DIY Hot Wire Cutter for Plexiglass, Carboard and Foam - RCLifeOn

[@RcLifeOn]

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[@RcLifeOn]

Did you enjoy the video? Please help me grow this channel by sharing this video. You're the best, thanks!

[@ompalumpa5910]

you sould have 10 000 000 subs you are awesome

[@freshprince8149]

i agree XD

[@MyBigThing2010]

Bilal Ansari use the guts from an LED light bulb and a potentiometer to adjust the power.....or buy a AC to DC power supply or bench power supply....anything (within reason) that converts AC to DC will work or you could breadboard up a full bridge rectifier and capacitive dropper...but if you're asking how to do it then I'm thinking you should learn WAY more before playing with AC angry pixies from the wall THAT CAN KILL YOU!

[@CULTRARODESIGN1990ct]

If using an old PC power adapter can go well?

[@komaltomar6447]

RCLifeOn vCA cock

[@Mottersmotters]

Hello Simon. I guess you will already know this by now. That you don'y have to use a spanner on the dremel. You can unscrew the collar which has a spanner inside the collar and use that to tighten the chuck up, then just screw the collar back when you have nipped it up.

[@codingmaster6321]

look where u at now .. 2 year later and a ton more subs ! GJ man.

[@occamsrayzor]

Me: (One minute into this video) Holy crap this guy is using tools I actually have! Thank you for not assuming I have a high end, fully stocked workshop.

[@webgomer]

Great build - I really like the design and the ability to use it like a band saw. You really need to use rosin when soldering though. It makes the solder flow so much smoother and better into the wire - makes a really strong connection that will never break...plus, it looks a ton better too. I am a new subscriber!

[@cerberus333dog]

Had not considered cutting Plexi with a wire cutter. I think I will be doing some tests on vacuformed Plastic. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Pandonaut]

Wow cutting plexiglass will sure be useful!

[@JerryCalverley]

Very cool. I planned to buy a cutter for foam board airplanes. I think I'll make one like this for now.

[@veergupta6765]

Very good machine

[@nunyadontyaknow]

That was slick bud! 👏👏👏👏

[@3092rti2oewgn]

Use an old computer power supply. An 500W model can draw about 30A at 12V. That should be more than enough. It has its own cooler, over current, over voltage and overheat protection, so you should be safe with this option.

[@imnota]

Yeah and you can even get them for free or under 5 bucks.

[@cehic1994]

Then you will need additional circuit to limit current

[@mareksvrcina5279]

Why would anyone use such a huge power supply? The wire in a hot wire cutter draws around 1A of current at maximum usable temperature. Almost every 12v adaptor can be used.

[@mareksvrcina5279]

cehic1994 the resistance of the wire itself will limit the current. No additional circuit needed.

[@ELValenin]

@@imnota what is cheaper, the battery that you have laying around in your house or a five dollar power supply???

[@CreativeHome]

Nice awesome☺☺👍👍👌👌👌👌👍👍

[@RcLifeOn]

Nice, thanks!

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing this video and information

[@firdausrashid4644]

can you give the full list of materials used to make this tool.....Your help is very much appreciated...thank you

[@cybersnake]

What gauge was the wire? Epic invention!

[@scorpionbradford]

damn bro ! Very detailed, crafty work !

[@dvfpv]

The wire is directly connected to the battery ? This does not harm the battery ?

[@babatiwari3558]

It was so awesome man you are great

[@mfjdevil]

You rock! Great project.

[@creative5602]

great video man

[@RcLifeOn]

Glad you liked it, have a nice day!

[@TasosKatsaros275]

perfect! thank you! great video!

[@RcLifeOn]

Awesome, thanks!

[@charlie93340]

Love it! You're very cleaver.

