Time to burn down the house... or, my home made hot wire cutter

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I realized I have a problem when it comes to working with foam. I can't use my existing tools to "scoop" foam out of flat surfaces.

After consulting with @Lemosteam and @seusscaboose, I came up with this.

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That's a coat hanger, bent to shape, and mounted in my ancient Weller trigger iron.

So, what dangers am I not thinking of when utilizing this tool?

[Kisatchie]

Lawdy! We're talking conflagration here.


Hmm. Kiz don't know
nuthin about electricity,
and neither do I...

[Iain]

Besides the coat hanger being painted, is the resistance the same as the tip it's replacing?  If it's less, that could cause problems with current draw.

[Blazeman]

No electrician am I, but the coating has to burn off and the metal may not be the kind of conductor it's replacing as Iain pointed out. Might try piano wire. Will hold shape.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Besides the coat hanger being painted, is the resistance the same as the tip it's replacing?  If it's less, that could cause problems with current draw.

That's a good point. I'll go measure it.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

No electrician am I, but the coating has to burn off and the metal may not be the kind of conductor it's replacing as Iain pointed out. Might try piano wire. Will hold shape.

Yeah, I was wondering about the coating. That's why I went with a bare one. I think I might go scope out what Lowes has that will work better.

[davefoxx]

So, what dangers am I not thinking of when utilizing this tool?

Fumes.  You're going to want some ventilation . . . and a mask.

DFF

[Dave V]

This looks like both a bad idea and an internet meme waiting to be born.

[JMaurer1]

Insurance...lots of insurance. Home, medical, death 

[Missaberoad]

Have some ventilation/a respirator, keep a fire extinguisher handy and simply use your common sense (keeping an eye on heat/noise/smell)

Might be a good idea to experiment outside before trying it in the basement, but give it a go and see.

I remember those Irons being sold with attachments for fusing plastic. this seems in the same ball park.

[basementcalling]

You're holding it all wrong. Ya gotta grip it so your index finger lays along the "tubes" or the whole thing will vibrate too much for a smooth cut.

I think you also better wear short sleeves, a hair net, rubber boots, and a tutu.   

[Kisatchie]

I think you also better wear short sleeves, a hair net, rubber boots, and a tutu.   

Hmm... I can understand
the tutu, but why the other
stuff...?

[mcjaco]

You're holding it all wrong. Ya gotta grip it so your index finger lays along the "tubes" or the whole thing will vibrate too much for a smooth cut.

I think you also better wear short sleeves, a hair net, rubber boots, and a tutu.   

And photos.  Lots of photos.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Fumes.  You're going to want some ventilation . . . and a mask.

DFF

Oh yeah, most definitely. That was a given.

[djconway]

No photos -- you don't want evidence.
But it looks like it should work....