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vacunoob Novice
Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 49 Location: Hickory, NC
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Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 4:21 pm Post subject: DIY Hot Knife |
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I've got some left over Nichrome coil and I wanted to make a custom hot knife. I've tried to figure out the mininum amount of wire I would need to use for 120V / 15 or 20 amp but I'm stumped. The specs. on the nichrome is catalog # L22-10C, AWG 22, 360 ohms, & outside diameter .3".
I tested a stretched 6" piece and it popped.
I=V/R ?
Can anyone give me some insight? _________________ Failure is only possible if you set a time limit.
Flickr: Vacuum Former Pics
Product I vacuum form- Laser Speed Grids |
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clonesix Novice
Joined: 19 Jan 2007 Posts: 63 Location: california
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vacunoob Novice
Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 49 Location: Hickory, NC
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Posted: Sat Jun 27, 2009 10:30 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the link and the welcoming. I love this forum!
I hope to learn a little more about the math and science behind determining the correct length of nichrome based on amps and volts.
Could a simple AC adapter work as a power supply? _________________ Failure is only possible if you set a time limit.
Flickr: Vacuum Former Pics
Product I vacuum form- Laser Speed Grids |
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jdougn Guru
Joined: 18 Mar 2009 Posts: 714 Location: Louisville KY area
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 1:41 pm Post subject: |
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If the hot knife is going to be used to cut ABS there is a concern about the ABS resealing behind the knife. I use a jig saw on slow speed and if the ABS is too hot it will reseal behind the blade.
YMMV, Doug _________________ DougN - Just in case you're wondering, I got my "rating" legitimately... by posting aimless drivel, useless advice, and pointless questions. |
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jegner Site Admin
Joined: 30 May 2003 Posts: 2144 Location: Texas, USA
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Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:22 pm Post subject: |
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I've seen hot knifes running off a couple of 'D' cell batteries, and I've seen them connected to a model train speed regulator, or even a battery charger! Regulating the power going to the nichrome wire is the trick.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9IMIoJw61M |
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