I know this is probably a personal preference issue, but is it better to use the thicker masonite for rocker templates when hotwiring? I was thinking the rigidity may be better and would be less likely to “catch” the hotwire. I’m about to hotwire for the first time. Also, I can only seem to find masonite that’s tempered (smooth) on one side. Will this be a problem or should I keep searching for double-sided tempered masonite?
I’ve found 1/8 inch tempered one-side to work. Be sure to have the riding edge sanded VERY smooth, like 220 grit or so. Also, use wax, hard like paraffin, on the template edge, it seems to slide better.
It’s when you slow down with too hot of a wire, when you might get a notch, just react to it and keep progressing.
If you get chronic digging with this set-up, change to larger diameter wire if you already haven’t, that helps too.
Be sure to practive on some scrap first, full width to simulate the energy draw and get a feel for the speed needed.
It is better to lift off the template than to dig into, and notch, the template as you can always go back and trim the highs with your hotwire.
Good Luck!
Hi jrmdds -
Please try the hotwire roller guide bobbin trick. It eliminated snags/burns and really improved the overall quality of my homemade EPS blanks.
It’s always a good idea to take a little extra time and make a back up set for future reference. There are often times when other people besides yourself help, or use them. If you have a router w/ a flush trim bit and a hot glue gun, it takes minutes to do.
It’s also a good idea to leave extra in the nose and tail for run in and run out.
I was thinking about getting some foil tape to put on the edges…?
Quote:
I was thinking about getting some foil tape to put on the edges…?
Is that a question?
Do you need to put a spacer between the template and the foam, or is the bobbin skinny enough to slide between them?
Also, I remember reading a post about using masking tape to hotwire rail bands. The hotwire supposedly doesn’t cut the tape. Could you lay a strip of tape around the perimeter of the rocker template? Would the hotwire cut smoothly on that?
I’ve been using 1/4" MDF.
I also use the same template to router out my stringers, and my router collar is 1/4" high/deep.
Haven’t had any real burn ins yet, a few little toast marks but nothing serious.
Hi -
I don’t have any problem sliding the edges of the bobbin between the template and the foam block. On a 12 foot blank, I use drywall screws every couple of feet and stagger the top and bottom rows of screws. I don’t place the screw holes right to the edge of the profile template - maybe an inch or so from the edge. The EPS doesn’t really hold the screws very well but good enough to hotwire cut the profile. The template is held against the foam but not very tight.
On one of my first blanks, I burned into a template (door skin ply), melted the hotwire into my blank and thought fuck this - there’s gotta be a better way.
The main advantage for me using the bobbins is they roll and prevent burns.
Result?
I can crank the heat, cut relatively fast and smooth with no damage to my profile templates.
I think the tape might burn through if you’re not careful although I’ve seen it used in the vacuumed sailboard video by Tom Sullivan.