[@RangerM98]

I really like the idea of cutting the cardboard like you did....I was thinking that one could make electric etching stencils out of cardboard....instead of using a cotton swab and electrolyte with current running through it to cut out different shapes/letters/numbers in metal, one could cut out a precise shape of a letter or number in cardboard and then soak it in electrolyte....i.e. salt water or baking soda water...and then just add electricity to it....and as long as the electrolyte didn't 'bleed' outside of the contact area I bet it would do some quick and precise etching work for marking tools and what not!...thanks for the idea!

[@mkkn3240]

Very nice

[@lookthrumyeyes]

What gauge, resistance and length of kanthll wire did you use?

[@kingofhomemade]

U're Perfect...

[@RcLifeOn]

Thank you very much for watching!

[@daveymichael6891]

If I stuck down sticker paper onto thick card and want to cut around a design, would the hot wire cutter cut it as well as just cutting cardboard alone?

[@clemmcguinness1087]

Subscribed, thanks

[@Helveteshit]

Didn't build an over the top like this one. Neither could I find Nichrome nor Kanthal thread to buy where I live. So I simply bought a Bread roaster and took that thread.

[@samsmith9764]

the toaster likely has Kanthal wire in it, so it works :D

[@fakhirxmarty9984]

Nice video Ilike this

[@valentindacian5935]

Nice job ,man ,i will watch all over you posts ! i'll be sharring you video to all friends ,who know is interesting in this kind of Greetings from Transylvania ! \m/

[@RcLifeOn]

+Valentin Dacian Thank you so much!

[@dalyrj2549]

verrrryyyy nice

[@RcLifeOn]

+Daly Rj Thanks for watching!

[@chrisstolle5664]

Great! I built one last night!

[@RcLifeOn]

+Chris Stolle Glad to hear, please share it with us!

[@aakashfrancis2605]

Chris Stolle what is the type of wire you used

[@LightsAndART]

Great project.But I want to know about the function of the black circuit that you put on the top back of the cutter.

[@RcLifeOn]

Hello Ayman! Don't get confused, it's really simple. The black circuit (PDB - power distrubution board) allows the current to flow through all the pads located on the circuit. This is convenient in case you ever wish to connect more LED's or even a second string. Take a look at this one: www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__23140__Hobby_King_Quadcopter_Power_Distribution_Board.html

[@BrianPhillipsRC]

Very nice! How do you regulate the voltage from the pack (or do you)?

[@nateolmsted22]

No voltage regulator. Just moving the clips to change temperature

[@dirtyvolk6731]

Hello, great video!!! Say what did u use for a power supply?????? Thanks

[@RcLifeOn]

I used a lithium polymer battery (2200mAh 3S 20C).

[@dirtyvolk6731]

Awesome, Thanks!!!!!

[@vmaxtur]

Excellent!

[@govand799]

really good video

[@saintrojo]

So how many amps are needed to cut Plexiglas ?

[@Civilsitis]

Cool project. Please can you tell us maximum thickness of plexiglass ?

[@tamuccbiker]

Awesome video man, will this cut through foamboard with the paper still on it?

[@RcLifeOn]

It will cut cardboard, so foamboard will not be a problem. However, the paper might get burnt. Thanks for watching!

[@MC-ek5ku]

@@RcLifeOn what is the board (with all the round doors on it) you solder your wires to? Where can I get one?

[@alantan5752]

How thick was that plexiglass? Could it cut through a 5mm sheet?

[@FOBsinCanada]

Pretty sure it's actually 1/4" acrylic.

[@shahriarnabil4886]

Bro can i use a nichrome wire from a 80W soldering iron and adapt it with 12v 10amp then will it melt pls tell

[@rschua7]

Which one is better, the Kanthal or Nichrome wire? Is there a significant difference between the two or are they very similar?

[@RcLifeOn]

+Richard Chua No difference, nichrome is more common. Thanks for watching!

