Proxxon Thermocut Hot Wire Cutter Tutorial

Proxxon Thermocut Hot Wire Cutter
Overview

We are lucky enough to have our own hot wire cutter than can be used for cutting materials such as plastic and foam. The hot wire heats up and melts and cuts the materials in lines and curves so that many creations can be formed at ease. Styrofoam is very bumpy and hard to cut, but by using the Proxxon Thermocut, all creations are made quickly, easily, and smoothly

Instructions

1. The first step of any tutorial is to plug it in, and make sure that the chord does not get in the way or drapes over the machine because the wire will be hot. Also, if you have long hair, make sure to tie it back.
2. At the top of machine where the wire is attached, there is a metal part that holds the wire in place. Before you cut, make sure to adjust it so that the wire is vertically aligned and that it is tight and won’t move. This can be done by tightening the knob on the backside of the picture to hold the position of the wire. to make the wire straight, thread it through the notch on the end of the metal piece on the top.
3. On top of the wire spool is another knob. This one holds the spool in place, and should also be tightened to insure that the wire will not move. Twisting the knob will tighten the grip on the spool.
4. Adjust the hot wire so that it is taut. It should run straight vertically, and not have any slack to get the best cut. This can be done by twisting the spool of wire at the top of the machine. It can also be controlled with the knob to the left of the red light on the bottom by the switch controls. this tightens the lower grip on the wire.
5. 
   Once everything is squared away, adjust the temperature accordingly based on the density and thickness of the material. This can be adjusted using the knob to the right of the red light, and by using the guide printed on the side of the machine.
6. Switch on the machine and happy cutting! To cut your material, simply slide it along the surface to get the most precise cut. There are grid lines on the surface of the machine to aid with cutting, as well as a protractor and other tools that could be useful for any project.
1. Pro tip! If you would like to cut out a shape with a hole in the center, but you don't want the cut out line to get to it, you can remove the wire and place it in the center of your cutout. Turn off the hot wire cutter, and using the knob to the left of the light, loosen it all the way and pull out the wire. (this is also how you can change/cut it and get fresh wire). In order for this to work, a small hole needs to get poked through the inner hole. You can use things like pencils, or anything skinny and sharp that will make a hole.Then put your material through the wire after its reattached, and cut out the middle hole. After the cut is made, turn off the cutter, and take out and put in the wire again.The picture shown above is an example of a square with a cut-out hole in the middle.
7. CAUTION! Once the machine is turned on, the wire heats up automatically and it ready to be used right away. This means that there is no wait time to let it heat up, and also that it gets very hot very quickly so be careful.