I don't know if I'll have the patience and dedication to make one as nice as one you made here, but you provided all the right information I needed to rig up something quick and dirty with what I had around my garage and get the job done. You're a talented craftsman.
Crêpe this one has a cleaner look, but grant's is better, it has a variety of features that make it more usable from being able to separate and be used handheld, or cutting at different precise angles depending on the need.
Thanks, Luke, for that tutorial. I've gone through I don't know HOW many of them and this one was the simplest and easy to follow of them all. Can't wait to get started!
Have said it before but will say it again, you don't post video's that often Luke but by God when you do they really are worth watching. Great tips bud will most definitely be making one of these.
cool 😊 they are very easy to make, I put a lot of effort in the presentation of the foam cutter but in all honesty you can build it with bare minimum materials and it will still work great 😊 Thanks for the amazing compliment
It's a just a complete pleasure to watch someone take this much care and pleasure in their hobby as much as you do Luke. Thanks for the excellent content as always :D
Thanks for sharing this how to along with the wiring diagram & website for calculations. Very nicely done wire foam cutter, & the finish adds a professional look to it too!
Now, this is a good example of a "Professional"! This is the slickest most professional instructional video with respect to content, and presentation I've seen so far! Very impressed!
The spring is a necessary part and something most diy'rs omit from the build. The foam cutting unit looks really professional to me and I would be proud to have it sitting on my bench as a leading workhorse of a tool. Thanks very much for sharing and saving us money. Happy holidays! :-)
I built a very large one in the past, the cuts had to be about 40 inches long. Now here I am doing research and preparing to build a smaller unit. You want higher, consistent tension for straighter cuts, when the wire is up to temperature. I instead used a turnbuckle instead of a spring to tension the wire once it was hot.
I dont make things like Luke and so many others like him.....but I love watching things being made. I cant put my finger on it. But I have honestly viewed Luke's videos the moment posted. Cuz I've subscribed. And then repeatedly for the simple viewing pleasure of Luke and his simple execution of the project, dyi low dollar solutions. Rhe lightning is great, area clean and all things ready and organized. I dont watch let alone rewatch modelers LITERALLY in their basements with crap everywhere you could hardly make sense of what ur seeing. Yea long comment. But it's all true. I love being subscribed to Luke!!!!!!!!!
Great work! As a tip from a Electrical Engineer and DIY-er i recommend getting a cheap wire-crimper and some circular terminal instead of the soldered washers. They're cheap and gives a good solid mechanical and electrical connection.
It’s really refreshing to see a video tutorial that you can get an amazing results and you’re not using items lots of us haven’t got! Subscribed and I’ll definitely be giving this one a try
superb and a professional step by step explanation. i have been seeing other foam cutter videos for sometime and none of them even come close to what u have here. am thoroughly impressed Luke.
I think the spider wanted to have a closer look at what I was doing... or perhaps looking for real estate and realised everything was fake(ish). So he ran away disappointed. 😀 LOL
Thanks for posting! I just finished my build based off this design, including making the sides too short and having to extend them a little. To all the people wondering if you get shocked touching the rod... you do not. Not even a little. It is the same as touching one end of a dry cell battery.
Yeah, 12V will do nothing to you (I believe you don't need safety elements in a circuit up until 24V), which is why it's used in cars. But in this case it's even better, like touching the end of a battery that's at the same time connected to the ground, i.e. the current doesn't even want to flow through your body, it has a much better outlet. Only if your ground cable accidentally comes off sometime down the road do you get the full 12V (or more like 5V depending on how the dimmer is set), and you'll probably notice quite quickly that something's wrong as your cutter doesn't work anymore ;) So yeah, no need to worry, but it's never wrong to consider all risks. The temperature of the wire is probably more dangerous than the voltage on the rod, especially if you have pets or children in the house. Kudos for following step by step, including the missteps XD
This is a perfect tutorial video. Amazing work. It is exactly what I needed to see. This will be perfect for cutting out foam that will be used for a mobile tool chest. I like the idea that every tool will have its place. The chests silence will be pleasing as well. Cheers to a RUclips video done right.
