The Proxxon has some flaws...How to deal with them?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ธ.ค. 2019
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As much as I love my Proxxon Hotwire cutter, it's far from perfect. It has some flaws and limitations, and this is how I deal with them.
#BlackMagicCraft #Episode171 #PROXXONPROBLEMS
PROXXON HOTWIRE TABLE
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PROXXON FOOT SWITCH
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(Germany) amzn.to/2PomHxM
Some specific items used in this build:
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What did I miss?
Milk. But do you go back to the grocery store? It's freezing outside. Maybe you'll just make eggs for breakfast instead of cereal. Yeah, it'll be fine.
Have you seen the new Fantasy World Creator: Dungeon & Town? If so I am curious what your thoughts are on it.
not sure if you missed anything because i JUST got my new hotwire cutter, and this video seriously was so helpful! thanks so much for the info, it gives me a good idea of what i’m in for and is gonna be so useful when i start my projects.
They asked me to review it put I wasn’t up for it this time around. It looks pretty neat, I love that black and white sketch aesthetic.
Maybe a look at its ability to cut circles, cones and cylinders? The Proxxon paired with a jig makes cutting perfect circles, cones and cylinders so much easier, but some flaws crop up there.
"All you do is put your hand on it" *stares for an eternity*
Got one for myself for Christmas. Had to wrap it up and put it under the tree.
To dad
From dad...
Kile Lorencen #MeToo
Thats the most dad thing ever...
Same, except To Mom from Mom
When replacing the wire, make sure to push it all to way through the brass clamping piece, in such a way that the wire sticks a bit out of the underside of the clamping piece. Now you will not have to worry a bit of snapped wire gets stuck inside of the clamping piece, but you can pull out the remaining piece of snapped wire from the bottom out.
Your tip with the acetone worked Magic as well!
Great video, appreciated & loved it!
"they absolutly could have and they absolutly should have as it would have"....beautiful line ma dude
You would make a great high school shop teacher. You explain things very well and thoroughly including the reason why you do things the way you do them.
Before watching your video I am going to tell you what I think about this product.
I just got one. It has been nice, but it's number one flaw is that wobble on the metal guide. I had it at zero degrees and locked down, but it was easily moved because of the amount of leverage you have when pushing an item against it. It also has way too much play in it.
Second issue was that the spool of wire sprung apart when I removed the tape. That was pretty annoying. Maybe I was suppose to keep the tape on.
Third, the device make a loud humming noise.
For the price, this should not have these issues.
I have been subbed for about 4 months and you have elevated my DMing skills 10 fold. I have a poxxson and am currently 30 hours into a homebrew pirate campaign that without your help and inspiration I dont think I would have made it this far. Please stay the course and thank you for all that you do. You have one more faithful patreon !
Thank you so much 😊
I used a C-Clamp to hold the factory guide down for long cuts.
I was just thinking about that this morning. I swear TH-cam is reading my mind. That said, how did the clamp work out? I buy my sheets from Home Depot in 4' x 8' sheets, so long cuts have been problematic.
@@jonbeach3802 I do the same, 4x8. I found the clamp works well. BUT, you have to be careful that the clamp doesn't impede or bump the foam as you push it down the guide, maybe my C-Clamp is a little too large haha.
@@Muddimar awesome. I'll definitely give it a shot next time.
@A.J. Ello I did. Many times in fact. But the bar would sometimes waver from true. I tend to work outside (plenty of room) not at a workstation. I do cut it down now with blades but was curious about the clamp working
I watched this when it originally came out and now 4 years later I am coming back to it - great to remind me of some tricks I forgot about!
So would the foot pedal be called "Proxxoff?"
HEY-O!
They make them for other tools like routers. I think HF has them. It’s just an on/off switch.
Proxxon needs to make a BMC version. Seriously. They should ask you to help them develop it. I think theres enough of a market that would pay a little more for a BMC approved one.
Ooh ooh, and it would have to come in painted black, then green, then washed in black so the end result looks black, except there's a little green in there somewhere. But mostly black. 😁
Seriously though, a Proxxon x ShiftingLands kit would be a no-brainer. And if it comes in black for BMC evangelizing it, I'm still sold. That green is the ugliest …
What’s BMC?
