Hot Wire Cutter: Difference between revisions
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=====Features and Applications===== | =====Features and Applications===== | ||
They are useful for cutting [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene#Expanded_polystyrene_.28EPS.29 expanded polystyrene] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrofoam Styrofoam] for model making or [ | They are useful for cutting [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene#Expanded_polystyrene_.28EPS.29 expanded polystyrene] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Styrofoam Styrofoam] for model making or '''[[Lost Foam Casting]]'''. | ||
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<span style="color: red">'''Safety Point!''' | <span style="color: red">'''Safety Point!''' | ||
Latest revision as of 20:52, 16 November 2016
Description
Hot Wire Cutters comprise a thin wire which becomes hot enough to cut through some plastic foams once a small low voltage electric current is passed through. The wire is usually nichrome resistance wire.
Features and Applications
They are useful for cutting expanded polystyrene and Styrofoam for model making or Lost Foam Casting.
Safety Point! The wire becomes hot in use and fumes from melting plastics may be harmful so should be avoided. Use Hot Wire Cutters sparingly in well ventillated conditions.
Hot Wire Cutters can be made using thin guitar strings or perhaps fuse wire. Lantern batteries may provide a power source but experimentation is needed with regard to the wire length. A means of varying the voltage and some knowledge of Ohm's Law is also useful.
Safety Point! NEVER experiment with mains electricity - this can kill!
 
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Hot Wire Cutter
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