Hot Wire Cutters

Creator: Omegix Status: Completed \ Ongoing Born On: 09:37, 14 May 2014 (CDT) Last Updated: 09:37, 14 May 2014 (CDT)

Overview

Hot wire cutters are used for cutting foam.

Existing Hot Wire Cutter

There is currently 1 completed foam cutter at the shop, built by Korc. The power supply for the acrylic bender does a good job of powering it, but it should be noted that you might throw a power breaker using it, and that it is a dangerous piece of equipment that should be handled with care. The wire cutter uses Nichrome wire.

Brainstorms For Additional Hot Wire Cutters

• Proposed Capability: Create several parallel cuts at once, in order to "grid" a piece of foam, similar to how Pre-Diced Pick and Pluck Foam is.
• Proposed Configuration: Similar to an egg slicer
• Proposed Materials: PVC pipe for the frame, 3 strands of Nichrome or Kanthol wire. AC Transformer attatched to dimmer switch (similar to acrylic bender).
• Information Resources
  • http://www.free-cigs.com/Kanthal-A1-Resistance-Wire-AWG-24-26-28-30-32-33-34--3-Feet_p_155.html
    • Jeff has 32 Gauge Kanthol wire on hand
      • 1 ohm / inch.
      • 14 inches of wire per strand = 14 ohms
      • V=IR. Assuming 6V max, I=V/R, I = 6/14, I = 0.43 amps-per-strand(&)
      • Total Amps = & * 3 strands = 0.43 * 3 = 1.29 amps
      • Breaker should be rated for at least 15Amps, I don't believe this will throw any breakers.