Oh, Black Magic Craft! I get it meow. Sorry.
This foam cutter is a must have. I use mine for 2 or 3 years now and have basically not many complains.
Still, there is an explanation to me, why people complain about the flexibility of the the metal slit, that you fixed by pinching with your finger. People want to use this, like they would use a table buzz saw: Push with one hand forward and with the other inward against the fence. This is not necessary here, but the habit still kicks this behavior in.
Anyways, having a tool supporting "high" and thin cuts is mandatory. Therefor I built this tool myself for my cutter. It is not as good as the one of Gerad Boom, but does the job.
What does also work: Lego or Duplo bricks. Build a wall of it and place it on top of the metal slit. Works fine.
You are going to think this idea is a little weird, however.
To get consistent tension on the Hotwire, I use a guitar tuner app on my iPhone. Ya strange but it lessens the breaking and no, it doesn’t have to be a high E.
"All you have to do is put your hand on it" HAHA brilliant! this made me chuckle! Ive literally just set up my proton now and I'm suuuuupppeer excited to start making terrain - your channel has inspired me so much so I just want to say thank you! :):)
Easily the favorite tool in my arsenal. I have Gerard’s rip fence and it was an incredible level up. I recommend the combo to anyone interested in crafting with foam. Fun fact...I got my proxxon right after BMC 1st giveaway. Haven’t looked back since. And BMC is stronger than ever, still putting out quality content. Kudos Jeremy!
Hello Black Magic!
It was you and your videos that helped me first break into this amazing hobby. I started 2 years ago and fumbled my way through with an entry level hot wire cutter. It was better than not having one but that's all I can say.
*BUT NOW,* I took the plunge and so happy I did. Like you said, not perfect but definitely a staple tool for this kind of D&D crafting. I bought one using your affiliate links. Thank you so much for this video, for all your videos, and for the great inspiration you've been to me over the years. So grateful for you and happy to help support you via your affiliate links!
Have one coming soon, thank you very much for the heads up on these issues.
Shifting lands' jigs are really great!
Definitely need to get my hands on one of those shiftinglands guides
they're worth it, some of them can be a real pain to build....but the main guide with the extended wall brace is fantastic!
Why does my brain always see this as “shifting glands”?
If you have access to a table saw, it's fairly easy to build your own guide (even easier if you can use a jointer and plainer too) . The angle guide is a bit trickier though.
I got my proxxon about a month ago. After watching many videos like this, moving arm, I had a temporary fix waiting. Look in the quilting section of the hobby store, get a package of the small round rubber things that are ment to be used on an acrylic ruler. These keep the ruler from siding on fabric. I put 2 toward the far end of the arm. It works very well if you do not push too hard.
"All you do is put your hand on it" and then your face!!! I actually laughed out loud at that!!
A tip for all newcomers with the proxxon just pull more wire threw the hole so you can easyly remove it from underneath of the mashine by pulling it out if it breaks.
Thanks to this video I realized I don't need the shifting lands guide as much as I thought I did, which is good because shipping to the states is simply more than I'd prefer to spend. If there is ever a way to get it cheaper though I'd probably buy it. Also, I have had issues with my unit simply not staying hot the entire time. The wire will lose it's heat halfway through a cut, as if current is not flowing. Not sure what's happening because everything looks OK underneath the machine.
Gerard boom of Shifting lands has a Kickstarter running for a book and a ton of stretch goals which, I think, takes late pledges. They will also allow you to combine shipping with regular shifting lands items. Just an FYI.
@@AggroJordan86 Good to know. Thanks!
If you are loosing heat your circuit isn’t solid. Either the wire came off the spool above or below it, or there is broken wire bits of foam gunk in the bottom hole. Take out wire, clean, put back.
Thanks for this. I had so much fun making my fireplace that I was wanting to make some more things and was thinking about getting one of these. This will help a lot
Just got mine last week and haven't been able to unbox it yet! This is perfect timing! Thank you for the hints and tips, it will hopefully save me a few headaches.
If you put a second tension knob on the spool carrier, through the side facing you, you can make micro adjustments to the front to back angle by adjusting both knobs.
