My Hot-Wire Foam Cutting Table!

[Digital_Chris]

I'm pretty excited about this, I just got my Ni-Chrome wire in the mail today and finished up my hot-wire table. It turned out pretty good after I followed all of the DIY's I could find online

Here are some pics of it...









The setup cuts well. I haven't done a complete trace-out yet, but played around with a few pieces of spare foam. The only thing I need to possibly work on if at all is either the dimmer switch or the transformer itself. Reason I mention this is because I have to dial up the dimmer switch about half way before it gives out any juice and then I need to back it down once it clicks on because of too much juice. Other than that, it works like a charm

Oh, one more thing. Does anyone know if the fumes/smoke from cutting the foam is super hazardous? I know not to directly breath it in, but just want to make sure it isn't, you know, poisonous? (eek).

[RePete]

Details/dimensions of the project.

What transformer etc?

[Digital_Chris]

Dimensions are 24" x 24" but you can make it any size you feel the need for. Parts are listed below...

1/2" particle board for table top (home depot scrap - $0.51)
2 x 4 for legs and underside pieces (home depot scrap - $0.51)
3' piece of 1/4" zinc plated steel rod (ACE or Home Depot - <$5.00
30 ga Ni-Chrome wire (ebay - $3)
14 ga colored wire (Home - $0.00)
4" screw/bolt (Home Depot $0.99)
25.2V 2.0A Transformer (Radio Shack - $10.49)
Dimmer Switch (Home Depot - $3.99)
Power Cord (Home - $0.00)

Total time spread through the course of a week = about 4-5 hrs although it could take more or less time depending on your skill and OCD level :P

[RePete]

Thanks Chris.

Job well done.

[Longshot38]

I like it. I love to see people making their own stuff.

[Dcskater602]

ummm...why?

what are u cutting?

[Savage110]

ummm...why?

what are u cutting?

They are made to cut up the foam in pelican cases nicely.
Here's the intructions on how to make the basic cutter.:

http://www.hhhh.org/~joeboy/resources/h ... utter.html

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b ... 695&page=1

[Digital_Chris]

Thanks for the words guys

Here is the foam that I cut today. It came out well for my first time I guess, but still doesn't cut as easily as I expected. Maybe I need to put more tension on my wire, idk.

Check them out...




Up close you can see the imperfections but for the most part, it came out well.

Also, do you guys think I should cut out my top foam for my scope turret and the bolt knob? The case still closes fairly easy without cutting them out, but just want to be on the safe side if needed

[RePete]

Thanks for the words guys

Here is the foam that I cut today. It came out well for my first time I guess, but still doesn't cut as easily as I expected. Maybe I need to put more tension on my wire, idk.

Check them out...




Up close you can see the imperfections but for the most part, it came out well.

Also, do you guys think I should cut out my top foam for my scope turret and the bolt knob? The case still closes fairly easy without cutting them out, but just want to be on the safe side if needed

Looks good Chris.

I do have suggestions for you.

1. Turn the foam around (top and bottom) so that the scope is at the handle side of the case.

2. Next time leave the bipod on and cut out the foam with it attached.

3. No need to cut for the bolt or turret.

[BigBoy_30-378]

looks really good i would turn your foam around so he scop is up.

All in all for your first time its a pretty good job

Tom