The 9 Best Hot Wire Foam Cutters
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in November of 2018. If you've ever tried to cut Styrofoam with a box cutter or a knife you've seen the mess it makes, however, there is a way to avoid jagged edges and tiny beads that stick to everything. Instead, try one of these specialized cutters. They slice through several types of foam with very little effort, thanks to a heated wire or rod that can reach temperatures of more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Foam Factory Pro Kit
2. Proxxon Thermocut 115/E
3. Guritta Perfect
Editor's Notes
February 12, 2021:
The Hercules CTE-115 is a desktop model that's priced for the more professional user, but it's actually a bit cheaper than some other tabletop devices such as the Proxxon Thermocut 115/E. This lower price is mostly due to its wooden construction, so those who require the precision of a desktop model, but think the metal body of the Proxxon might be overkill for their needs, can save some money by going with the Hercules. On the far other end of the spectrum we have selections like the Calcor 3 in 1 and the Hercules Hot Pen, the former featuring three interchangeable tips and the latter consisting of a simple needle-type cutter. While they're certainly not the most robust options on the market these freehand tools are easy to use and are perfectly adequate for many small jobs. Regardless of what model you decide to go with, always be careful around hot wires and use safety devices such as gloves, goggles, and respirators.
January 12, 2019:
There are a lot of choices when it comes to hot wire foam cutters, and our selections reflect that variety. We've included items that are good for beginners and kids' school work and some that are professional-grade tools for architects, designers, and serious modelers. We like the two desktop options in our list because of their precision and high quality.
4. Hercules CT-115
5. Proxxon 27082 Thermocut
6. RoMech Hot Knife
7. Calcor 3 in 1
8. Hercules Hot Pen
9. Woodland Scenics
After graduating from UC Santa Cruz in 2019 with a bachelors in Literature and Creative Writing, Brendon Hannaford moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy and television. Beyond writing, he’s always had a passionate interest in the clever engineering found in consumer electronics and machinery, with an eclectic interest that spans diverse categories such as photography equipment, musical instruments, and automotive technology. When not writing and researching for Ezvid Wiki, Brendon spends his time performing sketch comedy and tinkering with his motorcycle.