Basics: How to get good, clean, straight cuts in XPS Foam (Black Magic Craft Episode 030)

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  • Опубліковано 27 сер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 362

  • @lizpollock6534
    @lizpollock6534 4 роки тому +109

    Based on my quilting experience - which involves lots of detailed and "fussy" cutting, I'd suggest cutting while standing rather than sitting. I find it easier to get accurate cuts on many layers of fabric by standing over it.

    • @acmaurer50
      @acmaurer50 4 роки тому +4

      When you're standing, you get more leverage from your upper body.

    • @deadinside4372
      @deadinside4372 3 роки тому +2

      Yes because sitting is not standing

  • @jamesmikulski1183
    @jamesmikulski1183 6 років тому +28

    Just a little tip to add to your knife technique. If you do end up with a slight bevel, put the smaller side down. That way the top surfaces will still butt tight together.

  • @Xerock
    @Xerock 4 роки тому +13

    Having cut thick material for a living, i would recommend getting a weighted ruler, or if they are too expensive, get an iron bar cut down to match the length of your ruler and adhere it to the ruler using epoxy or some other adhesive. This prevents the knife from pushing the ruler around as you cut.

  • @PossumMedic
    @PossumMedic 7 років тому +19

    I had been planning on making dungeon tiles as a thank you gift for the people who volunteer as DMs at my local comic shop. Thanks to your videos they are now getting double sided 1/2" foam tiles instead of the 1/4" printed and mod-podged foam tiles I was planning on making! Instead of just giving them a functional gift now I think they will be getting something they can really appreciate and integrate into their own games. Thanks man! :)

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +7

      That's actually really cool to hear. And if any of them are interested in how to make more, make sure to send em over here :)

  • @tonymin1555
    @tonymin1555 6 років тому +5

    Man I should have done my homework. I’ve been a fan but I never thought to start from the beginning with your basics. I donated and did the Dice Tower build. It is a very cool project, but I was butchering some XPS with a $20 craft store foam cutter, a PVC saw and one pass cuts with a ratcheting blade. I made three bases. The one I covered so far ended looking nice, but a bit rough, almost like a goblin tower. The multi pass cut I just tried (even with a dull blade) is so much smoother. It would have saved me a lot of time and heartache. Now I know. Keep up the good crafting! Thanks again for working with St. Jude!

  • @theexchipmunk
    @theexchipmunk 5 років тому +36

    I can always recommend one of these kitchen knife sharpeners (those round ones made from metal) if you do a lot of work with the cutter knife. If the blade gets a bit dull, use it and you are ready to go again. Makes your blades last longer and you won't have to change them as often. Withe the added benefit that it saves you some money, especially if you use more expensive blades. (which I always recommend as the cheap ones simply don't work that well with foam)

  • @terrymyers699
    @terrymyers699 6 років тому +39

    Great tute. Heres a quick FYI for your safety. I highly recommend investing in a chef's/meat cutters Cut Glove. They are gloves made from Kevlar that will not let a knife penetrate or slice thru to your hand. There are also chain male gloves that meat cutters use to keep all their fingers Intact. You can find them for like $5 or $6US on eBay. You get one good slip of the knife you can seriously gouge you can loose fingers. These gloves have helped save my hands for over 30 years of modeling.

    • @theexchipmunk
      @theexchipmunk 5 років тому

      Yeah, thats a good recommendation. Its also why I stopped using cutters for the bigger stuff and got me a Proxxon. Had a few close calls that I will remember the rest of my live.

    • @AVspectre
      @AVspectre 3 роки тому +1

      When I first read this comment I thought you were saying you were saving your hands for a hand modelling career. :)

  • @reneestanko6707
    @reneestanko6707 6 місяців тому +1

    This is so great! I'm taking an architecture class and getting ready to model a rammed earth structure. Amazing tips. Thank you!

  • @xXKyledkXx
    @xXKyledkXx 7 років тому +5

    I was just trying this and it works perfectly with lining up my metal ruler with the cutting mat to get great pieces using a razor blade! Thanks, I was so frustrated trying to get the cuts right!

