A Toxicity Question

[Kooljock1]

Hey all,

I just picked up a hot wire foam cutter at Empire Hobbies in Saint Albans, and want to use it in creating a couple of mountains for the layout.

The instructions state that I should use only the foam "layout system" stuff made by the manufacturer. Have any of you used one of these to "cut" pink board insulation? Are there toxic fumes to worry about? Will it be worse than an MTH lockie on speed?

Thanks,

Jon [8D]

[Big_Boy_4005]

I bought the Woodland Scenics one Jon, but I haven't tried it yet. Melting any kind of plastic can get stinky, but I'm not sure of health issues.

---

I just went downstairs and tried it. There was no noticible smell, and no smoke. Just a nice clean cut, but it was slow.

[nitroboy]

It should be fine to cut the pink insulation. There will be a smell, but if you ventalate properly, use a fan and such, you shouldn't have to worry about it. Some construction companies use hot knifes to cut the stuff with anyway, so I don't see the difference with using yours.

Dave

[Kooljock1]

Thanks for the replies. I figured that if they were used in current home building, they wouldn't want poisonous fumes in the case of a house fire.

Thanks again!

Jon [8D]

[Anonymous]

Hey Jon I open a window or two just to let some fresh air in.
Also do the same when the paint is being slung. Oh the fun we
have.Have fun![;)]

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Kooljock1

Thanks for the replies. I figured that if they were used in current home building, they wouldn't want poisonous fumes in the case of a house fire.

Thanks again!

Jon [8D]

Actually Jon, I think there is a problem when the foam is subjected to open flame. I think there was someone saying something about not using it on interior walls as a back drop because the building code didn't allow it. Maybe that was more about flamespread, and not toxicity. Bottom line,don't have a fire.

[Buckeye Riveter]

When I built my layout, I cut what seemed tons of pink foam with a hot wire. Good ventilation was the key.

Kooljock1 - Did you get the Woodland Scenics foam cutter? If so the wires can easily break and those litte knobs at the top are not just perfect.

[jkerklo]

About foam cutters.

I cart my layout to train shows and wrapping and packing all the rolling stock takes a lot of time. I was thinking of getting some thick foam, like the pink stuff, and cutting openings for rolling stock. I tried Hobby Lobby, but they didn't have a foam cutter.

How fast do foam cutters cut? Who sells them? Are there different kinds?

John Kerklo
TCA 94-38455
www.Three-Rail.com

[Big_Boy_4005]

Hey John, instead of buying thick foam, what about laminating layers of thin foam?

Back when I did a lot of schlepping to shows, I used a good fruit box from the produce department at the grocery store. Look for the ones with the handels in the sides, like apples come in. Then I used those cardboard flats that 24 cans of pop come on as trays. 3 trays to a box and about 6 cars to a tray. A quick wrap in a paper towel for every other car, and you are on your way.

No foam cutter required, and basicly zero cost!!! Just a quick trip to King Stupid's Sooper's.[swg]

Another good method is visit the liquor store and get the boxes with the partitions.

[eZAK]

You can make your own!

I used an old whole house water filter wrench.(available seperately)
Some nichrome wire(hobby store)
And an old small trans. (1044)

Just cut a section out of the wrench leaving the handle and two protusions forming a wye. Add some peices of wood or plastic to extend the 'Y'. This can be any size depending on your needs. I extended mine so that I have a 6" opening at the top.

String the opening with the nichrome wire using 8-32 nuts, bolts, & washers. The bolts should extend about 1/2" past the thickness of the 'Y'.

With some wire and allegator clips attach the trans to the ends of the bolts.
Turn up trans to about 1/2 to 3/4, depending on material & thickness,
and your ready to go. [:D]

If anyone has any Q's just let me know.

Pat Zak

[Anonymous]

the only smell was not from cutting the pink foam board but was instead from the Great Stuff explansive foam I used to fill and glue the pink boards together with.

Cutting thru the solidified Great Stuff stunk and parts of it got caught on the wire



Alan