Hot Wire Foam Factory Tool Kit: amzn.to/3h9BYQA Hot Wire Foam Factory Pro Kit: amzn.to/3yi3sL9 Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here
These are also easy to make if you’re trying to save money, you can build one for pretty cheap. I converted an old soldering iron into one with some guitar string, I’m sure there’s better options out there as far as resistance goes but it works
Great video Kayte! I use a brass wire brush to clean excess plastic build up while the wire is hot. The engraving tip is great for creating castle walls, brick structures or cobblestone patterns in the foam. I try to only use a hot wire to cut this foam because using a bread knife or Sureform also works, it creates piles foam crumbs that are highly static charged and are nearly impossible to clean up completely. You'll constantly be finding them all over your shop. I usually use bamboo skewers from the grocery store to hold multiple layers together to cut as the hot wire cannot cut through most glues. Construction adhesive designed for insulation foam board works well for large pieces. Yellow or white glue may never dry properly because the air can't get to it
I just want to say I’m in awe of her skill. The Blade Runner blimp was exquisite. Please let us know what projects you’re working on so I can make a point to see them. One of the best things about 4K has been all the old models holding up and being amazing, and I want to make sure I’m supporting people keeping the art alive so masterfully.
I had something similar to this in my high school technology class. It was a DIY thing made out of a bunch of reclaimed hockey sticks, and the power supply was the size of a home stereo system, but it was really handy for carving aerofoils.
Burt Rutan instructed builders of his kit airplanes to build large versions of this tool to cut the wing and fuselage parts. He recommended using an old Lionel Trains transformer as the adjustable power source.
Ohh, this was blinking brilliant! Calm, consistent and easy to follow! I dunno why, but I got ASMR triggers from this video. Great presentation Kayte, thank you!
Very neat kit for foam builders. Also anyone who wants to glue sheets or pieces of EPS, you can just use white paint. XPS, stuff Katie is using you are better off with a spray glue or polyurethane glue. I've made a few cutters and an old car battery charger, light dimmer, some wood for the bow and nichrome wire works perfectly. Also put a spring on one end of the wire for auto tensioning.
Yeah, they normally kind of down play the "sponsored" content (though all those Amazon links in Adam's videos are affiliate links), but this one is like a straight up paid review video. I get it too (though I suspect Tested isn't hurting for funds in any way), but this is a bit more jarring/overt than usual. The tool also looks like the build quality is cheap AF. I mean hell, it doesn't even have temp control. If you're going to shill to me, at least do it with a quality product.
My ma had something like this, but much more ... rustic... when I was a kid and we'd use it to sculpt styrofoam to make things for school projects. This kit looks way less... d-cell battery hooked up to a wire cheese cutter. Nice!
I have a feeling the wire was not tight enough and tensioner didn't do anything as the two arms were already far apart. I think you would get more control otherwise. Nice tool.
I need a cutter that'll cut different shapes out of Natural Sponge. Have you ever tried cutting Natural Sponge with any of your foam cutters. Let me know please. THANKS.
Yes, but you have to be very very careful. It will go from not melted to melted to burnt quite quickly if you don’t watch carefully. Better to sand to final form and seal.
I've thought about building a stationary version of one of these, that would superficially look like a scroll saw. But then I realized that I don't really work in this medium and I'm starting to run out of space in the workshop.
If you really want one, for whatever infrequent use you might have, you could save yourself some time and just buy one instead of building it: th-cam.com/video/5NbK_H0QmOI/w-d-xo.html
Have you ever seen the Styro Slicer by the King of Random? It's really cool, it's portable, and takes up very little space: th-cam.com/video/N2n_EbRzZ0g/w-d-xo.html
The hot wire bow is indispensable for foam carving, but for fine detail work I prefer a wood burning tool with an Xacto knife blade attachment. The "hot wand" attachments are just too crude and imprecise for detail work.
Oh no! It's way too loose and you're going a bit too fast! :o You can't really control the curve this way. Also hot glue has too high thermal inertia for hot wire cutting. Whenever you hit it with the wire the tool will stop and melt a huge casm in the foam while the glue heats up.
yep, needs to be much tighter. I do mine with a guitar-string hooked up to a DC powersupply. Found out the hard way ...I have it glowing orange-hot though
@@bzqp2 It actually works really well when you get the voltage/amps right...it's bolted to a little wooden handle (wrapped around the bolts, and then a thread so you can tighten/loosen the wire)
This bend in that wire seems to be creating inconsistent results. I guess that works for a project that doesn't require a lot of symmetry. But otherwise, I could see a real problem.
Nice tool set but I’m sure it’s above 100 smackers. If you are single and live in an apartment I wouldn’t get it because you will never move out of there. Not tryin to be negative but if you have a house it’s a great tool to add to your home shop.