  • @richardmorris6425
    @richardmorris6425 7 років тому +50

    Drafters/artist want that cork strip or thick tape on the back of the ruler so when they run a marker across the ruler, the ink does not bleed under the ruler.

  • @tain-uwelemmer4489
    @tain-uwelemmer4489 6 років тому +11

    a good trick to make a 90°-Cut on thick material: use a strait, well sanded block of hardwood, instead of a ruler and keep the knife strait at the side of the block. (does not work with too flexible knifes).
    Hobbyknifes doesn't cut so easy in hardwood, so it works.

  • @mattott4274
    @mattott4274 5 років тому +7

    If you want a REALLY cheap hot wire cutter and like to get inventive... you can actually run a current to an olfa knife/blade and heat it up to make your cuts. I wouldn't say it's necessarily "better" but I've found it's faster and seems to help the blade stay sharper longer.

  • @Scar589
    @Scar589 7 років тому +18

    I use a serrated steak knife. I like the 'rough' looking edge as it makes it look more like stone.Will probably use the box cutter for things I want more refined or nicer looking.

  • @VikingFyre
    @VikingFyre 7 років тому +25

    I keep a sharpener on hand to get the most out of my blades. Thank you Bill Doran and Evil Ted for teaching me that trick haha

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +12

      yea, I actually sharpen my blade on my jeans after ever few cuts (an oldschool technique for razors), but I didnt want to show that and have some person try it incorrectly and slice open their leg.

    • @VikingFyre
      @VikingFyre 7 років тому +4

      I use a 4 dollar dual sharpener I got from Smiths grocery store. Works in all blades really well

    • @strandednseattle
      @strandednseattle 6 років тому

      I use Jewelers Rouge and a piece of leather on a board to polish the blade. keeps it razor sharp.

    • @theexchipmunk
      @theexchipmunk 5 років тому +1

      I can recommend the Zwilling Kitchen knife sharpener. That thing is normally for high quality kitchen knifes but turns my cutters razor sharp again and again.

  • @StrongholdCrafterKev
    @StrongholdCrafterKev 7 років тому +5

    Great stuff. I mainly use a hot wire tool for cutting large pieces of foam. Only foam core is cut with my hobby knife. I like that blade you demonstrated in the video as well as the method of cutting it.

  • @Zeoinx69
    @Zeoinx69 5 років тому +5

    Menards Local Store, I got three quarter inch thick XPS for 12 dollars for 4 foot by 8 foot sheet. They also cut down the sheet into 4 feet by 1 foot slabs for me, so I could get it home without being blown away by the wind.

  • @laranettle9252
    @laranettle9252 5 років тому +17

    Burnings in New Zealand also stock the same brand of xps as they sell in Australia.

  • @WylochsArmory
    @WylochsArmory 7 років тому +2

    Rockin! I have also done some mitered cuts with the Proxxon table. You need a protractor to set it up, but works aces.

  • @emveedee
    @emveedee 7 років тому +1

    You hit the nail right on the head. I made my first batch of dungeon tiles using a box cutter and although it did work, it was a lot of work, and getting the tiles nicely square was just a pain in the ass. Making a whole bunch of squares at the same time (4 x 4) did help speed it up a bit though. I did have lots of jagged edges since my knife wasn't very good, but you couldn't really see it in the end because you roughen up the tile anyways.
    When I got a hot wire tool it was suddenly so much easier. The end result does indeed not look very different, but it saved me so much time. Making squares you only need to set the distance right once, then you can just first cut long strokes of foam, give them a quarter turn and cut again.
    Cutting thin strips is really difficult to get done nicely imo, but with a hot wire table it is a piece of cake.
    Great advice, I fully endorse this :)

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +3

      One you go proxxon you never go back!

    • @emveedee
      @emveedee 7 років тому +1

      I built mine myself as a hobby project but it's very similar to the one you have. Definitely don't want to go back!

  • @DaisyMae404
    @DaisyMae404 6 років тому +1

    I like the straight foward approach you use.

