What and how to cut foam at home - Tips and Tools

for repairs, especially related to the redevelopment or insulation, often using a material such as foam.Its popularity stems from the fact that it is quite cheap and has some good insulation properties.But many question how and what to cut foam, not only fast, but also qualitatively.To cut and the line was smooth, and the edges are not "shaggy".

foam, as you know, is hard (hard) and soft.The solid is treated well, and for this reason, incidentally, is popular with fans of fishing - they make from it floats.But usually mild crumbles.The thickness of the sheets (pieces) is also different, so a single recommendation for cutting the foam does not.But some advice all the same can be given.

Tips and tools for cutting foam

If foam is soft, it can be cut into pieces with a knife for cutting paper.It cuts the foam as an oil.However, we must note that the blade of the knife is quite flexible, so if a piece is sufficiently "thick", then stand straight line is unlikely.And if it happens, the cut may not be vertical and bevel.

Harder and thicker foam sheets can be cut:

• sharpened an ordinary knife.If the thickness of the sample is not very large, it is better to heat the knife, and then cut.Cutting will go much faster;
• hacksaw;
• saw wood with fine teeth.

Those people who tried to cut the foam jigsaw, do not recommend to use this tool.It is impossible to make a smooth cut.

The best method - cutting foam using Nichrome wire.For this is going rather primitive "machine."The wire is stretched vertically, and it is passed from the current transformer to 12V."Craftsmen" is often appropriate for this purpose power transformers from old TVs.The electrical circuit is necessary to include a rheostat or variable resistor.Calculate it for a person who is familiar with the basics of electrical engineering, were not working.

current regulation is necessary to ensure that the wire is not strongly heated.Excessive heating will cause it to ensure that the foam will melt at its edges and across the cut lines are formed nodules, which clean "flat" is not obtained.Such a method is attractive because it allows you to cut neat pieces, not only in a straight line, but also by the covert, the kinks.In effect, this makes the cutting versatile.

You can try to cut using a grinder.However, the drive should choose the thinnest.But with high quality cut will not be able to get such a tool, it will give the same results as when using a jigsaw.Someone advised to use a soldering iron with a specially prepared with a thin tip.

All these methods are good in their own way.Therefore, you need to choose on the circumstances, taking into account all the features of this cut.