I've been considering attempting to make some of my own walls, facades, tombstones and maybe even some props out of foam wallboard. I've seen these hot wire foam cutting tools and would appreciate any feedback concerning them.
Would you consider them to be worth the cost and investment?
Personally, it depends on the project. I use a kitchen bread knife, jig saw, and sandpaper. I don't think I 'need' a hot wire cutter. But again, that's just me. If I were making lots of jagged cuts or really sharp angles, maybe, but, cutting a few tombstones doesn't merit it.
I DO use a one of those cheap wood burning tools to do 'etchings' in some foam, but even then I use an exacto knife more.
I've been considering attempting to make some of my own walls, facades, tombstones and maybe even some props out of foam wallboard. I've seen these hot wire foam cutting tools and would appreciate any feedback concerning them.
Would you consider them to be worth the cost and investment?
Thanks in Advance
I have been using a hot knife for almost 2 years now. It works for doing detail type work (see my last project: 1st Prop Sketch).
The one I use has several different types of "tips" for both large and small details.
If you are wanting to just cut up foam boards, there are easier methods. I know several people use a dremel for cutting mortor & stones in sheets of foam.
__________________
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
I have had my Hotwire set now for 5-6 years and I am very happy with it! It makes tombstones and other foam projects a breeze! As far as an "investment", I would not gothat far....but it is a very handy tool.
We have them and find the control nice for detail work. However, we too use everything under the sun; knives, dremel, soldering tool with a temp control(dimmer switch), propane torch, jig saw, key saw, files, and generally anything within reach that may serve the purpose. To be honest the tools were an impulse purchase at an event used like a carrot to a horse( wife and daughter).
I always felt that if the cost needs to be justified you dont need it.
Personally I wish I used mine more. I have most of them, but I use them sparingly. They are very versatile and you can do much more with them than I have so far. I would start out small if you're going to buy any and see how it goes.
I am very happy that I purchased hot wire tools. I have the hot knife, the engraving tool, and the freehand router. The freehand router requires the "pro" power adapter, so that's an extra cost BUT it think for cutting shapes it's the best, and a good all around tool. The type of shapes I refer to are like rounded edges on tombstones, or cutting out wide letters on the face of the stone, routing out "mortar" joints for facades to look like brick, block, or stone; and creating the "texture" of stone on the surface of the foam. I plan on using it to shape some snakes and columns.
The knife is actually a wire about 5" long. It "cuts" very nicely, and smoothly. I probably use this the most for cutting out tombstones and some rough shaping. I also use it to cut letters all the way through the foam to light them from inside. The engraver is very nice if you choose a font for your tombstones that is more traditional looking. It melts a line about 1/8" wide, and the tip is such that it is fairly easy to keep a consistent depth.
I use the expanded foam, the kind with the little balls (like the cheapo foam icechests are made from). I get 4'x8' sheets at some home improvement stores, and comes in several thicknesses. I also get scrap from the local sears store. I get plenty of detail out of the foam, and it is MUCH cheaper than the extruded foam (the Pink or Blue foam you might read about). Plus, I haven't been able to find extruded in my area. Since I use this type of foam, I don't like cutting it with a knife because the little balls are static charged and stick to everything. Made a big mess. I still use 150 sandpaper to smooth out the foam sometimes, and it helps refine shapes. I don't have much luck with an exacto knife on this type of foam. I probably don't keep the blade sharp enough.
The big drawback (IMO) is the fumes. You should probably work outside, and I've found it best if there is a breeze or fan to blow the fumes away from you.
If you area looking to sculpt the foam, I recommend the knife and freehand router (it has wires that you can bend to shape for cutting). If you just want to use it for cutting foam tombstones, go with just the hot knife and engraver. I think you can get each for under 30 and I really like the more precise and realistic look I get from these tools. I got mine from internettrains.com. They have good prices, and if what you want isn't on sale, it probably will be soon.
Whew... verbose again, but I hope it helps you with your decision.
__________________
So come up to the lab and see what's on the slab.
I got one for $20 at Michaels and I love it. the handle looks like a soldering iron and it has a 4inch thin rod that heats up. I use it for doing a lot of scroll work and such. I just burned out two Celtic crosses and it did an amazing job. Much faster than trying to cut it with an xacto knife. But I also use knifes and such. It all depends on what I want to do but I'd hate to lose my foam burner!
EDITED TO ADD: I had been putting off cutting out the letters for our Avondale Cemetery sign. I was dreading cutting them out with a knife. It would have taken forever. When I got my burner, I had them knocked out in one evening with no hand/finger strain at all! Even my hubby was amazed.
__________________
**********
The dark little corner of the internet that we haunt Our Page
Hot Wire Foam Cutting Tools?
Linear Mode