  • @jirhonarmstrong4107
    @jirhonarmstrong4107 7 років тому +3

    Once again awesome video, I've been having alot of issues cutting the pink foam cuz all I have is a knife. But you have given me some great tips. Now I feel better on it. Thank you my friend

  • @rickdillenbeck7397
    @rickdillenbeck7397 6 місяців тому

    Fantastic tutorial, I don’t have a hot wire cutter so your tips on knife cutting was very helpful. Thanks

  • @3create432
    @3create432 6 років тому +28

    "Let's cut to the chase" Lol.....I love it!

    • @joshmercer8980
      @joshmercer8980 3 роки тому

      I took 1d6 psychic damage from that xD

  • @King-ci8sk
    @King-ci8sk 2 роки тому

    holy hell my man.
    ive been practicing and racking my brain about why my frickin cuts are just never perfectly straight for a couple days now.
    glad to know it isnt exactly all me

  • @shiroidaruma5046
    @shiroidaruma5046 7 років тому +4

    Thanks for the list with good XPS suppliers! I've literally been searching for days, but to no avail.
    Recently came across your channel and there's a lot of great stuff on there, so I subbed straight away and pretty lucky that you covered this subject now.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +2

      Hopefully you can track some stuff down now

    • @shiroidaruma5046
      @shiroidaruma5046 7 років тому

      Thanks! Yes, I'll be driving down to either Germany or Belgium today immediately, haha. Thanks for the inspiration!

  • @Runehammer1
    @Runehammer1 7 років тому +22

    that cutter is amazers

    • @josht9518
      @josht9518 7 років тому +1

      We are still waiting for you guys to make a mini Guillotine to do the same job though... or behead some miniatures.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +2

      Its the absolute best crafting tool ever made. Hands down. No question.

    • @Katniss218
      @Katniss218 5 років тому +1

      Hankerin'.... Hello there. ;)

  • @ryancarter6876
    @ryancarter6876 4 роки тому +1

    I've been using a crappy exacto knife and getting rough edges, but honestly, I have been making it work quite well IMO. It creates a rocky effect around the edge of the dungeon tiles, wouldn't be good for more detailed things, but for the ground beneath a layer of stone in a dungeon, it works. Also, I used 1 inch instead of 1/2 inch material for those tiles, and it was my first try.

  • @randyrice1429
    @randyrice1429 3 роки тому

    You are "Best Teacher Ever."

  • @rubenvor
    @rubenvor 4 роки тому +1

    Let's cut the crap! Thanks for sharing such useful information! Exactly what I was linking for. Working on a boat project.

  • @luxiscarbonus
    @luxiscarbonus 2 роки тому

    Where has this video been all my life?

  • @FoEDekker
    @FoEDekker 5 років тому +1

    Just messing around, I tried this foam in some of my woodworking tools. My table saw cuts this to a factory finish with no tearing, so I decided to step up a notch. Believe it or not, you can feed this stuff through a thickness planer with zero issues.
    The only things I find don't work well are spinning bits. Drill presses and routers tear it apart.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  5 років тому +1

      I’ve also run it through a table saw. Gives a nice cut but the foam dust is a nightmare.

    • @davidgates1122
      @davidgates1122 2 роки тому

      I regularly use the table saw with a carbide blade and a good dust collection system.

  • @intzbk1
    @intzbk1 3 роки тому

    From 2017, and still helpful. Thanks!

  • @PannkakaMedSylt
    @PannkakaMedSylt 6 років тому +2

    Keeping your blades sharp is the most important factor, BUT I suggest getting something like a sharpening stone, I have one next to me when ever I'm cutting things and do a light pass on the stone every 4-5 min while cutting something that dulls the blade fast like Styrofoam.
    that said I still use a hotwire cutter pridominatly when dealing with styrofoam.

  • @beavisemojihere
    @beavisemojihere 5 років тому +3

    Thanks for this. I WAS trying to cut foam with an xacto knife, which was tearing, and I wondered what I was doing wrong. Will try using a razor utility knife and see if that works better. Thanks again!

