Have a memory foam block I’m wanting to cut up for pillows. I know a hot wire will go through foam a lot easier than scissors but don’t have one. Was wondering if the space did.
I’m pretty sure we bought a cheap one before we moved over to the new area. No clue where that would be stored now.
Also an electric carving knife works well
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There was a big cutter stored under the old Big Thunder that I was told was awaiting the (then) future Plastics area. Might check there. @nicksilva - you have any knowledge?
Hmm…in that vein, is foam something we can cut on the laser? Doesn’t seem like it.
That is a different “hot wire”. Its a larger heating element designed to bend acrylic along a straight line.
@agvet foam cutting hot wires are easy to make. Nichrome wire (or even guitar wire) as the hot wire. A small ~12volt power supply. Then a frame like a scroll saw or a bow saw.
Be wary of the noxious fumes from burning the foam. Some can be serious.
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like John said it was an acrylic bender.
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Some types of foam, yes the laser can cut it. But common foams like neoprene contain chlorine that could cause damage to the laser and people as it vents off during cutting. Polyurethane foam, AKA, craft foam is usually okay, but PolyPropylene and Neoprean are no go.
See the list of prohibited materials for the laser here: Laser materials list.
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I used a doorbell transformer and a dimmer for a power supply and it worked great.
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I also have a hot wire cutter, that I could bring by, but I need it back because I use it to make war-gaming terrain.
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We have a large foam cutter we made at our place if the piece is extremely large—we use for 4’ x 8’ x 4” styrofoam panels.
I’ve had the best luck cutting memory foam with a box cutter and t-square
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