Just bought mine and this thing makes such a difference. Thank you for this video.
Hey Jeremy, firstly thank you for all the awesome videos, tips and tricks, also your honest views. I stumbled across your channel a month or so ago and have slowly working my way through your catalog. The last time I crafted anything was when GW published the Coaching Inn featured in WD, unfortunately the original disappeared when I moved to USA. Watching your videos has inspired me to to make it again with a few changes/improvements! I just took delivery on a new Proxxon foam cutter after using your link and can't wait to practice making some bricks and roof slates.
This is the video i knew i needed but wasn't able to find anywhere. I owned my proxxon for a bout 3 weeks now and have been raging for quite some time. Thx a lot
I bought my hot wire through your channel over a year ago. I was kinda screwed right off the bat because my guide didn’t fit in the slot and couldn’t be slid back and forth. It was an extremely tight fit. Also yes it flexed and bent which I kind of fixed by bolting a piece of wood to the opposite side and using a clamp to hold it down. But that was tedious and annoying and I didn’t use my tool much. I recently bought and built the guider pro and I couldn’t be more happy with the product. It’s made my life so much easier and I strongly recommend it to anyone getting into the hobby.
Awesome info my friend and I have been looking at getting one of these for a while but holding out until i can save up. Thanks again and your crafting skills are beyond human!!!
Thank you!!! I needed this tutorial. Ive had mine for a year and it looks like ive been doing some things wrong. The acetone suggestion was much needed. Thank you.
Just got mine(of course though ur amazon link) and this video was everything i needed. thanks SO much for all u done to teach me and everything u will do.
Just used your link to purchase a Proxxon. Thanks so much for all your encouragement!
I just received my Proxxon. This video came at the perfect time and will be one that I watch a few times for all of the tips and tricks you talk about. Thank you!
Thank you for this vid and all the tips. Came at the right time. Fixed my issue before it became worse.
How you talk about the flaws it appears like it doesn't have flaws but one just need some common sense on how to use it. Thanks, going to order one and expand my beloved Proxxon collection.
Thank you. Just got 1 for myself and trying it out, keeping your tips in mind.
Awesome! I have the same issue with the height of the guide so good advice, thanks!
Great tip on the paper towel. I hadn't thought of that (although my Guider 2.0 fits the channel pretty tightly).
I've watched your videos for quite a while and recently got my Proxxon and I am really loving the hobby. Sadly I dont have a ton of time to put into it but its always good to seem more videos giving me tips on how to spend it better.
You can clean the bottom hole using round stainless files, used in dentistry. They come in different sizes. As for the foot pedal, i use an ordinary foot switch, connected by a 1/4" jack connector. If the is no connector with disconnect option available, a simple 2-way switch comes handy. You will need to make some wiring, but it's a 10 volt system on the hot wire side.
Great advices. Just bough one a month ago and should look at your video before. Thanks for all your videos. It’s really useful
Very good video, its good to see some flaws and how to deal with them, especially if you haven't purchased one yet, these seem minor, so I might get one now.
Just discovered this channel a couple weeks ago, and ordered a Proxxon yesterday through your Amazon affiliate link. Hoping to start crafting next weekend.
Thanks for this, I have been thinking about getting one to up my game. I've not realy worked with foam much at all just tiny bits and pieces which I could do with a knife . I was looking into getting one of these and some hand cutters and carvers in the new year
I've recently discovered your channel and love your videos. Actually learned about this Proxxon machine from your videos and realised why I was only able to build rocks and cliffs... I ran to the nearest shop (160km away) bought one and now I can build buildings! Wow! Thanks a lot. Also ordered the Guide from Netherlands but didn't arrive yet. Keep up, I'll try to convince the wife on leting me join your patreon. Cheers and thanks for all!
I am starting to use mine more and more so this was a great video for me. I have also sent the link to some friends who are going to pick this up. It will help them starting out since I know very little about the machine. Thanks for sharing.
Chow,
John...
You NEED this food-switch! Thanks for the video.
So, so, so helpful. Just got mine and needed every bit of advice you gave us. Thank you so much.
Just picked up my proxxon from your links and came right here to watch this video. Had been eyeing one since I started following you. Thanks for all the great tips and crafting you do!