  • @SG-hg2zj
    @SG-hg2zj 3 роки тому

    Thank you for all your help getting started in this hobby. Go Jets!

  • @ColonelIzabelleThorn
    @ColonelIzabelleThorn 5 років тому +3

    B&Q has different types of XPS foam in the UK, though can potentially be a little pricey depending on shop location.

    • @XRPDegen
      @XRPDegen 3 роки тому

      Builders skips sometimes are a treasure trove ... 😉👍🏻

  • @majintoast5278
    @majintoast5278 11 місяців тому

    ive used exacto knives for cutting my tiles for years. no problems at all. perfect cuts. its all in the technique.

  • @giotabiol1895
    @giotabiol1895 4 роки тому

    XPS Foam: For Greece, you can find it as "θερμομονωτικό φελιζόλ", "Εξηλασμένη Πολυστερίνη", "Styropan XPS", "φελιζόλ styropan" etc. Its available at almost relatively big craft stores (I get it in a local one), including Practicer, Leroy Merlin etc. If researching for prices, pages like skroutz. gr can compare prices from physical shops & e-shops all over the country.

  • @TimMcMahon80
    @TimMcMahon80 2 роки тому +2

    The taller your straight edge the more perfectly vertical your cut will be i.e. if you use a half-inch square rod as your straight edge you can keep the knife flush with the edge and be vertical.

  • @workingTchr
    @workingTchr Рік тому +1

    For a perpendicular cut using the razor knife, I'd try taking the blade out of the knife and clamping it to a known right angle object (say, a piece of wood) and using that along with a straight edge.

  • @rexmundi8154
    @rexmundi8154 11 місяців тому

    A bandsaw makes quick work of thick foam and the mess is containable if you use a saw with a dust collector. The hot knife can make a closed shop’s air quality pretty dismal.

  • @jeffd3201
    @jeffd3201 3 роки тому

    Hi, came upon this and took your recommendation on the proxxon and couldn't be happier. thanks for the great video! I am off and running with it...making some scale structures for a bunch of projects and this provides real nice, light weight building material...

  • @AxelAllieu
    @AxelAllieu 4 роки тому +1

    I forgot to like this one, sorry! Error corrected. Sometimes, going back to basics helps a lot. Thank you!

  • @jaekaelae1198
    @jaekaelae1198 7 років тому

    Bandsaw is also an option to cut different foam boards and you don't get toxic fumes. Downside is the crumbs but they can be get rid of with vacuumcleaner. Small bandsaw can be bought for $120+ and they can be used to cut all kind of materials not just foamboards. I have used bandsaw for cutting styrofoam and it works wonders. I like your videos and keep watching them.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +3

      Couple things.....for the price of the bandsaw I would rather have a dedicated foam cutter. I am a professional carpenter and have a band saw and a scroll saw but far prefer the precision, perfectly smooth, no mess cuts of the foam cutter. Saws are also loud and if like me you craft while the rest of the house sleeps a silent tool is better. As for dangers/fumes....heres the thing, this foam is only harmful when BURNT (black smoke), if your hotwire is set and used correctly it emits a white water vapor, and as long as you have some ventilation you are at very little risk.....the fine dust from cutting with a saw or sanding is actually FAR more dangerous. Not to mention a band saw is far more dangerous to use...For me as a carpenter that isn't an issue, but a band saw is not a tool everybody should be using.

    • @jaekaelae1198
      @jaekaelae1198 7 років тому

      :) Good point. But small bandsaws are not that dangerous when one is cutting soft materials like foams it won't kickback. Ofcourse it is more dangerous than hot wire cutter.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +2

      really though, the risk of both tools is very low unless you are really really careless. The biggest factor for me is noise and styro dust....the main reason I got the hotwire was to not have to deal with staticky styro dust that sticks to everything.

