I found a old train transformer can I use this as a voltage regulator for a hot wire cutter? Also how do you attach the wire from the regulator to the bow and what type of wire do you use?
That should work fine. Attach the wire with a spring on one end. The wire will expand when heated so the spring will take up the slack. I use screw eyes on each side to attach to. Nichrome wire is best. About 25 guage. Run a fan down the block of foam to cool the exposed wire, otherwise you’ll break a lot of wires.
If Greg says it will work, it will work! I have this old Lionel transformer…
Thanks Greg for the info I’ve been using your resin and it’s unbelievable. So predictable.
The really nice thing about the old train sets…providing you can avoid thinking about restoring the things …is they already have a nice, easy rheostat. You don’t have to add one. See link below for a bunch of useful info on nichrome wire, including resistances and etc. http://www.wiretron.com/
Thanks doc, I’m having a problem locating foam I would like to get A single block to start. I want to make team boards eps or extruded.I’m in N.J.
Try this link below - searchable, by state or by region. If they don’t have one close by, a call can probably get you a local dealer or distributor. http://www.thomasregional.com/index.html
Doc thanks again, I need to know dimensions of a block I was thinking 8ft x 24in x 24 also what pound density ?
I have absolutely no idea of what’s available in Jersey - may I suggest you find out and go from there.
I think Carpenter has a place up there. They have a website but I don’t have an address. Try one of the search engines. Their corprorate offices are in Richmond VA. If you have trouble finding it e-mail me at and I’ll try running it down for you.
I’m in the South Jersey vicinity and just picked up a batch of Insulfoam EPS (2# density). Feel free to e-mail me and I can give you the details.
…e-mail is
Insulfoam makes good stuff. They also just opened in Lakeland FL.