General Techniques

Hotwire Cutting

This guide introduces the essential techniques for shaping Styrofoam using a hot wire cutter. It covers preparing accurate templates—either hand-drawn or printed and spray-mounted onto card—and explains how to set up the cutter correctly, including wire tension, alignment, and temperature. Step-by-step instructions outline how to achieve clean, smooth cuts by maintaining steady movement and controlling cutting speed. The guide also includes tips on finishing foam shapes with knives and sanding, providing beginners with a reliable method for producing precise Styrofoam components.