I’m concerned that you don’t seem to be using a respirator with a particulate filter. It looks like you just have a 3M gas cartridge without the particulate prefilter. The gas cartridge alone doesn’t filter ultra fine particles.
I have Proxxon and also a 4-piece set from HWFF. The HWFF are garbage. I bought the router sled, and after very limited usage the grips on the tool handle falling apart.
I have this set and I do like it. However it is really only for very light hobby usage. It doesn't cut very fast because it's low power. It's better for small pieces and detail work. It's not a bad kit, but I think it has more limited use than people think it does.
I've noticed this channel becoming more focused on selling (cheap) stuff through affiliate links lately. For me it kind of affects the trust in what they say. It doesn't feel sincere.
Some are saying that the brand is rubbish/cheap/etc, and that Tested aren't being up front. Firstly, I've never found a more up-front outfit than Tested. They're for ever disclaiming, heads up giving and mea culpa declaring. Proxxon should be of a higher quality. You certainly pay for it. I bought a $12 single cutter of eBay for foam scenery. Why should I spend Proxxon money if I'm just starting out or only need the tool occasionally? I've seen enough makers and professionals strapping together tools with bailing wire and 100mph tape to keep using them, so if the handle breaks on a low voltage tools, there's a work around. Tape it up or glue it. If you're starting out or have limited budget and just want to get going, get the HWFF kit and wear it out. Just replace what ever breaks and if you get right into it, then upgrade.
I wonder if they knew while making this video that 9/10 guys viewing this, are watching because their upgrading their foam inserts in their pelican rifle cases. I can't find a legit mk12 deployment case so figured I'd just make another. Hot knife is going to make my life so much easier. After 20 rifle cases you'd think I'd of known such a tool exists.
? Are you here hoping people comment like this soon to validate your comment for likes? I see no comments that are weird and perverted, except the mention of it here.
Ugh, soooo slow with the included 6v power supply. And HWFF will happily sell you a higher power switchable/variable PSU, but ohhh they upcharge for those! Alternative? 12v brick on a leash you'd use for LEDs, and a box with a fuse, a switch, an 8A PWM dimmer, and the T/S and 5.5/2.1mm barrel jacks. Supercharge your handheld tools! Use on the lowest setting that cuts well-the standard power supply for these tools is 6v. It's a little anemic for thick foam, but that's why you'd want a bigger power supply in the first place right?
@@marktaylor865 up the duff. the episode where adam and her talking about real steele makets she made she is preggers there. they make no reference to it till the end and very slightly...not sure why. first one i guess
Hot Wire Foam Factory Tool Kit: amzn.to/3h9BYQA
Hot Wire Foam Factory Pro Kit: amzn.to/3yi3sL9
Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here
These are also easy to make if you’re trying to save money, you can build one for pretty cheap.
I converted an old soldering iron into one with some guitar string, I’m sure there’s better options out there as far as resistance goes but it works
thanks for showing your favourite Hot Wire Tool Kayte!
Really appreciate getting this kind of deep expertise, and the time to elaborate on important details!
I don't need this, but I need this.
Great video Kayte! I use a brass wire brush to clean excess plastic build up while the wire is hot. The engraving tip is great for creating castle walls, brick structures or cobblestone patterns in the foam.
I try to only use a hot wire to cut this foam because using a bread knife or Sureform also works, it creates piles foam crumbs that are highly static charged and are nearly impossible to clean up completely. You'll constantly be finding them all over your shop.
I usually use bamboo skewers from the grocery store to hold multiple layers together to cut as the hot wire cannot cut through most glues. Construction adhesive designed for insulation foam board works well for large pieces. Yellow or white glue may never dry properly because the air can't get to it
I just want to say I’m in awe of her skill. The Blade Runner blimp was exquisite. Please let us know what projects you’re working on so I can make a point to see them. One of the best things about 4K has been all the old models holding up and being amazing, and I want to make sure I’m supporting people keeping the art alive so masterfully.
I had something similar to this in my high school technology class. It was a DIY thing made out of a bunch of reclaimed hockey sticks, and the power supply was the size of a home stereo system, but it was really handy for carving aerofoils.
Burt Rutan instructed builders of his kit airplanes to build large versions of this tool to cut the wing and fuselage parts. He recommended using an old Lionel Trains transformer as the adjustable power source.
Watching that wire go through is oddly satisfying honestly
11:10 Cuts like a lightsabre through a blast door.
Where are those droidekas?
Ohh, this was blinking brilliant!
Calm, consistent and easy to follow!
I dunno why, but I got ASMR triggers from this video.
Great presentation Kayte, thank you!
Very neat kit for foam builders. Also anyone who wants to glue sheets or pieces of EPS, you can just use white paint. XPS, stuff Katie is using you are better off with a spray glue or polyurethane glue.
