foam cutting

[BatFastard]

I'm abaout to start some costume making using the ubiquitous foam mats. I was wondering if it was a. possible and b. beneficial to use a hot wire device instead of a knife/scalpel of some sort.

Thanks for any info/advice/warnings.

 

[collinE83]

Every once in a while this question comes up and there are people out there who have a hard time getting a clean edge with the razor edge on a knife, so they'll use a hot wire. It can be done and is physically possible to do.

Most people, myself included, would advise against it. I think if you get good with a sharp knife, you'll get better looking edges and move quicker while cutting. Also it's cheaper. You just have to get a knife sharpener and practice.

I'm sure someone who uses a hot wire to cut foam may have some additional pros for it and have some better arguments for why you should go that route, but I don't

 

[BatFastard]

many thanks. It was just an idea and I though I'd ask in case I was missing something. My initial plan was a blade so thats the way I'll be going. Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

 

[Helbros]

If you have one, or can find one relatively cheap, you could use a band saw with a metal cutting blade. At the very least, you could cut out all your straight lines with it and then go in with a razor blade for detailed/complex parts .

 

[BatFastard]

Thanks. I did look into that but I can macgyver a jig saw for that. I think I'll save up some money and invest in a decent belt/disc sander - from what I've seen that'll be one of the most useful tools