[@mariomedhat4301]

please i want to know the type of wire and the specifications of the power source needed....thanks in advance for the video

[@RcLifeOn]

I used kanthal wire, and it requires about 8amps. You can use a 12V power supply from a computer or something like this: www.gearbest.com/led-accessories/pp_212972.html?wid=21&lkid=10369617

[@SpicyDodo]

Might as well just bought one after watching this....

[@mrxenosith8023]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. I am interested in building one to cut through plexi glass. I wonder, what is the thickness of plexiglass you cut thus far? Many of my attempts to cut plexi failed. I am currently one month in on building my custom desktop build. I plan using plexi on many components. To be spending money on a glass shop would be timely, costly, and inconvenient. How think can I cut plexi? Will I be able to cut 1/4" or 3/8" plexi? Thanks a million. I do plan on posting my desktop build as soon as I get a lengthy break from the family. I did post a video of a build I did for my server room.

[@RcLifeOn]

Hi Joshua! I successfully cut 3mm plexiglass, that would be 1/8". No doubt you could cut way thicker plexiglass, but it will be slow. Get good quality nichrome/kanthal wire and you should be able to put a good amount of current to it without the wire breaking.

[@mrxenosith8023]

RCLifeOn thank you so much for your response. I hope to do one maybe next week. Can you take a look at my video and provide me feedback. I enjoy videos from people like yourself. I hope to do the same since i enjoy little projects and major ones as well. So I would like to share mine as well.

[@RcLifeOn]

Awesome, I've subscribed so I should receive a notification the moment you upload. Good luck!

[@antwanfilikian128]

very creative :) How many volt`s is the batteries that you are using ?

[@RcLifeOn]

+Antwan Filikian 11.1V (3S lithium polymer battery). Thanks for watching!

[@afrinbar]

Could you please provide a list of materials needed mainly for the electric parts thanks

[@outbackdigital]

yes and the nichrome wire size

[@colt.4534]

It would help if we knew the volts and had a microchip board lying around.

[@10kunegunda]

1:58 Wygodniej by ci było zamocować i ciąć te dwie kwadratowe listwy z drugiej strony imadła, po lewej stronie - patrząc od ciebie. Nie musiałbyś - dla podtrzymania ucinanej części - przekładać lewej ręki na prawą stronę imadła.

[@wiktorgawronski114]

To nie jest Polak.

[@jwuethrich8385]

why hot snot? if you score the hell out of areas you are joining, wet them, apply gorilla glue (polyurethane glue), clamp, screw, remove clamps and let dry... you will achieve a much more solid and lasting bond. probably goes with out saying but the paint comes last in the method i suggested. just seems like all your effort at an active wire tension system will eventually be let down by how those joints were made

[@mikepsych283]

awesome work I was looking for a way to cut acrylic

[@RcLifeOn]

Glad I could help!

[@The-Monotheist]

where is that heating wire available...can we use that heater coil if straighten?

[@davidsiwan7724]

Good jobs

[@marpal2008]

Can I use this to cut gopro plastic body? Thanks in advance.

[@CST1992]

Does the wire have to be live to work? Seems kinda risky to use in case you accidentally touch it.

[@CST1992]

I mean, can we not make it enamelled or something?

[@eirikmurito]

What happens if i connect nicrome wire directly to a 220v outlet?

[@RcLifeOn]

It would instantly heat up to the melting point, and possibly blow a fuse.

[@eirikmurito]

RCLifeOn oh. what happens if i hook it up to a 12v adapter?

[@RcLifeOn]

You need a power supply able to supply at least 10A of current. You can also use a transformer that can be found in fans, radios etc. An adpater is normally used for lower current applications, such as charging phones and will fail.

[@eirikmurito]

RCLifeOn thanks man. btw i just did an experiment on resistors, why dont they heat up like an oven when i plug them into the wall socket?

[@ignasmixer]

Should't you put a resistor to not exceed rated current and thus stopping from blowing fuse? If I'm going to use a 12V transformer with 20A current, will it melt a wire? Also how much time could it be on before overheating?