I've made a few cutters and an old car battery charger, light dimmer, some wood for the bow and nichrome wire works perfectly. Also put a spring on one end of the wire for auto tensioning.
My concern for adhesive is always "will it cut the same as the foam" and not leave hard protrusions, etc.
First time I've seen this tool mentioned - thank you, it needs more exposure. I only found out about it myself by chance.
This is awesome. Kayte's presentation style reminds me of Adam's, focused yet enthusiastic.
Gotta pay the bills and I get it but I like seeing Adam’s tools that he doesn’t try to sell.
Yeah, they normally kind of down play the "sponsored" content (though all those Amazon links in Adam's videos are affiliate links), but this one is like a straight up paid review video. I get it too (though I suspect Tested isn't hurting for funds in any way), but this is a bit more jarring/overt than usual. The tool also looks like the build quality is cheap AF. I mean hell, it doesn't even have temp control. If you're going to shill to me, at least do it with a quality product.
My ma had something like this, but much more ... rustic... when I was a kid and we'd use it to sculpt styrofoam to make things for school projects. This kit looks way less... d-cell battery hooked up to a wire cheese cutter. Nice!
Healthy and happy you Ultimate Maker!
How quickly I forget this channel isn't just Norm and Adam. I wish they would more often feature the other folks at Tested.
Cool, I'd been seeing these things in hobby stores and wondering how they worked.
I use a Proxxon table wire cutter and also a handheld wire cutter, also with w thick wire you can shape into form and holds reasonably well.
🎉just got mine love it
Does the black holder come with both kits on both links it dont mention it?
Good one Kayte 👍🏼
Would that work with the battery adapter that Adam has on his soldering kit?
You can also cut out designs on paper, pin or glue the paper to the foam and use the design as a guide for the wire.
Made right here in my home town of Lompoc CA :-)
I have a feeling the wire was not tight enough and tensioner didn't do anything as the two arms were already far apart. I think you would get more control otherwise. Nice tool.
thanks kayte
I need a cutter that'll cut different shapes out of Natural Sponge. Have you ever tried cutting Natural Sponge with any of your foam cutters. Let me know please. THANKS.
What kind of foam are you using?
How would this work for carving bricks into foam board?
That's a lot nicer than the simple foam carver you can get at the craft store.
Maybe mention the model respirator used.
Really cool
Seems like a nice kit.
Would a hot air gun be able to smoothen the outer edge of a foam part? Or would it just melt it
Yes, but you have to be very very careful. It will go from not melted to melted to burnt quite quickly if you don’t watch carefully. Better to sand to final form and seal.
I've thought about building a stationary version of one of these, that would superficially look like a scroll saw. But then I realized that I don't really work in this medium and I'm starting to run out of space in the workshop.
Oh, that's clever! And then you can move/rotate the foam instead of moving/rotating the wire.
If you really want one, for whatever infrequent use you might have, you could save yourself some time and just buy one instead of building it:
th-cam.com/video/5NbK_H0QmOI/w-d-xo.html
Have you ever seen the Styro Slicer by the King of Random? It's really cool, it's portable, and takes up very little space: th-cam.com/video/N2n_EbRzZ0g/w-d-xo.html
@@Matthew-ee7bp I have not, because his chosen username offends me.
@@TWX1138 What do you mean it offends you?
The hot wire bow is indispensable for foam carving, but for fine detail work I prefer a wood burning tool with an Xacto knife blade attachment. The "hot wand" attachments are just too crude and imprecise for detail work.
This feels like a straight up ad. Talking about how satisfying it feels, and never showing any completed projects made this way.
Can anyone tell me can i cut through stacked/mountained sterofoam thats glued with sterofoam glue or white glue? Is it safe?
Oh no! It's way too loose and you're going a bit too fast! :o You can't really control the curve this way. Also hot glue has too high thermal inertia for hot wire cutting. Whenever you hit it with the wire the tool will stop and melt a huge casm in the foam while the glue heats up.
yep, needs to be much tighter. I do mine with a guitar-string hooked up to a DC powersupply. Found out the hard way ...I have it glowing orange-hot though
@@njones420 Jeez xd
@@bzqp2 It actually works really well when you get the voltage/amps right...it's bolted to a little wooden handle (wrapped around the bolts, and then a thread so you can tighten/loosen the wire)
U had me at cursive!!! 😂❤
Was thinking of ways to make this with just a coat hanger but I feel like no way that will be safe lol
This bend in that wire seems to be creating inconsistent results. I guess that works for a project that doesn't require a lot of symmetry. But otherwise, I could see a real problem.
And, if you take sufficiently stiff wire, you can bend in forms for making coping, moulding, and decorative edges on flat items like tombstones.
