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→Cut List
|Is used in domain=
|Is used in domain=
|Has name={{PAGENAME}}
|Has name={{PAGENAME}}
|Has icon=File: Foam_cutterIcon.png
|Has icon=File:Foam Cutter 2.png
|Has icondesc=
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# Switch on the device with the switch 1(Fig. 1).
# Switch on the device with the switch 1(Fig. 1).
# Adjust the temperature with the regulator 2. The table on the front of the device serves as a guide. The best way to find the ideal temperature is to try different temperatures yourself. For simple, straightforward cuts you use a high temperature, for complicated shapes a lower temperature.
# Adjust the temperature with the regulator 2. The table on the front of the device serves as a guide. The best way to find the ideal temperature is to try different temperatures yourself. For simple, straightforward cuts you use a high temperature, for complicated shapes a lower temperature.
# Now move the workpiece through the wire with a light pressure and even speed. Be aware that too high pressure in the direction of the cut when cutting complicated shapes will tend to bend the wire.
# Now move the workpiece through the wire with a light pressure and even speed. Thick sections should be cut with a slower speed. Be aware that too high pressure in the direction of the cut when cutting complicated shapes will tend to bend the wire.
Note: It is normal that the wire extends somewhat after being heated for the first time. Stretch the wire slightly by the first heating and tension it again. The wire will now retain its length.
Note: It is normal that the wire extends somewhat after being heated for the first time. Stretch the wire slightly by the first heating and tension it again. The wire will now retain its length.
====General Procedure====
====General Procedure====
The tabletop foam cutter is best for performing straight, miter, and parallel cuts. Odd shapes and rounded features may be better cut with the handheld foam cutter. Only the handheld foam cutter can have its hot wire bent into odd shapes.
The tabletop foam cutter is best for performing straight, miter, and parallel cuts. Odd shapes and rounded features may be better cut with the handheld foam cutter. Only the handheld foam cutter can have its hot wire bent into odd shapes. Loosen the adjustment knobs and bend the wire to your liking.
When you finish using a foam cutter, turn it off. The hot wire should cool down in a few seconds. Gently wipe down the hot wire with a soft cloth or paper towel to remove any leftover residue.
If you are gluing foam together, cut the foam before the glue dries. The foam cutters will not work well through dried glue.
If you are gluing foam together, cut the foam before the glue dries. The foam cutters will not work well through dried glue.
==Safety==
==Safety==
Clearly, getting burned by the hot wire is a safety concern. Don’t touch the hot wire. However, a much greater risk is the potential for dangerous fumes when cutting foams - especially foams other than polystyrene. It is very important that you verify that any other foams are safe to be cut.,
Clearly, getting burned by the hot wire is a safety concern. Don’t touch the hot wire. However, a much greater risk is the potential for dangerous fumes when cutting foams - especially foams other than polystyrene. It is very important that you verify that any other foams are safe to be cut.
# Provide good ventilation, when using the device.
# Provide good ventilation, when using the device.
You can not cut through the spongy polyurethane foams used for upholstery. It beads off on the hot wire and gives off toxic fumes.
You can not cut through the spongy polyurethane foams used for upholstery. It beads off on the hot wire and gives off toxic fumes.
==Cut List==
===Approved Materials===
* EPS/Expanded Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
* XPS/Extruded Polystyrene (Styrofoam)
* Owens Corning Pinkboard (Foamular)
* DOW Blueboard
* PE/polyethylene
* PP/polypropylene
===DO NOT CUT===
* Polyurethane foams
* Polyisocyanurate foam
* Items that are not foam
If you want to cut a material not listed here, please talk with the Maker Hub staff.
==Certification==
==Certification==
* You can make a simple device yourself for cutting circular segments. Fix a drawing-pin at the center of the required circle on the working table with a piece of tape. Fix the workpiece onto the pin and turn the workpiece around the pin (Fig. 7).
* You can make a simple device yourself for cutting circular segments. Fix a drawing-pin at the center of the required circle on the working table with a piece of tape. Fix the workpiece onto the pin and turn the workpiece around the pin (Fig. 7).
[[File:Foam7.png|400px|none]]
[[File:Foam7.png|400px|none]]
* The cutting wire normally breaks above the guide bushing. Insert the wire a few inches further in the lower wire guide and fasten it again at regular intervals to prevent the wire from breaking.
* The cutting wire normally breaks above the guide bushing. Insert the wire a few inches further in the lower wire guide and fasten it again at regular intervals to prevent the wire from breaking. If the wire breaks, loosen the clamping knob and remove the broken piece. Then loosen the spool screw, pull out more wire and place it into the wire hole. Re-tighten all of the screws.
==Maintenance==
==Maintenance==