I have been wanting to make one of these for a while now. Your video is the best one that I have seen to simply explain as well as make it seem simple enough to make on my own. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thanks for posting this ... I just cut my first foam 10 minutes ago and it works like a charm. My end use will be roughing in the scenic sections on my model railway. I can see getting some good use out of this tool over the coming months. Great stuff!
Can't believe you got any dislikes on this video. Excellent, to the point, great craftsman and design, can't wait to make it. I was about ready to buy one but your design is far superior to anything I have seen on the market, Thanks so much for making the video.
Awesome video, thank you very much. I will barely give a recommendation for whoever uses it and that is to be careful with your fingers when working because they are very close to the wire and in any movement error it can burn or cause an injury. I recommend using resistant and thin gloves to be able to maneuver the pieces.
I mentioned you to Adelaide moulding supply and they watched some of your videos after I said you recommended them in one of your videos, so lucky youre a local ! Makes my shopping easier.
GREAT DIY VIDEO! excellent camerawork, clear audio with nice background music, brief and precise information...nice and clean work too. I'm already a fan, thanks for sharing.
I only need a handheld foam cutter for more freeform work, but this was a great little build:) Also the nichrome calculator is a great tool - takes the guesswork out!
For bending the steel rod use two closed end box wrenches and slip them over the rod. They can then be used almost like a tubing bender to shape the rod. Works for most bends up to 90 degrees. A little heat from a heat gun (the type used to strip paint) will relax the steel a little bit without having to use a torch. It won't get near as hot but it will be enough to help make smooth bends that will look much better than cold bent steel. Only heat the area where you will make the bend.
Hi Luke I used your example to build my own hot wire cutter using the same DPDT Push On/Push Off Switch with LED a couple of months ago but haven't been able to get the switch to work as yours does. Can you please advise how you wired it up? Cheers.
I roughly followed your design, but instead of having the metal bar I used 2 pieces of wood to make an inverted "L". I also used a guitar machine head for tensioning the nichrome wire (you can tension the wire as it heats up). I also wired in a cigarette lighter socket and I can now plug in a hand-held cutter.
Definitely gonna build one of these over buying a 120 dollar table top foam cutter! I'm just getting into building foam terrain for DND stuff. Thanks for the video!! I'll definitely use it as a guide!
Hi Luke, Another great tutorial, how to build a useful device with ease and grace. You're not only a very good modelist, but a talented educator! Sincerely, Alexander
I would like to pass on my thanks. I made my own and it works perfectly. A few bits are a bit... slap dash. I couldn't solder the wires to a washer so I moulded them around a screw driver, soldered them in shape and then inserted them under the screw / bolt, but it works just fine. Thanks for the tutorial man, you saved me a fortune.
Man... Amazingly well done. I've never saw someone be so careful about the overall look of what they're doing... Beside you and myself. Congratulations to the great job! And be sure I'm going to make my own version of it. :)
ha ha ha 😀 thanks mate... I can often spend way too much time making things look good when they don't really need to 😀 Have fun making your own version
Luke Towan I know what you mean, bro. I have the same problem. LOL You should see my two (small, to use by hand) hot wire cutters... Both made of layers of cardboard and the outside I made one with black EVA and the other with a hard and strong kind of paper. LOL But I didn't make videos at the time. (Now I make, but in Portuguese - I'm from Brazil.) Almost every time I paint and so on... :)
Great Vid. I based my own build on yours I bought the same pwm controller as you but instead of creating a higher base, I just unscrewed the box and removed the potentiometer to mount on the side.
what kind of solder did you use? mine doesn't stick to any washers. also a tip for the wing nut: replace it with an electric guitar machine head tuner. makes it much easier to replace and tension the wire. how about a guitar string for the cutting wire?
Hi Luke Thanks for this very professional looking hot wire cutter. I've created a clone for use in cutting foam for model aircraft projects but I'm having problems in wiring in the switch. I bought the same DPDT switch as you used but can't work out how you wired in the integral LED. Any advice or diagram would be appreciated thanks. John
Lord Luke towan, you keep every promise you make. We are already delighting with a new production of yours. It is a pleasure to be your follower. I hope it will result in seeing so many beautiful things and that I will be able to develop as much skill as you. Thank you very much.
