Thread: hotknife problem

Tweet

I bought a hot knife off of e-bay for cutting styrofoam. It is not heating up. does anyone out there have an idea how to fix one. I am sure it is something with the wiring. How do I diagnose the problem and fix it. I am not all that knowledgeble about it so explane in simple terms please.

Does it plug in or run on batteries? A hot knife is a pretty simple device. Electricity flows through a wire with a little resistance and creates heat. If it's not heating up, my first guess would be dead batteries or a short in the cord if it plugs in. Next, I would guess the heating element/wire is broken somewhere.

Do you have a picture of it?

I've got a cheap one I bought at Michael's years ago.
It takes two "D" batteries and I have to shake it sometimes to get it to work.

Could there be an on/off switch you don't know about?

it seems to be the heating element.

19.00 bucks at Michael's one with a plug I have two and they are not bad.

I've got a few wire foam cutters-

hot knife from Michaels
Scroll table from Hobby Lobby
Pro kit from Hot Wire Foam Factory.

Found that the HWFF adjustable power supply in combination w/ their tools did a much better job, then Michael's hot knife. There is quite a bit of difference in performance, between the two tools. The cost is higher for the HW tools but, you get more for your money if you purchase the pro kit. The adjustable power supply can be used on any of their tools. Hope this info. helps!