recommendations for hot wire foam cutter

[Belial2801]

Hello, I am about to start this new project and I have some doubts about the tension I should apply and the size of the cable. I would like to know your recommendations or if what I plan to use for this project is correct. Here is a short list of what I will use:

Nicrom wire (75cm long)

Ac adapter 12v 1A

Here are my main doubts, for the length of the cable, would 12v and 1A be enough or should I add more amperage?

 

[Merv]

It depends on the thickness of the nicrome wire & how hot you want to run your wire. I think you will need more amps & possibly more volts.

Here is a good calculator https://jacobs-online.biz/calculators.htm

Look around on this site, lots of information for hot wire cutting.

I use several transformers for various cutting applications. I use a simple light dimmer switch on all of them. Pass the mains voltage through the dimmer to the transformer, then dial in the heat you want. I shoot for a dull red color if my nicrome. A bright red makes too large of a kerf.

 

[Belial2801]

It depends on the thickness of the nicrome wire & how hot you want to run your wire. I think you will need more amps & possibly more volts.

Here is a good calculator https://jacobs-online.biz/calculators.htm

Look around on this site, lots of information for hot wire cutting.

I use several transformers for various cutting applications. I use a simple light dimmer switch on all of them. Pass the mains voltage through the dimmer to the transformer, then dial in the heat you want. I shoot for a dull red color if my nicrome. A bright red makes too large of a kerf.

I forgot to mention that, I plan to use 32 awg but, I don't know if 28 awg nichrome works too,

 

[Belial2801]

I forgot to mention that, I plan to use 32 awg but, I don't know if 28 awg nichrome works too,

19v 3A do you think is better? I think it's the most I can get without needing something like a step up converter

 

[Merv]

19v 3A do you think is better?....

The calculator said with 32 guage you will need 30v at just over 1 amp. 28 guage wire 21v at 2 amps. I use 26 guage wire, so I would need 17v at 2.6 amps.

I use a 24v transformer & my light dimmer to dial it back, but then my wire is a bit longer than yours If I try to go to fast, I can easily break a wire. Im sure 32 guage wire will be quite easily broken.

 

[danskis]

#32 sounds a little thin to me, too. Start with something thicker. I agree with Merv - start with #26 or thicker.

 

[Belial2801]

#32 sounds a little thin to me, too. Start with something thicker. I agree with Merv - start with #26 or thicker.

#22 should be good? It is the thinnest one I found but I still have a little doubt about the voltage and amperage so, I will try different voltages.

 

[Merv]

This website has a great selection different sizes of wire & transformers.

Spend some time looking around his website, he has a wealth of useful information.

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