[@morsecodereviews1553]

What was that electronic piece? The overall ohms of the circuit and what type of switch was that?

[@MrForthcoming]

this wont Puff the lipo? Also if i made this taller think it could cut 600mm think foam?

[@RcLifeOn]

If using a lithium polymer battery you MUST be careful of not overdishcharging. Measure the voltage and make sure it doesn't drop below 3.7V per cell. In case you feel uncomfurtable using a lipo battery, buy a power supply (min 10A). 600mm of foam is no problem. 10 meters of foam is no problem as long as you make it tall enough and able to supply the voltage to the wire.

[@MrForthcoming]

+RCLifeOn so is their a formula for how long the wire is compaired to the volts needed?

[@RcLifeOn]

Read this for more information: www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1625684

[@jozik_sk]

Type of wire and battery used in this video ?

[@kuraigasone]

hi simon i like your videos i hope you will see millions subscriber i have a question for you Every hot wire cutter can cut the plexiglass ? if you are the best on this machine what's the differences your cutter sorry for language

[@MinthZe]

what was the melting temp for plexiglass, also can it do EVA foam. can you also explain the electronics part more in depth

[@RcLifeOn]

Plexiglass melt point: 160°C Yes, you can cut EVA foam.

[@siddharthmakwan]

Does kanthal wire also expends like nichrome wire? I tried with nichrome wire for cuttng 5ply cardboard but wire expands

[@RcLifeOn]

Yes, most metals will expand when temperature increases. You need to use a spring to keep tension on the wire.

[@Insane98]

What are you mesuring in? Inch or centimeters? Or as my teacher always said, "200 what? Apples?"

[@RcLifeOn]

Millimeters (mm). Search for "millimeter to inch converter", if you wish to have the measurements in inches.

[@Insane98]

RCLifeOn thanks! Im using mm ;)

[@yatikapathak2927]

does guitar wire works with 9v battery? if not then what should i use my stainless steel wire28 gauge isnt working and also i tried with hair dryer nichrome wire. it isnt working please help

[@anjugoyal8441]

Hi sir if I give 9+9 voltage does it work sir please tell I want it now

[@VozdetrompetaInternacional]

Awsome!!! :) God bless you ... Do you also sell them .... if you do let us know :)

[@TOTOROLYNN]

awesome!!!

[@RcLifeOn]

Thank you!

[@adityapanwar4840]

can it cut sunboards too?? please do ans

[@newventure4639]

any idea how to make a 20-25mm diameter hole in very thin lexan? Im afraid it would crack/split.

[@RcLifeOn]

Use a cutting knife. Don't press too hard!

[@newventure4639]

thanx

[@bulldogpatje]

Hey. What kind of metal plate do you solder the + and _ wire to?

[@rizalinobaylan5180]

sir is that a nichrome wire ?? guitar string can be also use a subtitute ?

[@RcLifeOn]

I was using kanthal wire, but nichrome and guitar string works fine too.

[@parthcheanelkids7017]

It is not bad it is the best

[@babusheikh6652]

Would you please tell me that how can I make Styrofoam ball (like cricket ball) of different sizes using Styrofoam cutter? Would you please make a tutorial on it?

[@carpetsomething]

I believe that you could use a lathe for that and use something like a bit of nichrome wire across a 12v supply for that. Failing that you could probably use a drill chuck instead of a lathe (either a pillar drill or a hand drill clamped to a table with the trigger taped down)

[@poonamvatti6157]

Does it harm the battery or not

[@chenelson185]

good work ,make a dome for 5 gallon bucket

[@raymondmendoza2428]

Can we get a parts list. I’m working on a plexiglass display case and I need clean cues. Thanks you for ur help.

[@ELValenin]

Don't think that will happen, rclifeon probably just grabbed some scrap wood

[@TheKb4350]

Wouldn’t the wire burn into the wooden rollers. Other wise good video

[@raghuram2578]

Can it cut paper in bulk?

