Foam Cutters
 

Some of us prefer classis wood construction, and some of us like to work with foam.
I myself, would like to try foam cutting. I have a basic understandind of the process, but lack the equipment.
Here is a chance to share what you use for cutting foam. Whether it be a commercial cutter or a home-made set-up.

If a home made set-up, what type of power supply do you use?
What type of cutting wire?
How to construct a cutting bow, and materials used.
How to use, appropriatly, the power source you suggest.

RE: Foam Cutters
 

I use a electric filet knife. It works great, but you cant cut to thick.

RE: Foam Cutters
 

Do a search on Google for "hot foam cutter" and you will be swamped with info. I did the same thing a couple of weeks ago and got tons of great info and links!

RE: Foam Cutters
 

Although I prefer wood , here is a link to guy who made his own , and by the looks of it , it seems like it might be the key to a simple makings .

http://www.vatsaas.org/rtv/construct...irecutter.aspx

RE: Foam Cutters
 

After spending time looking at posts on google, I also came across this link.

This looks like the easiest set-up to use. Once you have an idea of how large to make the bow, you could make one very quickly and CHEAP. THe design is highly modifiable.

Time to try and find my old train set to steal the transformer to use as a variable voltage supply.

RE: Foam Cutters
 

That's a great link! I built a similar cutter years ago with a 50-cent train transformer ( garage sale ) and used it for years. Now I use a band saw for most of my boating projects, but the wire is still useful. I use 1/16" thick cardboard for templates. [8D]

RE: Foam Cutters
 

Fluid,

How do the cardboard templates hold up? (tagboard?)
How are they for repeated use, or are they a one shot thing?
What type are you using and where do you get it from (brand) ?

I've used ply, and melamine countertop facing for templates in the past. These hold up very well, but are time consuming to make and not cheap.

Cardboard or card stock would be a very cheap and easy alternative.