Good idea
I keep hearing the hot wire knife is "cool" :-).
Is this a repost? I could have sworn I saw this already....
adam has done something similar
Nice tool set but I’m sure it’s above 100 smackers. If you are single and live in an apartment I wouldn’t get it because you will never move out of there. Not tryin to be negative but if you have a house it’s a great tool to add to your home shop.
Most of the time, I like the Tested tool recommendations, but in this instance... nope. I'll stick with my Proxxon tools.
She reminds me of scoobydoo, i approve
You’re thinking of Velma Dinkley … crush of nerds since 1969. I quite agree.
Lindybeige approves.
It’s about time we see more faces. Sorry Adam but you ain’t the only face out there.
I’m concerned that you don’t seem to be using a respirator with a particulate filter. It looks like you just have a 3M gas cartridge without the particulate prefilter. The gas cartridge alone doesn’t filter ultra fine particles.
Interesting, I've only ever heart people talk about how bad the foam factory tools are.
I have Proxxon and also a 4-piece set from HWFF. The HWFF are garbage. I bought the router sled, and after very limited usage the grips on the tool handle falling apart.
I have this set and I do like it. However it is really only for very light hobby usage. It doesn't cut very fast because it's low power. It's better for small pieces and detail work. It's not a bad kit, but I think it has more limited use than people think it does.
I've noticed this channel becoming more focused on selling (cheap) stuff through affiliate links lately. For me it kind of affects the trust in what they say. It doesn't feel sincere.
@@screaminscott it works. It’s just very flimsy construction.
Some are saying that the brand is rubbish/cheap/etc, and that Tested aren't being up front.
Firstly, I've never found a more up-front outfit than Tested. They're for ever disclaiming, heads up giving and mea culpa declaring.
Proxxon should be of a higher quality. You certainly pay for it.
I bought a $12 single cutter of eBay for foam scenery. Why should I spend Proxxon money if I'm just starting out or only need the tool occasionally?
I've seen enough makers and professionals strapping together tools with bailing wire and 100mph tape to keep using them, so if the handle breaks on a low voltage tools, there's a work around. Tape it up or glue it.
If you're starting out or have limited budget and just want to get going, get the HWFF kit and wear it out. Just replace what ever breaks and if you get right into it, then upgrade.
You could also make your own frame, and get ni-chrome wire from the hobby shop for a few dollars.
@@andrewb9590 Even better!
I wonder if they knew while making this video that 9/10 guys viewing this, are watching because their upgrading their foam inserts in their pelican rifle cases. I can't find a legit mk12 deployment case so figured I'd just make another.
Hot knife is going to make my life so much easier. After 20 rifle cases you'd think I'd of known such a tool exists.
Please really take safety seriously with hot wire foam cutting! If you're getting a headache after working with a hot wire, you know why.
Wow! The case costs more than the components of the kit. Some refrigeration tubing hammered flat with some screws and nuts. People, make your own.
Why when a woman is presented the comment sections be a little weird and perverted
The same reason why a woman can make a sloppy picture of herself infront of the mirror and then get 500 likes on instagram
? Are you here hoping people comment like this soon to validate your comment for likes? I see no comments that are weird and perverted, except the mention of it here.
Ugh, soooo slow with the included 6v power supply. And HWFF will happily sell you a higher power switchable/variable PSU, but ohhh they upcharge for those! Alternative? 12v brick on a leash you'd use for LEDs, and a box with a fuse, a switch, an 8A PWM dimmer, and the T/S and 5.5/2.1mm barrel jacks. Supercharge your handheld tools!
Use on the lowest setting that cuts well-the standard power supply for these tools is 6v. It's a little anemic for thick foam, but that's why you'd want a bigger power supply in the first place right?
*Wish to make Wargaming terrain intensifies*
Check out the Hex Terrain Toolkit if you haven't seen it.
Please, people, exhaust the fumes outside of the area you're (outside) or wear a gas mask. Your lungs will thank you when you're older.
Adam did a video like this not too long ago...
Would I be right in saying Kayte is currently pregnant?
correct she has baby bump
@@SpacewolfDan that explains the excessive precautions.
@@marktaylor865 up the duff. the episode where adam and her talking about real steele makets she made she is preggers there. they make no reference to it till the end and very slightly...not sure why. first one i guess
@@SpacewolfDan I saw that but I must have missed the end.
@@marktaylor865 litterally the last 2 mins....why why why i doint know. its a happy time and we are all nosey. hehehe. lucky child to be
ASMR Be like
that mask ... can u breath lol ? i dont use mask at all just trying not to inhale thats all
you shouldn't keep your hair like that if you want more obvious cautions
She makes it sound very sexual per moments.
Last
First!
First
I don't think that's her most used tool she has. 😉 😉
Bonk!
Why are you wearing a mask?