Best wire for foam cutter ?

[fomaz]

Hello I need to cut 1800mm (about 5.5 feet I think) of foam using a hot wire.

What is in your opinion the best wire to cut ?

Filipe

[BMTECH]

Ive been told that RENE wire is the best , Check in RC Groups.com or do a search for glider king as he has it in the USA.

hope that helps

Rick

[Sleedo]

It's actually skyking that sells the RENE wire. Have not tried it myself, I have a ready supply of stainless leader wire at hand from my tackle box.

[CJL5585]

Originally Posted by fomaz Hello I need to cut 1800mm (about 5.5 feet I think) of foam using a hot wire. What is in your opinion the best wire to cut ? Filipe

On industrial jobs they use Mangannon (resistance) wire. However, I have talked to people who recommend piano wire or the small guitar strings.

Dave Cush (http://www.buildyouridea.com) told me he uses guitar strings and about 5 volts to cut the foam for his lost foam casting. He said the lowest voltage that would heat the string and melt the foam gave the best results in foam cutting.

Jerry

[ggg]

could anyone tell me wich is better Nichrome 60 or Stainless steel ?

the Stainless Steel is long life?

I the case of Stainless Steel is better, wich one 304, 308, or 316?

thanks

[Mike F]

I would go with stainless every time. Nichrome stretches too much and carries on stretching each time you apply tension. Since I changed to Stainless steel 0.5mm, I have had no such problems and can rack the tension up real high. I get my wire from www.wires.co.uk The site says it is 304 grade.

I just noticed they also sell Manganin wire but I've never used it so cannot comment.

Mike

[ggg]

thanks Mike,

did anyone try with tungsten wire? (99.95%, w/o polishing)
could any one compate with stainless steel?