$4.79 Styrofoam Cutter

I just wanted to show off my new toy. I had to buy a spool of NiChrome wire to make this. The cost of that shipped to me was $4.79.

Everything else was scrap, including the little bench as it came from a storage unit I bought at auction.

https://www.facebook.com/cjamesartis...3753832227117/

I plan to cut some foam board circles with it to display my leather seat covers at a craft show in Septmeber. Got the inspiration from Youtube videos.

I like it. I could see some potential to make custom shipping inserts for some of my parts I sell and ship. Any idea of where I might get the foam at a cheap price. I've never been in the market for foam. I know that there is foam used for house insulation that I would think is inexpensive.

Thanks for sharing it has given me something to think about and hopefully use in my business.


I'm not sure so please check my thoughts: its the NiChrome wire and 12 vdc that makes it hot enough to cut the foam. 73, Mike

ps: I've been a member since 2011 and read all the old post when I started, read every day and I learn something new nearly everyday. M

Mike, I haven't explored the foam too much but I do know the insulation is expensive. I got some from my Dad to play with but I do need more.

A friend suggested floral form foam. I know that is awful soft and crumbly though and I have not yet looked at price. Could be good for your use though. Check Craigslist for free foam too. Plus whenever someone throws out a TV box, there would be a good chunk of cooler style foam from each end. Just some initial thoughts. Maybe someone else has some good ideas on this?

Originally Posted by miked

I'm not sure so please check my thoughts: its the NiChrome wire and 12 vdc that makes it hot enough to cut the foam. 73, Mike

Yes and yes. I bought 24 AWG Nichrome wire. I used the first 12 VDC transformer I grabbed. It is 1000 MA and it does get a little warm. I may switch it for one with less power or add a resistor, or just not run it for too long at a time. Haven't decided on that yet.

Be careful with that thing , hope you have proper ventilation set up , wear eye protection and beware of any light headedness or dizziness . I would probably just go get a exacto knife to avoid the 90 chemicals your releasing and breathing doing this .



Styrene is an oily liquid and is used in the production of polystyrene. When Styrofoam is burned, vapors from styrene are released into the air. Styrene is also present in cigarette smoke, but in much smaller doses. The vapor that is released from styrene can affect the senses, particularly the eyes, and can also negatively affect the central nervous system. The EPA is currently researching a possible correlation between styrene and cancer.

Originally Posted by Flinthills

I have a friend that buys 1" thick Styrofoam sheets from Home Depot for packing some Ebay sales. BTW - If you ever need to cut the spongy type of foam, I've never found anything that beats an electric kitchen carving knife.

After pricing the foam insulation I went to craigslist to see what I could find. I ended up buying about 50 sq ft of 2" thick dense upholstery foam for $30. The woman I bought it from keeps a really sharp knife just for cutting that foam.

So I may not be using my new toy much after all.

Metalbestos, when I do use it, I will use it outside and will never cut very much at a time.

Its kind of crazy how safety conscious we have become in the last few years. When I was a kid, I remember pouring gasoline on styrofoam which created a sort of slime. Then working around asbestos in the late 80's/early 90s without a care. But just a couple years ago I saw one of these styrofoam cutters being used in a local factory. While the building had tall ceilings, no other safety or PPE was being used by the operator. I'm sure you are right though about the dangers.