> What is the best way to cut and shape ethafoam? Of course, I'm on a low
budget and
> can't buy a $300 hot knife. Any suggestions will help. Thanks.
> Mickel Yantz
>
At some point in my travels my hot knife died, WAY out in the boonies, and
all I could find locally were a few different sizes of serrated, thin knives
at a local 2nd hand store.  They work wonderfully.  I also found that smooth
blades dull much faster so keep them "rough sharpened" by running a file
edgewise down the blade, producing many finer serrations. This technique
produces a faster cut with a more lasting edge.  Cost of the blades and
file: less than $10.00.  Thin blades can be bent into curves easily enough
and help carve out the pockets we sometimes need.

Granted this is not as smooth and elegant as a hot knife, but a quick
heating of the surface with a propane torch held at a distance will melt the
surface nicely, if you don't have a heat gun.

Best of luck

Tom Bennett
Exhibit Support, AK

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