Just wanting to see if anyone has found a good: variable size; variable heat; model that isn't tooo expensive.
I am looking at cutting up fairly large pieces (maybe 60cm wire on a large bench set up?) and probably set up something smaller for hand work. I was wondering if anyone has a cheapish solution for the power supply with multiple volt/amp controls. (maybe a max 5amp needs probably 3-5amp??) to go with Nichrome wire. I have been given a large home made cutter (about 60cm) and have 5cm hand cutter that have run on batteries, I want a more powersocket friendly/safe solution.
There are a few around (at Jaycar or the like) but the 5amp ones are all about $200+ abit over my budget for something to cut terrain styro....
Was looking at keeping cost to a minimum but a budget of $40-80 is what I was hoping for.
Full Version: styrofoam hotwire cutters.?
check for old 240v model railway units with a variable speed, also woodland scenics do a cheap model
cheers
matt
cheers
matt
Are you trying to cut those large extruded polystyrene sheets through their thickness?
A few months ago I made one myself to do this. It looks like something out of the third world, but it works fine, and only cost about $10 to make.
A few months ago I made one myself to do this. It looks like something out of the third world, but it works fine, and only cost about $10 to make.
Not that I have done this and I wouldn't recommended it unless you are a sparky but I think you could make one out of a toaster.
an old battery charger works well , but if you want good Dick smith has a multi Amp and multi volts unit $120 it work very very well , I have one! 
I modified my battery powered one to take an AC adaptor (which supplies around 11.5v at 1a). The mod isn't a permanent attachment (it uses alligator clips to the battery terminals from the adaptor hookup).
Also fitted a switch to control the power (press and hold to have power going through it).
Took me all of 10 minutes and a couple of $$ in parts. It was a basic Woodland Scenics one I got from Hobbyco years ago (Mid City centre, Sydney when they were near D!ck Smiths and DSE actually stocked electronic components).
A doddle if you know basic electronics and can solder.
Also fitted a switch to control the power (press and hold to have power going through it).
Took me all of 10 minutes and a couple of $$ in parts. It was a basic Woodland Scenics one I got from Hobbyco years ago (Mid City centre, Sydney when they were near D!ck Smiths and DSE actually stocked electronic components).
A doddle if you know basic electronics and can solder.
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