How to Build a $200 USB Hot Wire CNC Foam Cutter - Part 1

[@JustinTyme1966]

Outstanding!!! Thank you for taking the time to put this package together. Cheers

[@rckeith]

Thanks you're welcome.

[@vasili1207]

That's cool Keith, I think a shed is in order ... I doubt the mrs would but up with it on the kitchen table

[@rckeith]

Have a shed that's the CNC router's home😁 thanks for watching

[@AlejandroAlcantara]

Thanks for this video man, I have always wanted to build my own to start cutting planes out of foam!

[@thomasnewton9818]

Thanks. I wanted a good project. I used to cut foam wings with a lever drop weight machine. I've been wanting to get back to building model airplanes. It was a lot of fun twenty years ago.

[@rckeith]

Hi Thomas I started with the same machine and got some good results. But making the templates was time consuming. I did that for my VC10 airliner build on the wings and tail. That's when I decided to have go at CNC foam cutting that was about 9 years ago. This is my second version using 3d printer electronics, the old one was a bit over engineered and used the old parallel port. Thanks for watching 👍

[@KenzoAkihiro]

what I can appreciate, each axis is independent right? being able to make many types of cuts, good work!

[@rckeith]

Yes, that's correct so many wings types and fuselages are possible. Thank you.

[@KenzoAkihiro]

@@rckeith Thank you! I will review all your videos to inform me of the type of software and firmware to use

[@parkflyer68]

Fantastic! Starting mine this week. July 2020. I will certainly let you know how I get on!

[@rckeith]

Thanks

[@markgreco1962]

Thank you for this series

[@rckeith]

No problem Mark, 4th Video should be out next week

[@Steven-wi1zd]

Hi Keith, I have watched your introductory video and straight up I would have to thank you for all the work you have put in and of cause made it available to all . I am new to all of this cnc, i have made foam wings (badly) with a hot wire bow and will continue to. but this project looks too good to pass up. i don't have much experience with computer software, arduino and the like but it seems you give step by step instructions to go on with. So here is the first thing I must find out before I go too far down the rabbit hole, I use a mac computer, the software you use is for windows. A quick google search tells me that a "slicer"progam is used in 3d printing and of cause they can be obtained free for mac. Are my observations right so far and if i use a different brand of software will I still be able to follow your instructions to complete a working foam cutter Steven

[@rckeith]

Hi Steven, thanks for your kind words. Unfortunately you do needs Windows to run the foam cutter. Yon can use a Mac to upload the firmware and configure the settings and there is a free online g-code generator. But the programs that actually send the g-code to the arduino are windows only. I'm a Mac user as well as Windows so I can understand why you prefer the Mac. You don't need a very powerful Windows computer to run the programs because the Arduino is doing the heavy lifting. I've have run the program I show in the video on a very old laptop over 10 years old and it worked fine. Hope that helps Keith

[@Steven-wi1zd]

@@rckeith thanks Keith, an old laptop will not be hard to find Steven

[@Penelope1187]

Hi Keith, I’m new at this and just starting to gather info from your videos to build a CNC foam printer. Are these the most updated videos you have to complete my build?

[@rckeith]

Hi Z B Part2 has been updated and you should check the playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLZzVG2q06x22o1tdlpGJZqc5GuR-ykB2_ That's probably the best sequence to follow.

[@Grumpy2023]

Great idea thank you

[@rckeith]

Thank you.

[@carlarogerio1]

Parabéns!!!! Pelo trabalho e por compartilhar...

[@antonl1894]

Great build! Does it have to be moisture resistant MDF?

[@rckeith]

No doesn't have to be, if you are in a dry environment then plain old MDF is fine.

[@antonl1894]

@@rckeith Great to hear! Going to purchase some MDF and the plans tonight i think, thanks for a fast answer

[@rckeith]

@@antonl1894 Glad to help any questions just drop me a line.

[@antonl1894]

Keith Howlette Is the drawer slides 600mm long or can it travel 600mm?

[@rckeith]

@@antonl1894 Both actually they are full extension slides so the 600mm give you 600mm travel. That's why there are 3 sections in the slide to support on the full extent. It's not very often you need full travel only on some bigger projects.

[@charlieahr2852]

Hi great tutorial , how is the G-code generated ? Cheers!

[@rckeith]

Have a look here www.rckeith.co.uk/free-cnc-software-3-and-4-axis/ about halfway done the page which has a few options both free and paid.

[@charlieahr2852]

@@rckeith Hi again ; ) I purchased the plans today however there was an error on your website end because on my PayPal account the money has been deducted and I still don't have access to the pdf files.. Please check your email thanks!

[@rckeith]

@@charlieahr2852 I resent the purchase receipt with a link in please check your email and download. let me know via email if you are still having issues.

[@rckeith]

Please try again there was a problem, sorry. It should be fine now

[@charlieahr2852]

@@rckeith imgur.com/a/qHSo4Df

[@davitkhachatryan5100]

Thanks for interesting Video. But Do You know other free software ? And what version is DevFoam do You use ?

[@rckeith]

Hi Check my video on g-code generation software kzbin.info/www/bejne/envVfJ2fl9eUmas which shows free and paid options. I use DevWing Foam and DevFus Foam for my RC aircraft. Hope that helps Keith

[@spitfire7617]

I have had a foam board needle cutter CNC (TimSav) for a few years and it works great but I am now looking for something similar to cut foam and really like your design as it uses a lot of the same electronics as the TimSav. I would prefer though to have the frame use extruded aluminum and 3dprinted parts rather than MDF. I will look through your builders galley but if I find one how do I contact the builder for details of their design?

[@rckeith]

I don't keep the users' emails who send me pictures of their foam cutters. This is to protect their privacy. You can find some examples on Thingiverse www.thingiverse.com/thing:2834138 and this one www.thingiverse.com/thing:5477327

[@kekocan2900]

Is the cnc also able to cut insulation foam?

[@rckeith]

Yes that's we use to make wings with.

[@kekocan2900]

@@rckeith oh interessting, I always use xps pink insulation foam. I think it is good idea to build this hot wire cnc. I will keep you up to date :)

[@johnrichardson1949]

what would you say the total cost of this would be?

[@rckeith]

If you build it as I have then $200. Have a look on my website where there is a full parts list. Rckeith.co.uk Sometimes places like Aliexpress and banggood have sales on the electronics which can bring the price even lower.

[@danieldsch]

Hi Keith, I was watching your videos and I will try to build your wing cutter. I will use Mach 3 since I have a CNC also self made, but with 3 axes, the idea is to open a new profile with 4 axes. If you have time you can see my machine wich I build to cut the ribs of the airplanes, in my site of you tube, saludos from Argentina.

[@rckeith]

Hi Just had a look at your machine and you did a good job. Using Mach 3 with a 4 axis profile works really well that's how I use my Mach 3. I still use Mach3 as well as the new USB software. Mach3 is a good choice if you already have it. Good luck with your new build Keith

[@kevinbeck4194]

Hi, this might be abit of an idiot question.... can this machine cut out simple letters for cheap interior signage

[@rckeith]

Hi Kevin, yes no problem at all. You just need the right software to generate the gcode. Check DevCad.com they have software to do that. Hope that helps