Luke Towan awesome tutorial, im so glad , you are the " Maestro Rochi" (Dragón Ball Z, LOL) , una herramienta muy útil, un vídeo profesional y explicado paso a paso, ( necesitas alguien que traduzca tus vídeos al español, son de gran ayuda ) :D
Wanted to say thanks for this video. This is definitely the cleanest looking table I have seen on youtube. I just need to gather the hardware for this and will be ready to get going on the build. I will have to modify this a bit to fit my needs, but this video has been invaluable for me. Thanks!
Can you please explain your dimmer switch wires - 2 red, 1 black, 1 white. And your wiring diagram (7:58) shows diagram with black and red wires. Which red do you use and what do you do with the OTHER red and the white wires?
You made me so happy! @ 3.35 there was a little spider trying to escape your dangerous device. See how fast he ran? Anyway great inspiration. I'll model mine after your design. Tks.
I love how you’re Australian, because it fills me with more confidence that whatever you’re using can be found at my local Bunnings.
I can't understand how you can have dislike on this video. This is exactly how a diy video should look. Keep up the awesome work luke!
lol, thanks mate 😀
Probably employees of a company who sell this equipment at a greatly inflated price.
@@peter.24.7 just saved me $200 CAD so i don't doubt it!
I can't understand dislike in every of his video !!!
lol, great comment, both funny and prob accurate.
I don't know if I'll have the patience and dedication to make one as nice as one you made here, but you provided all the right information I needed to rig up something quick and dirty with what I had around my garage and get the job done. You're a talented craftsman.
Only man alive who could make a video about building a foam cutter interesting
Thanks again, my man
ha ha ha 😊 so glad you enjoyed it Rob, thank you 😊
Rob The Dog the king of random made this first
Crêpe this one has a cleaner look, but grant's is better, it has a variety of features that make it more usable from being able to separate and be used handheld, or cutting at different precise angles depending on the need.
Rob The Dog ggh
This one can have the wire removed and inserted for inside and intricate work. This one is better than Grant's and a whole lot simpler as well
probably the clearest tutorial I have seen on the subject.
A goldmine on information! Thank you so much. RUclips at its finest!!
Thanks, Luke, for that tutorial. I've gone through I don't know HOW many of them and this one was the simplest and easy to follow of them all. Can't wait to get started!
I've built several foam cutters of various designs over the years, but this is one of the most professional looking I've seen. Excellent work!
wow thanks mate for the amazing compliment 😁 Glad you liked it
Have said it before but will say it again, you don't post video's that often Luke but by God when you do they really are worth watching.
Great tips bud will most definitely be making one of these.
cool 😊 they are very easy to make, I put a lot of effort in the presentation of the foam cutter but in all honesty you can build it with bare minimum materials and it will still work great 😊 Thanks for the amazing compliment
Hi buddy, can you support my channel?
Best how to I have seen. The detail of the power required and how to calculate title was very helpful. We’ll done
Nothing more relaxing than listening to an aussie explain DIY haha! Cheers pal I'm gonna give this a go
It's a just a complete pleasure to watch someone take this much care and pleasure in their hobby as much as you do Luke. Thanks for the excellent content as always :D
thanks Snuggles 😊 I spend quite a while putting them together so it's great to see how much you appreciate them 😊
Thanks for sharing this how to along with the wiring diagram & website for calculations. Very nicely done wire foam cutter, & the finish adds a professional look to it too!
Wow! One of the best DIY hot wires out there. Very well thought out and explained. Excellent work.
SPIDER! 3:34!
Thanks mate 😀
I've just made mine, thanks for this tutorial - it gave me the confidence to try rather than keep struggling away with a knife!
Now, this is a good example of a "Professional"! This is the slickest most professional instructional video with respect to content, and presentation I've seen so far! Very impressed!
Not many people list the wire gauge .. you do. Perfect :)
this was the best foam cutter i seen on the internet.
wow 😊 thanks for the great compliment
The spring is a necessary part and something most diy'rs omit from the build. The foam cutting unit looks really professional to me and I would be proud to have it sitting on my bench as a leading workhorse of a tool. Thanks very much for sharing and saving us money. Happy holidays! :-)
I built a very large one in the past, the cuts had to be about 40 inches long. Now here I am doing research and preparing to build a smaller unit.
You want higher, consistent tension for straighter cuts, when the wire is up to temperature. I instead used a turnbuckle instead of a spring to tension the wire once it was hot.