  • @elysesmith8460
    @elysesmith8460 Рік тому

    Watching these basics videos as I get ready to go to Dollarama and Michaels 😅

  • @GeneralKetchup57
    @GeneralKetchup57 7 років тому +14

    Nice video, glad I'm not the only one having problems with angle cuts:) Just ordered the table and your razor set from your shop. Hopefully, the fee amazon pays you compensates for the beating I'm going to get from my wife ...LOL Seriously, it was the best price I found:)

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +4

      Yea, I don't think you can beat the amazon price.....and if you craft a lot it totally pays for itself with the time saved. I mostly want lots of crafters to get it so I can use it more on tutorials without making people feel left out, lol. For the record, because I'm all about transparency, I get a $7 cut for every proxxon table sold through my shop....so not quitting my job anytime soon, but it's actually an amount that adds up with a lot of purchases (and hey $7 for the channel is better than it going to amazon's pocket, they have enough $). People have bout 15 of them through my shop over the past month, so that's a lot of extra business for proxxon. I'm going to be reaching out to them to see if they can send me some of their other tools to test out for you guys.

    • @GeneralKetchup57
      @GeneralKetchup57 7 років тому

      Great, looking forward to the next video:) Finally, going to attempt some of your killer buildings!

  • @trojan403
    @trojan403 7 років тому

    Great idea on the depth gauge! Never thought of that before

  • @ilonash.8157
    @ilonash.8157 4 роки тому

    I wandered to your channel absolutely accidentally, but this is such a treasure. Your way of explaining is so clear and really engaging. Thank you a lot! (and please, in the future use some protection gloves or something working with the hot wire, bc my level of anxiety reached extreme markings watching you do it with your bare hands! I was worried you would cut your arm through!!)

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  4 роки тому

      I don’t think you understand the tool. My arm isnt made of styrofoam.

    • @ilonash.8157
      @ilonash.8157 4 роки тому

      Oh, I'm sorry then. It looks more intimidating than it apparently is :)

  • @benamisai-kham5892
    @benamisai-kham5892 10 місяців тому

    I had no idea hot wire tables existed! I know what i wanna get myself for christmas now! I was making shabby cuts with a saw blade and xacto knife and smoothing them with a mini belt sander, terrifyingly 😂

  • @h.p.4839
    @h.p.4839 3 роки тому

    Thanks again for that advice. Good thing I watched this video before starting to build up my terrain. ;)

  • @manuelurdaneta8649
    @manuelurdaneta8649 3 роки тому +1

    To make 90 degree cuts, instead of a ruler, I use a 1 "x 1" aluminum angle.

  • @mikeet207
    @mikeet207 7 років тому +2

    I went cheap and bought a Styro Cutter for about $9.00 from Hobby Loppy. Does the same job as the foam cutter youre talking about. That being said i mostly just cut with my blade and yes good blades matter a lot.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +3

      Yea, handheld hot cutters are great for a lot of things, especially organic shapes. Personally I find them to be a pain to use for repetitive straight cuts without building a jig....and I'd rather save the time and use a table cutter.

    • @mikeet207
      @mikeet207 7 років тому +1

      Yea it's basically useless for straight cuts.

  • @saintmatthew956
    @saintmatthew956 7 років тому +1

    J, this video is great. I wish I had it a year ago!

  • @claylewis8233
    @claylewis8233 7 років тому

    Evil Ted Smith uses a Kershaw Blade Sharpener to extend the life of his blades. He builds eva foam costumes, the stuff dulls blades like crazy. I picked one up and its super nice.

  • @kickford
    @kickford 3 роки тому +3

    Outside of a hot wire,
    I can tell you the absolute easiest way to cut foam board, is with a small, quality fillet knife. It's way better than any other knife you'll ever use, hands down.

  • @flinch622
    @flinch622 2 роки тому

    I find a 10" T-bevel handy. I can mimic angles for layout, and [at least for small pieces] I have a steel straight edge at the ready.

  • @robd1329
    @robd1329 2 роки тому

    Holy cow..that machine is perfect!