[@szonymusicpolska330]

*Which size of wire you used*

[@jamshop4153]

can i use an old laptop charger instead of the battery?

[@jafarsidik180]

Nice...

[@RcLifeOn]

Thanks for watching!

[@Qubnix]

Can I use DC power supply to power it?

[@sebastienlhuillier]

What kind of wire (for cutting) dou you use ?

[@RcLifeOn]

32 gauge kanthal wire found here: www.amazon.com/Pure-Atomist-Gauge-20mm-Resistance/dp/B00C8H5ZFI

[@sebastienlhuillier]

Thanks a lot

[@만올이의집]

RCLifeOn ㅏ라

[@ethanlarson648]

what is the part called that connects the wires of the battery to the wires that connect to the wires?

[@RcLifeOn]

Power distrubution board (PDB). Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@michachlewinski916]

But if I understand correcly it is not necessarly needed in your case hence your not changing the voltage, am i right? I mean couldn't you just link the wires directly with the powerbank?

[@RcLifeOn]

The PDB does NOT change the voltage. Linking the wires directly works just as good.

[@marvfpv1590]

why did you use the power distirbution board?

[@RcLifeOn]

In case I wanted to add a second hot wire or more LED's, the power distrubution board makes it easier and more accessible. Have a nice day!

[@marvfpv1590]

RCLifeOn thanks you too :)

[@zanrpg395]

bro can you tell me the full name of that wire used for cutting

[@RcLifeOn]

It's called kanthal wire 0,2mm or 32AWG. However, I recommend a slightly thicker gauge wire. You can find it on Ebay. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@poltid]

What kind led did you put on?

[@wilfredosanjuan1749]

ayos maganada pre....

[@Nusi43]

I know some are asking bevor but how many Volt must i use? Thanks

[@RcLifeOn]

It's running on 12V.

[@CuriousMinds51]

bro which editer do u use

[@RcLifeOn]

+DREAM TO REACH 1M Lightworks (pro version). There is a free version that works great!

[@CuriousMinds51]

Bro what u experience is it great or

[@RcLifeOn]

+DREAM TO REACH 1M Yes, it's great but with a steep learning curve and limited tutorials.

[@nathanpecson9008]

is plexiglass the same as acrylic

[@rizalinobaylan5180]

thanks sir for the idea

[@ONECAYVMAN]

I'm using 26 guage nichrome and find that it stretches horribly when hot. any idea what i'm doing wrong?

[@RcLifeOn]

You have to springload the nichrome wire. See the picture on first page: www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Hot-Wire-Cutter-for-Plexiglass-Cardboard-and-F/

[@ONECAYVMAN]

thanks for the quick response. I have it spring loaded. BTW, i didnn't build it per your video. i built per swallow forge.

[@sonalisarkar7606]

what's khantal wire? where did you get it?

[@RcLifeOn]

Here you go: www.ebay.com/itm/100-FT-32-Gauge-Kanthal-A1-AWG-Round-Wire-Roll-20-mm-13-75-ohms-ft-/122030625800

[@sonalisarkar7606]

RCLifeOn thanks bro.

[@joshuaejaz5516]

can its cut cardboard very smoothly tell me i realy need this

[@RcLifeOn]

Yes, it cuts cadboard smoothly. The edges will burn and turn black, but it does cut it easily.

[@mspencer243]

Can i use Nichrome instead? i got a 22g Nichrome...

[@RcLifeOn]

Yeah, no problem.

[@mspencer243]

RCLifeOn thanks...

[@smartboy5897]

nice video sir tq

[@danielwilliams3378]

0:58 what's this thing called?

[@zetekfr]

A Dremel

[@RahulGupta-tr8hz]

It is a Dremel with a sanding bit.

[@hyperhektor7733]

correct name is Rotary Tool, most famous brands are Dremel and Proxxon