I dont make things like Luke and so many others like him.....but I love watching things being made. I cant put my finger on it. But I have honestly viewed Luke's videos the moment posted. Cuz I've subscribed. And then repeatedly for the simple viewing pleasure of Luke and his simple execution of the project, dyi low dollar solutions. Rhe lightning is great, area clean and all things ready and organized. I dont watch let alone rewatch modelers LITERALLY in their basements with crap everywhere you could hardly make sense of what ur seeing. Yea long comment. But it's all true. I love being subscribed to Luke!!!!!!!!!
You can also slide a tube over the 6mm rod to get precise bends. Cheers Luke and keep up the great work!!!
10/10 - Hot Wire Foam Cutter reviewer
thanks Dewitt 😊
This is much cheaper than buying a wire cutter! I'm stoked to build this.
I actually thought it was a bought unit until I started watching the construction, excellent work and video
Great work! As a tip from a Electrical Engineer and DIY-er i recommend getting a cheap wire-crimper and some circular terminal instead of the soldered washers. They're cheap and gives a good solid mechanical and electrical connection.
I didn't even think about that! That is a great idea 😊 Thanks for your advice.... Greatly appreciated 😊
I've never seen a wing nut spin so smoothly as yours does. ;) Great video - thanks for making it!
It’s really refreshing to see a video tutorial that you can get an amazing results and you’re not using items lots of us haven’t got! Subscribed and I’ll definitely be giving this one a try
superb and a professional step by step explanation. i have been seeing other foam cutter videos for sometime and none of them even come close to what u have here. am thoroughly impressed Luke.
3:35 Right side of screen, hello Mr.Spider!
Well, he is from Australia
yeah, as long as they don't run up your arm 😊
I also seen it lol
disable HD view if you don't like spiders :D
I think the spider wanted to have a closer look at what I was doing... or perhaps looking for real estate and realised everything was fake(ish). So he ran away disappointed. 😀 LOL
Thanks for posting! I just finished my build based off this design, including making the sides too short and having to extend them a little. To all the people wondering if you get shocked touching the rod... you do not. Not even a little. It is the same as touching one end of a dry cell battery.
Yeah, 12V will do nothing to you (I believe you don't need safety elements in a circuit up until 24V), which is why it's used in cars. But in this case it's even better, like touching the end of a battery that's at the same time connected to the ground, i.e. the current doesn't even want to flow through your body, it has a much better outlet.
Only if your ground cable accidentally comes off sometime down the road do you get the full 12V (or more like 5V depending on how the dimmer is set), and you'll probably notice quite quickly that something's wrong as your cutter doesn't work anymore ;)
So yeah, no need to worry, but it's never wrong to consider all risks. The temperature of the wire is probably more dangerous than the voltage on the rod, especially if you have pets or children in the house.
Kudos for following step by step, including the missteps XD
Thank you. Useful ok 👌 info
Hi buddy, can you support my channel?
It take two minutes to dislike but just imagine how much efforts it takes to prepare this video's to us....Good Job 👍
You make it look so easy. Clear and concise instructions and tips and a really professional looking end product, cheers mate.
This video is very helpful because I did not know how to make a foam cutter but now I do.
This is a perfect tutorial video. Amazing work. It is exactly what I needed to see. This will be perfect for cutting out foam that will be used for a mobile tool chest. I like the idea that every tool will have its place. The chests silence will be pleasing as well. Cheers to a RUclips video done right.
That looks like it was shop bought. Excellent build !!!!!
I have been wanting to make one of these for a while now. Your video is the best one that I have seen to simply explain as well as make it seem simple enough to make on my own. Thanks for the inspiration.
You are most welcome 😀 Glad you enjoy them. 😀
Thanks for posting this ... I just cut my first foam 10 minutes ago and it works like a charm. My end use will be roughing in the scenic sections on my model railway. I can see getting some good use out of this tool over the coming months. Great stuff!
That soldering wire to a washer trick is awesome!
Can't believe you got any dislikes on this video. Excellent, to the point, great craftsman and design, can't wait to make it.
I was about ready to buy one but your design is far superior to anything I have seen on the market, Thanks so much for making the video.
How all instructional videos should be produced...excellent work!