  • @chd64
    @chd64 6 років тому +2

    in Europe, one manufacture is called stryodur and make 3000cs to 5000cs, variety of depths, in uk the only manufacture is in birmingham

    • @chd64
      @chd64 6 років тому +1

      company called FoamTech

  • @dolfinmagikpro
    @dolfinmagikpro 3 роки тому +2

    Any pointers on cutting curves with a blade? Like doorway arches, for example.
    Great video! Keep up the great work!

  • @lllllllllllllllllllll1lll1
    @lllllllllllllllllllll1lll1 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for the techniques and demonstration!! Great info!

  • @jasonraper3864
    @jasonraper3864 7 років тому +2

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!

  • @___Chris___
    @___Chris___ 3 роки тому +1

    I own a proxxon wirecutter, but it turned out being too slow for big parts (I was building big foamcore/fibreglass sandwich parts for the interior in my selfmade RV). I ultimately ended up using a jigsaw with a thin aluminum blade - works like a charm. As far as I've heard, a bandsaw with a thin blade does the job, too (and also with perfectly straight angles).
    I once was cutting with one of those larger knives like shown in your video and ended up in the ER to get some stiches: The knife got stuck for a microsecond and when it quickly got free again I ended up swinging it towards my other hand that was holding the part and cut a good cm deep, down to the bone. Oops.

  • @ericmallory3050
    @ericmallory3050 7 років тому +5

    Olfa +1. I first came across an Olfa cutter while working for a sign company, and the yellow plastic had a whole bunch of red acrylic paint on it, made me remember to be careful to not cut any fingers off...lol Olfa blades are amazing, but first time users...safety tip, go real slow, these things are extremely sharp, and try not to work alone, because if you do cut yourself, you can do some serious damage if you are not paying attention... (Raises hand, shows scars) Why is it Olfa cutters always seem to be some of the ugliest, beat up, misused, tools? They pretty much last forever...looks like you're using one with a black handle almost, but I could see the yellow peek they in some spots... I think you almost have me convinced on the proxxon, but I doubt it will happen before xmas...rock on.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +3

      Yea a fresh olfa blade can cut right through your finger nail and you wont even feel it....I know from experience. I manage and see many different trades in my job and I've only ever seen olfa knives on site. They are the best. The one I have in the videos I spray painted black a while ago to designate it as the "black magic craft" one, ie it stays at the crafting table and doesn't end up in a pocket, tool pouch, or at work.....I've said elsewhere, I've never had an olfa knife break on me (no matter how many times dropped or used to open paint cans, lol), they only end their life with me when I loose them.

  • @BlueSparrow23
    @BlueSparrow23 5 років тому +1

    I realize this is an old video and people are unlikely to see this, but it's worth a shot.
    Does anyone know of a left-handed version of that knife? As a leftie crafter, I'm always dismayed by seemingly simple tools that I either have to use with my non-dominant hand, or just go without. If anyone knows of a good place or site to buy quality left-handed tools, let me know. I've yet to find one that's more than novelty.

  • @KendellConiff
    @KendellConiff 3 роки тому

    I already have a woodworking bandsaw so I use it to cut my styrofoam pieces. It's a little messy but works great!

  • @logowatchman
    @logowatchman 3 роки тому

    Absolutely right regarding Olfa knives. The only one I have used since I discovered the company 20 years ago. Home depot sometimes doesn't have them with the other brands in the tool department - look in the paint department.

  • @jordanpark5533
    @jordanpark5533 Рік тому

    Hey man, love the videos and I love the work you create. It's opened up a whole new experience for me and a very nerd hobby.
    I do not have the space for a hotwire table though, as much as I would like one. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind eventually making a few videos based purely when using a knife.
    A hot wire table is clearly the more efficient and precise way but it'd be good to watch and learn from purely knife based techniques.
    Either way, inspirational shit man

  • @kylemcburgerson5207
    @kylemcburgerson5207 2 роки тому

    You and brent are great

  • @Tovenaar13
    @Tovenaar13 4 роки тому

    Can't wait to build my HeroQuest tiles!

  • @solarsynapse
    @solarsynapse 2 роки тому

    You could use a thicker metal bar instead of a ruler and run your blade alongside it to maintain a 90 degree cut.

