Foam cutters

[hg-md]

I would imagine that this topic has gone around a few times here at Intlwaters. Can I get some input as to what everyone is using for cutting foam? I have made a cutter that has a 12" nichrome wire. I have been trying to use a 12v 3 amp regulated power supply that I already had (radio shack 22-504), as I thought that would work the best. In line I added a rehestat to attempt to adjust the temp. Not only am I breaking the wire, but I also fried the rehestat. HELP!!! I would really like to use this power supply if I am able to. Obviously this is not the right way to hook this up. Can I just put a resistor in line to cut down the power?

 

[Mark Anderson]

I use .020 stainless safety wire and my tig welder for a power supply. I have also used a 20 amp battery charger with good results. Charles River rc club has some good info on there site on foam cutting.

Mark

 

[Don Templeton]

Hey Guys, while on the subject, I've been looking at one to start

with and found this on the net.

I'ts got an 8"wire and power supply (not variable) for 29.95. They

also have another variable power supply that will work with it.

Let me know what you think!

http://hotwirefoamfactory.com/prod_acstrtr.htm

 

[MikeP]

Don,

Those hot wires look like a good deal. I think you could rig one of those 29.95 ones to do just about anything. Are you going to get one?

-MikeP

 

[Don Templeton]

Yes Mike, I think I will.

I don't think you could go wrong at that price. I can always go back

and get the variable power unit if I need it.

Thanks Mike,

Don

 

[lohring]

An easy power supply is a 24 volt doorbell transformer with a light dimmer on the 120 volt side.

Lohring Miller