Awesome! Don't even want to build this, it's just relaxing to watch you build things. Best from Argentina!
thanks mate 🙂 It's good to know that you enjoyed watching the video even though you don't plan on building one 🙂 thanks again
One of the best DIY videos here on RUclips EVER!
Thank you and greetings from Portugal.
Awesome video, thank you very much. I will barely give a recommendation for whoever uses it and that is to be careful with your fingers when working because they are very close to the wire and in any movement error it can burn or cause an injury. I recommend using resistant and thin gloves to be able to maneuver the pieces.
I mentioned you to Adelaide moulding supply and they watched some of your videos after I said you recommended them in one of your videos, so lucky youre a local ! Makes my shopping easier.
ha ha cool 😊 thanks
Just watched this. Well presented, clear and straight forward video. Thank you.
Nice cutter for eva foam projects. Need to make one
GREAT DIY VIDEO! excellent camerawork, clear audio with nice background music, brief and precise information...nice and clean work too. I'm already a fan, thanks for sharing.
Very nice work. That wire calculator is awesome.
I don't really need foam cutter...but I genuinely enjoyed this video. Thanks for your projects, they are marvellous!
Thanks mate 😀
For any model building this is an amazing video. So well shot and edited, full list of materials, and straight to the point. Bravo
Thank you 😀 It's good to see you know how much hard work gets put into my tutorials. Your words are encouraging and motavting.
I only need a handheld foam cutter for more freeform work, but this was a great little build:)
Also the nichrome calculator is a great tool - takes the guesswork out!
For bending the steel rod use two closed end box wrenches and slip them over the rod. They can then be used almost like a tubing bender to shape the rod. Works for most bends up to 90 degrees. A little heat from a heat gun (the type used to strip paint) will relax the steel a little bit without having to use a torch. It won't get near as hot but it will be enough to help make smooth bends that will look much better than cold bent steel. Only heat the area where you will make the bend.
Hi Luke
I used your example to build my own hot wire cutter using the same DPDT Push On/Push Off Switch with LED a couple of months ago but haven't been able to get the switch to work as yours does. Can you please advise how you wired it up? Cheers.
Great production and simple to understand.
Great stuff!!! Thanks mate. I'll be building one of these in the near future. Awesome...
Must be the most satisfying job
I roughly followed your design, but instead of having the metal bar I used 2 pieces of wood to make an inverted "L". I also used a guitar machine head for tensioning the nichrome wire (you can tension the wire as it heats up). I also wired in a cigarette lighter socket and I can now plug in a hand-held cutter.
Definitely gonna build one of these over buying a 120 dollar table top foam cutter! I'm just getting into building foam terrain for DND stuff. Thanks for the video!! I'll definitely use it as a guide!
your projects are always worth to watch, waiting for the next one now.
Thanks mate. 😃 Am in the process of making the next video. 😃
Hi Luke,
Another great tutorial, how to build a useful device with ease and grace. You're not only a very good modelist, but a talented educator!
Sincerely,
Alexander
Wow 🙂I really appreciate your kind words, thank you 🙂
agree 100%
Finished product looks very professional. Great job!
I would like to pass on my thanks. I made my own and it works perfectly. A few bits are a bit... slap dash. I couldn't solder the wires to a washer so I moulded them around a screw driver, soldered them in shape and then inserted them under the screw / bolt, but it works just fine. Thanks for the tutorial man, you saved me a fortune.
Awesome! I'm glad you were able to get your foam cutter working.
Thank you! The best so far.
The video is beautiful. Health in your hand. It's very informative. It's the best work I've seen lately.
Man... Amazingly well done. I've never saw someone be so careful about the overall look of what they're doing... Beside you and myself. Congratulations to the great job! And be sure I'm going to make my own version of it. :)
ha ha ha 😀 thanks mate... I can often spend way too much time making things look good when they don't really need to 😀 Have fun making your own version
Luke Towan I know what you mean, bro. I have the same problem. LOL You should see my two (small, to use by hand) hot wire cutters... Both made of layers of cardboard and the outside I made one with black EVA and the other with a hard and strong kind of paper. LOL But I didn't make videos at the time. (Now I make, but in Portuguese - I'm from Brazil.) Almost every time I paint and so on... :)
Great Vid. I based my own build on yours
I bought the same pwm controller as you but instead of creating a higher base, I just unscrewed the box and removed the potentiometer to mount on the side.