  • @cheeseymann
    @cheeseymann 3 роки тому

    I'd say a knife is fine for the average joe just trying to make things here and there. The proxon is definitely more consistent and a lot quicker, so if your planning to make a lot of tiles or just a ton of the same things, youd probly benefit from a hotwire table.

  • @TheSerpent753
    @TheSerpent753 7 років тому

    You can also use a scroll saw to cut this foam. It cuts clean and your cuts will be perpendicular. I don't use foam enough to warrant buying a hot-wire cutter.

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +3

      I am a carpenter so I own a scroll saw BUT I craft while the family sleeps and a scroll saw is way too loud.....the cuts with a scroll saw are decent, but not nearly as clean, and there are a ton of things you can do with the hotwire table that you cant do with a scroll saw. The other thing is the mess, I don't want the mess....and the health concerns. People always worry about the fumes of cutting foam with a hotwire, but if done correctly (not burning/black smoke) the vapors are essentially just water, and with a little ventilation you are fine. With a scroll saw you make fine dust that is way more dangerous and actually requires a mask.
      Anyway, this is just what works best for me, your needs and stuff may differ.

  • @fuzzywigschickenemporium
    @fuzzywigschickenemporium 7 років тому +1

    Guess I know what I need to ask for for Christmas...lol

  • @692ALBANNACH
    @692ALBANNACH 3 роки тому

    I have a proxxon but can't use in in my room at the moment will set off the alarms.I do use knives but they can dull up and I go through a far number of blades ! Until I get a place to use my machine will use a variety of sharp knives!

  • @dhh7501
    @dhh7501 Рік тому

    A good sharp bread knife, with a curvy serated blade works wonders. Especially if it has a "flat" side to the left side of the blade.. like this :
    left side -> |/

  • @JimmyJamba
    @JimmyJamba 4 роки тому

    Another great video! Good work.

  • @TheFlapper666
    @TheFlapper666 4 роки тому +1

    Is there an easy way you can cut a thick plate into 2 or 3 thinner ones without using the thermo cutter ? I cant get the 1 or 2 cm ones here.

  • @xaxzander4633
    @xaxzander4633 5 років тому +3

    do you have to peel off the plastic on the face with the lettering?

  • @dragonpjb
    @dragonpjb 6 років тому +2

    Why does no one remember you can just snap the dull part of those blades off. It is why they have the score lines on the blade. They even have a snapping tool built into the handle!

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  6 років тому +6

      Who’s forgetting? I’m not (I’ve used thousands of olfa blades as a contractor) it’s just then when cutting foam you are often dulling across a large section of blade. If you are lucky, or only cutting thin foam, you can snap in half once and still have a sharp portion.

  • @foxtrotmusic4179
    @foxtrotmusic4179 7 років тому +1

    Xps is available in the netherlands at a hardware store called: GAMMA

  • @peterbuckley3877
    @peterbuckley3877 Рік тому

    It looks to be a nice table but at $300 AUD it’s a bit on the pricey side, the other problem is that XPS foam is impossible to by in Sydney unless you buy in bulk and at a super premium price.

  • @justinhamrick384
    @justinhamrick384 4 місяці тому

    How do you recommend working with the XPS if you get a 4x8' sheet from a store? What is the best method to cut these? Do you recommend cutting them into a certain size so you can work with them on the hot wire table?

  • @amethystcraft8792
    @amethystcraft8792 7 років тому +1

    Good instructions!

  • @Mikey__R
    @Mikey__R 5 років тому +1

    Cheers! It's funny that, whilst it's easy with practice to cut a 2x4 square with a hand saw, even easier to cut thinner timber with a back saw, and cut a mortice plumb with a chisel, it does seem odd that a knife tends to angle like that in softer material.
    Do you think it might be because of body mechanics? We often cut timber whilst bearing over the board with our body, looking down on the cut, and chop with a mortice chisel whilst standing back to judge plumb. My woodworking bench is quite low, my sawhorse is even lower. Do you think crafting whilst hunched at a desk might be to blame for off square cuts?