Great tips! I got mine about a month ago and I love it - light years ahead of cutting with a knife.
I painted the raised numbers on the temperature knob white so I could see them easily. I also just picked up the Dome Cutter from Shifting Lands.... excited to try that out!
Found this channel about 1 month ago, got my proxxon last week xD it makes it so much easier to make stuff with xps foam, def a worthwhile buy! =)
Jeremy. The front to back issue you raise around 8:00 is totally on the money! This is by far the biggest issue I have with the acres of foam I cut every week. Love the simple solutions... can't wait to see someone come up with a rock-solid idea like a jig or sleeve.
Just bought a Proxxon. Super useful video. Thanks a ton.
Great video!!! I love my Proxxon!! I got mine last year. Thank you for all the tips and tricks.
This is a fascinating video. Thank you for sharing this knowledge.
I actually managed to make a guide inspired by Shifting Lands Guider Pro out of hobby plywood (I would rather have bought the Shifting Lands one but international shipping is a bit prohibitive). I like your paper towel idea for the groove but I also find that a bit of poster tack helps as well (provided you don't push the work piece too hard against the fence when cutting).
I know it's 3 years old but this is super helpful. I am on the fence about buying a Proxxon or just buying textured rollers and a bricks jig and a hand held hot wire cutter and making things work.
This is great. I'm about to get one myself and this was all good to know.
I’ve had mine a few days. I’ve basically been playing around, playing with the angle cutting, push cutting, etc. the thing I HATE in the effing fence. It’s like no matter how I tighten the angle on it, it nudges a little. I learned quickly to hold the fence. The height also sucks. I mocked up something similar to guider pro with stuff I had, but it’s too wide.
I bought a cheap school protractor for angle-cutting the wire and truing the wire and even cut a piece on my mock-up to accommodate angles.
Thankfully, my arm is true.
I’ll probably, eventually, get the guider pro and the one that cuts shapes.
Love the Proxx, HATE the fence.
I can see the hobbiest convention.. every one sitting in a circle flick'n their wires and playing Duling Proxxons.. Great vid as usual!!
Thanks, my girl just got me one. good info.
I just ordered one. I can’t wait for it to get here. I went ahead and ordered a cold air intake and a Flowmaster exhaust to complete the installation!
Thanks for the video. I just took mine out of the box and set it up. It occurs to me that the lack of a locking mechanism for the lateral slide in the aftermarket gates, could be solved by detaching the bottom bar, the one that goes in the groove, from the original gate and using it on the bottom of the aftermarket gate. In my case, I´m going to make my own gate and use the original bottom bar with the locking mechanism.
Just got my Proxxon, thanks for the tips
My Proxxon got stopped up, and I was able to clean it out with a very fine pin. After that, it's worked great...
Just received mine from your store thing. One thing I found was that if you do not get the wire all of the way through the screw the wire will not heat up. I say make sure that you see wire coming out the bottom, if that makes since.
Thank you for the link and tutorial! I just received mine and will need to practice so that I can attempt the witch’s hut.
Thank you Jeremy,
Nice recap video
Hope to see you at MACE again next year
Happy Boxing Day
Cheers for this information. Helped me make my purchase of one.
WOW! Great product demo & review. A couple points:
1) I got my Proxxon in a drawing at a RxR craft show. It cost my 5 bucks in raffle tickets. Since it was so inexpensive I bought from the demonstrator a foot pedal, for $23.00. It's plastic and broke within the month. My eldest daughter & I were Mall shopping at a sewing store. They had a foot treadle for sewing machine. It was made of metal but double the price. A much better buy.
2) The tipsy guide rail. I find it less than safe to use a hand hold on to anything but my work material. Inflow or out feed. Without mentioning another TH-cam influencers, the presenter regularly takes unusual visitors to dollar/discount/big box stores to seek out crafting materials for under a buck. After winning my Proxxon 37080 I saw his video and went to the $$$ store near me an bought 40 Westward Spring Clamps for $20.00. Now I can clamp down the guide or my homemade rip fence. "All hands on..." material.
3)ALWAYS. ALWAYS. ALWAYS. At least monthly. I agree with you CLEAN OUT THE DAMN WIRE FEEDS.