Great homebrew build!
Thank you, this is the most informative video I've seen. The main thing for me is finding the power range requirements.
This is perfect work and superb explanation
Have been a fan of yours for quite some time, thank you for your DIY videos. Saw this years ago and now need one!!
Your video is Awesome. Plus I have seen some of your other videos. You are a skilled Craftsman.
You have a new subscriber. Keep up the great work..
just like how wanted .... you do things really neat and detailed.. just love it
Thank you Dr Century 😀
what kind of solder did you use? mine doesn't stick to any washers.
also a tip for the wing nut: replace it with an electric guitar machine head tuner. makes it much easier to replace and tension the wire. how about a guitar string for the cutting wire?
hell yeah! thanks for your guide. Now I can build my own railroad model
It's great to see that quality circular saws made in Germany are available and being used in Australia :-)
Hi Luke
Thanks for this very professional looking hot wire cutter. I've created a clone for use in cutting foam for model aircraft projects but I'm having problems in wiring in the switch. I bought the same DPDT switch as you used but can't work out how you wired in the integral LED. Any advice or diagram would be appreciated thanks.
John
Always a pleasure and great inspiration to watch your awesome and high precision work. You are the real "Cool hand Luke"!
👍Wow, thank you for your positive feedback 😀
Nice project and explanation!
Great job! That's definitely a professionally built foam cutter. As normally what you see is a battery with nichrome wire :)
lol... yeah I wanted to try and make it a little durable so hopefully it will last a while 😀
Yeah, definitely it will.
3:36, I love authenticity. Spider running down RHS of unit.
lol... it seems to be a theme in a lot of my videos! Random insects photo bombing 😀
lol, just a question on the hook you made in the end of the metal rod. Solder melts at 270 degrees, how did you get by this?
Love the tutorials. Also dig the Napoleon Dynamite Sound track. LOL
Lord Luke towan, you keep every promise you make. We are already delighting with a new production of yours. It is a pleasure to be your follower. I hope it will result in seeing so many beautiful things and that I will be able to develop as much skill as you. Thank you very much.
LOL! 😁 Thanks mate, glad you enjoy my productions. Will do my best to keep my followers happy. 😁
Gracias a usted. Y disculpe por escribir por momentos en Español que es mi lengua nativa.
Luke Towan awesome tutorial, im so glad , you are the " Maestro Rochi" (Dragón Ball Z, LOL) , una herramienta muy útil, un vídeo profesional y explicado paso a paso, ( necesitas alguien que traduzca tus vídeos al español, son de gran ayuda ) :D
A super helpful and informative video, Luke. Thanks for taking the time!
very nice work ..looking good finished work
Awesome video. Specially on the power supply details
really impressive mate you shore save lots of effort and money of mine
Wanted to say thanks for this video. This is definitely the cleanest looking table I have seen on youtube. I just need to gather the hardware for this and will be ready to get going on the build. I will have to modify this a bit to fit my needs, but this video has been invaluable for me. Thanks!
Gracias a ti Luke, cada trabajo tuyo me inspira a mejorar el mio
Thanks you 😁 Glad you enjoyed
Excellent. Sir I salute you
Great video and great cutter! Best video on these I've seen so far. Thanks :)
Less than $30 for everything to make this it sure beats paying $130 for a proxon cutter.
Awesome!!!
Can you please explain your dimmer switch wires - 2 red, 1 black, 1 white. And your wiring diagram (7:58) shows diagram with black and red wires. Which red do you use and what do you do with the OTHER red and the white wires?
This was very great to watch! I just felt a little bit of anxiety looking at your fingers so close to that 600f hot wire :o
Je radost sledovat Vaše videa)
Děkuji, rád, že jste si užil pozorování 😃
What an excellent guide. Thank you.
That's incredible. I like it.
CONGRATS...SPECTACULAR!!!! SUPER VERY HELPFUL!!!!!
Thanks Luke I need one of these better than buying one. Cheers
Really good work!
You made me so happy! @ 3.35 there was a little spider trying to escape your dangerous device. See how fast he ran? Anyway great inspiration. I'll model mine after your design. Tks.