  • @grinpick
    @grinpick 2 роки тому

    Good informative video. One thing you could do better, at least for me, is spell out the brand names of the tools/equipment that you recommend. For example, it sounded to me like you were saying "Holfa" for the brand of the utility knife. Turns out it's "Olfa." Might be that my hearing is deficient, but spelling the word out would help. Thanks for telling me stuff I've been wanting to know.

  • @alan262
    @alan262 Місяць тому

    I'm considering putting a piece of pink XPS in my interior window in order to reduce the noise associated with my AC unit. Do you know if weather stripping (MD with adhesive) will stick to the sides of the cut XPS? Of course, I'll need the weatherstripping so that the XPS will fit snugly into the window cavity.
    Thank you.
    Alan

  • @rstollenwerk
    @rstollenwerk 2 роки тому

    hardware store nearby only has the pink foam in 1x24x24, and without a hot wire I'm learning 1 inch is way too thick, and the hobby knife isn't long enough to slice it in half. any ideas?

  • @soreg666alex
    @soreg666alex Рік тому

    What if the thinnest XPS I can find is 20 mm? It's too thick to build nice dungeon floors. I'm not sure how to cut large panels in half by thickness.

  • @DRI1966
    @DRI1966 3 роки тому

    Thank You for all this tips :)

  • @areshseptango9619
    @areshseptango9619 7 років тому +2

    couldn't you place a block of something on top of the square to guide a straight cut through the foam with a knife?

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +3

      you could. A jig of some sort would help....it's just...a lot of effort and if you are doing a bunch of cuts a foam cutter is worth the investment. For me my time is valuable.

  • @gerrygardiner5179
    @gerrygardiner5179 2 роки тому

    It seems when you kept getting a slight angle when cutting with a blade the angle is always the same slant. Instead of trying to make a perfectly square cut you might try purposely slant your knife inward a bit. See if the bias evens things out.

  • @maestro2114
    @maestro2114 3 роки тому

    Black Magic Craft:
    Has professional retractable knife and foam cutter.
    Bard’s Craft:
    Uses Kitchen knife that’s been sharpened with file.

  • @adaaaiiimerino8911
    @adaaaiiimerino8911 Рік тому

    What can i use to fill in pesky dents or mistakes when working with xps foam

  • @Spenxaz
    @Spenxaz 2 роки тому

    Sorry for noob question but Ive see many people add foam terrain to wood base and the wood base are easy to cutting or shape with knives. May I know what the wood base is?

  • @Stuff-i-Like
    @Stuff-i-Like 5 місяців тому

    WHAT GUAGE WIRE DO I NEED TO SLICE THIS STUFF, XPS 35 kg/m3, INTO 3 & 5 MM SHEETS, FROM 1200 X 600 MM X 30 MM SHEETS!?
    ALSO, HOW MUCH POWER DO I REQUIRE FOR A 12/24 V, 1, 2, & 5 AMP PSU I AM ABOUT TO BUILD. Thank You.

  • @jesternario
    @jesternario 7 років тому +2

    I've seen a lot of those ratcheted blade have grooves. Are they break away?

  • @matthewwilkins7463
    @matthewwilkins7463 2 роки тому +1

    Don't be afraid to haunt house construction sites! I've gotten TONS of this pink foam for free!!

  • @Penz0id
    @Penz0id 7 років тому +2

    I wish I could get one of these tables, but $200 on Amazon Canada is pretty steep for me. Maybe someday!

    • @BlackMagicCraftOfficial
      @BlackMagicCraftOfficial  7 років тому +1

      Yea, we get pretty screwed up here when it comes to amazon....for me the 200 is still totally worth it.

  • @royalwapiti
    @royalwapiti 3 роки тому

    I just need 14.5" strips to go in between wall studs? What's best? I'm no artist or need little pieces.

  • @charliehodges3940
    @charliehodges3940 7 років тому +1

    Would I be able to cut a piece of foam to 12" x 12" using the fence?