& Lastly) The key improvement I would like to see is a digital LED scale of the units temperature. Your correct again to hot or to cool can ruin your cut, ruin your wire, ruin your device, and can shoot particulates at you face and eyes to ruin your days. I know. It happened to a family member. We all now wear safety glasses.
Great episode,
Jim
I got mine like a week ago and it only took about an hour of messing with it to figure out I had to hold the fence, and I put a little piece of making tape on it to stop the sliding. I'm going to use tape for my most used measurements too so that nothing is permanent.
Those are what I experienced. Also, sometimes, I want to make the length of the line up!
Got an aftermarket foot petal best investment I've made for my Proxxon yet. The one recommended in the Amazon reviews for the Proxxon table is cheap and super effective.
This was really helpful. Thank you!
Awesome Video, thanks for the awesome information, PROXON should hire you!
very helpful, thanks for your time
I wish this video was around when i first got my proxxon!
I just bought one!!!! Learning how to use it before I use it so I don't mess anything up xD
I opted for the Hercules version of this. Got the foot pedal. Absolutely love it. It’s made crafting a lot easier! Lol my not real issue is the height of the arm that holds the wire. Is there an option to buy to make it taller?
Very helpful. Thanks.
Proxxon should sponsor this video, very informative!
I am a big fan of Gerard's Proxxon jigs, it really boosts the capabilities of the Proxxon. My biggest complaint with the Proxxon is the small size of the table, especially when you are cutting a big piece of foam.
I ended up buying the Hercules hot wire cutter for about 15 dollars more it comes with a lock on the guide a foot pedal and shows degreed cuts on the top arm bar.
I haven't bought one of these yet. It seems like the best one of these that exists. I wish there was a competitor that made one that didn't look so cheap
I just use a piece of painters tape on the other end of the guide to hold it down. I bought the guider pro 2.0 as well. Both these pieces are a little difficult to get the hang of for left handed people. At least that’s my experience.
I learned a lot from this! Thank you very much!!!
Much needed video. Good tip on sanding the guide on the shifting lands bottom side. My dumbass glued it on the wrong way...
Great tips...just got one
I had an issue with mine. Out of the box, the back left corner of the table was not attached completely to the base and maybe 1/8 inch gap. Just enough to throw off true. Easily fixed with super glue and a clamp.
I liked the video a lot. I just got one and found it very helpful. Wish me luck. Cheers, Any.
Hello :) I totally agree with you about the flaws of this foam cutter. Then I simply used an heavy sqaure box as a guide. But I was not totally satisfied because the surface of the cutter is quite slippery and the box could move anyway. Then I realised that the groove width of the cutter is exactly the width of on single Lego brick ! So, I built one guide using Lego :) Only small flaw: the Lego walls are a little bit flexible on a "long" distance like that and I have to ensure getting 90° angle before cutting by using some square ... Maybe I could use more bricks and get it stronger, but, anyway ... Cheers ! :)
Great Video! Thanks for the info i cant believe its this easy
i got a Hercules hot wire cutter which is virtually identical to a proxxon except the rip fence has a third knob to lock the fence in place on the miter jig. it has gradients on the top arm for angle(not perfect but close) and it come stock with the foot pedal
Good video to watch after you've played with the machine for a bit. I had an issue where the machine wouldn't turn on: red light would flicker or not turn on at all and wire wouldn't heat. Problem seemed to go away with unplug from the wall and then re-plug. Hasn't happened again. Scary.
This was very helpful! My first time plugging my new Proxxon in and turning it on, the LED lit, but no heat. Began researching the issue and saw your comment. Unplug, plug back in, has worked ever since!
I ended up recessing some self tapping metal screws into a piece of MDF, screwed to the factory guide. Increased the height of the rip fence while maintaining the functionality of it. I eventually made my own guider pro out of mdf cuz I’m a cheap bastard, but that fix works perfect if you’re on a budget and want to still have the taller rip fence. Cheers!
*I used the foam to destroy the foam*
I'm cheaper, I built the entire table myself. even have heat control. not as good as the proxxon, but does all your basic.
I used vinegar and a pin to clean out the brass hole. It took less than a minute to unclog.