: I would expect it to start tearing apart the
: foam regardless of the manufacturer of the brush. The West System
: recommended system of cutting a foam roller to be used for tipping (see
: fig below from West) off the epoxy is a different matter. This is less
: likely to break up the foam.

If you cut a roller to make a tipping tool, hit the cut edge with the flame of a lighter or match. I had to remove a little piece of black foam from a fill coat after it cured. Melting the cut edge of the foam will melt any little pieces that might come off in your epoxy.

I have used the standard wood-handled foam brushes for tipping with good results. Yes, they can start to tear a little bit if you apply a lot of pressure while tipping (they usually start separating at the base of the wood handle in the middle of the foam), but I've never had any pieces of foam come off the brush.

Dean