Brian Blazer

Can I use steel or aluminum templates for hot wire cutting?

thanks,
Brian blazer

Teachu2

My Feedback: (133)

I use Formica (plain, no backing board attached) and am very pleased with it. I buy a 2'x4' panel at the lumberyard. Easy to cut with a scroll saw, then finish with sandpaper. Aluminum would be OK, but harder to work with. Steel would be too heavy IMHO, as you need the foam core to support the templates.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Either will work fine. To me the most important thing is that they have a smooth surface so your wire doesn't get hung up.

Lightfoot

My Feedback: (1)

I have used formica and aluminum. The only problem I had with the aluminum was that it acted as a heat sink and drew some of the heat from the cutting wire. This caused the wire to drag through the ends of the cut leaving the edges a little rough. I prefer formica because it is more readily available at a good price (free) and is easier to work with.

Brian Blazer

Thanks guys,

I am building a fixture and wanted to make sure steel or aluminum would work and not act too much like a heat sink. I have access to a laser so making the templates won't be a problem. The parts I will be making are small pontoons (2"x13")

Thanks again,

Brian

jaka

Hi! Formica is best!
Steel or aluminum should be avoided as they steal lots of heat from the wire which will tear up the foam edges.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

kahn41

My Feedback: (4)

I agree with the above post's avoid aluminum and steel!!!