If you're planning to make a serious hot-wire, you should really consider using the wire that's the industry standard. No, it's not nichrome, it's called Rene` wire (pronounced "renay") and you can read about it here: http://www.skykingrcproducts.com/access ... ewire.html p.s. I don't sell it, I just buy it from here.
Yeah I never heard of it either. Thanks for the info. Too bad they didn't sell it in smaller amounts.
tvcasualty, I would guess you didn't bother reading the text on the page I linked in the first post, as it mentions the limitations of both nichrome and stainless steel. Yes, they work, and well, but there is something better. I posted the information for anyone thinking about making a CNC hotwire system, primarily.
What I liked with the E string was that it came with that little brass fitting on the end. For my hot wire set up I could just hook it in place and it was ready to go. I would like to try this Rene, to see how it works as well Mark
Hey Mark, did you ever put that Rene wire to test? I have mine but haven't needed to hotwire anything since I bought the spool of Rene wire. Crash mentioned it in his Hot-Wire FAQ article, sure seems like he was impressed.
I just get the picture hanging SS wire from Home Depot. It's multi-strand so I just unwind 1 wire and use it. If I didn'thave my phlatprinter I would look at this wire closer.
Dennis, I have been using it on the prototype hot wire accessories for the Phlatboyz machines and I have to say it works perfect. I was able to test cut at different rates and temperatures including partial wire coverage to almost full wire coverage and never had an issue like globing or breaking. There is of course sweet spots for dialing in the perfect cut depending on (a lot) of variables inherent to hot wire cutters in general, but the Rene wire makes this testing much more enjoyable without the hassles and inconsistencies of standard wire. There is still a lot of testing to do, and Mikes article is invaluable to this project. Thank you Mike for sharing this awesome information and thank you Dennis for helping me overcome many of the hot wire beginning errors, by starting out with the right wire. Mark
