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KENN
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 54

cut and configura styrofoam

08/24/2008 1:25 PM

ahow do you cut and shape styrofoam useing a band saw w/a wire ( no saw blade ) and a 12 volt battery? to configura the inside of a suit case or box to hold a fragel piece of equipment? i used one some years ago

kenn
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Hendrik
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#1

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/24/2008 1:35 PM

I would say heat the wire by passing 12v. It sort of cuts like butter.

You may need a variable resistor to control the heat.

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PWSlack
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#7
In reply to #1

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/27/2008 3:46 AM

Yep. Hot-wire cutters are often used by model-makers who make landscape shapes out of blocks of polystyrene.

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Andy Germany
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#8
In reply to #7

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/27/2008 7:14 AM

....and I do believe that the standard construction method today for model aircraft wings is a piece of styro foam cut out with a hot wire.....

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jack of all trades
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#2

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/24/2008 3:16 PM

Google "hotwire styrofoam cutter" for more information.

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Paulsontk
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#6
In reply to #2

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/27/2008 12:58 AM

hI JACK,

I saw you are also member in the energy section too.

Anything to suggest? I like to hear from you especially

my interest is in ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES.

If you have anything so special lets go !!!!
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jack of all trades
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#9
In reply to #6

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/28/2008 3:56 PM

Well everyone here pretty much answered the question. A hot wire cutter is the answer, its a piece of resistance wire that gets hot when a current is passed thru it, it creates a really nice cut in styrofoam. Plenty of information, build guides and commercial suppliers available thru a google search.

I have written plenty of posts regard alternative energy power generation and storage (both real developments, improvements on existing technology and downright scams and hoaxes masquerading as real science).

What do you want to know specifically (perhaps you could start a new thread on a specific subject that interests you). There is probably one already open so just let me know which one and we can talk in the relevant thread in more detail.

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BruceFlorida
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#3

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/25/2008 9:43 AM

I've never done it, but I'm pretty sure you should plan on having lots of FRESH AIR. The other responders may come back with the specific chemical names. I don't recall what the smoke is but I'm pretty sure that the smoke is a little dangerous to your health.

I don't think it is much of a fire danger, but keeping the fire extinguisher handy is a good idea too.

Also remember that melted styrofoam will stick to your skin and won't come off until about the 5th or 6th time the bandages are changed. Trust me on this one. I still have thick scar tissue from 30+ years ago.

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LG_Dave
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#4
In reply to #3

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/25/2008 6:39 PM

The styrofoam will melt away nicely without much smoke or hot residue if you adjust the temperature.

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Andy Germany
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#5

Re: cut and configura styrofoam

08/26/2008 1:11 PM

Build or buy a 12 volt Pulse Width Modulation system to control the power through the wire, Googling will give you dozens of circuits to choose from.....a simple 555 version will do it controlling a MOSFET for the actual switching.

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Andy Germany (2); BruceFlorida (1); Hendrik (1); jack of all trades (2); LG_Dave (1); Paulsontk (1); PWSlack (1)

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