but I don't have a problem getting my rounds cut too.

Thanks pbeckwith,
Unfortunately I am Canadian ( YIKES ,that sounds unpatriotic...and I don't mean that lol) . I just mean that we don't have A.C. Moore stores here....but I am going on a big shopping trip to the states for 3 days around American Thanksgiving. I am going to the Pennsylvania Prime outlets area .. I am hoping for a Hobby Lobby ,Joannes or A.C Moore...aaahhhhh

I can also suggest you try using MDF boards. They are extremely cheap and can be reused many times. Oh and they are super sturdy.