How To Make The “Styro-Slicer”

for this project I’m going to show you

for this project I’m going to show you how to make a hot wire styro-slicer’

how to make a hot wire styro-slicer’

how to make a hot wire styro-slicer’ that cut styrofoam shapes with precision

that cut styrofoam shapes with precision

that cut styrofoam shapes with precision and control it’ll produce

and control it’ll produce

and control it’ll produce professional-looking 3d props for

professional-looking 3d props for

professional-looking 3d props for cosplay or metal casting as well as make

cosplay or metal casting as well as make

cosplay or metal casting as well as make foam fighter jets that actually fly

foam fighter jets that actually fly

foam fighter jets that actually fly across the room

across the room

across the room the styro-slicer’ has adjustable power

the styro-slicer’ has adjustable power

the styro-slicer’ has adjustable power settings cuts at any angle you need and

settings cuts at any angle you need and

settings cuts at any angle you need and the best part is the whole system fits

the best part is the whole system fits

the best part is the whole system fits together economically for easy and

together economically for easy and

together economically for easy and clutter-free storage let’s start this

clutter-free storage let’s start this

clutter-free storage let’s start this project with a simple experiment using a

project with a simple experiment using a

project with a simple experiment using a six volt lantern battery and a thin

six volt lantern battery and a thin

six volt lantern battery and a thin piece of hanger wire if we wrap the ends

piece of hanger wire if we wrap the ends

piece of hanger wire if we wrap the ends of the wire around the battery terminals

of the wire around the battery terminals

of the wire around the battery terminals you can see it gets incredibly hot in

you can see it gets incredibly hot in

you can see it gets incredibly hot in just an instant

just an instant

just an instant in fact it’s so hot that if we try

in fact it’s so hot that if we try

in fact it’s so hot that if we try touching it to a small piece of

touching it to a small piece of

touching it to a small piece of styrofoam it slices right through like a

styrofoam it slices right through like a

styrofoam it slices right through like a hot knife on butter that’s the basic

hot knife on butter that’s the basic

hot knife on butter that’s the basic concept of how our hot wire foam cutter

concept of how our hot wire foam cutter

concept of how our hot wire foam cutter is going to work so let’s get started

is going to work so let’s get started

is going to work so let’s get started building the foam factory with some 3/4

building the foam factory with some 3/4

building the foam factory with some 3/4 inch PVC tubing and a few connectors

inch PVC tubing and a few connectors

inch PVC tubing and a few connectors these pieces will create the frame for

these pieces will create the frame for

these pieces will create the frame for our multifunctional wire saw and you

our multifunctional wire saw and you

our multifunctional wire saw and you should be able to find all them easily

should be able to find all them easily

should be able to find all them easily at any home improvement store in the

at any home improvement store in the

at any home improvement store in the sprinkler I’ll cut 2 pieces of tubing 11

sprinkler I’ll cut 2 pieces of tubing 11

sprinkler I’ll cut 2 pieces of tubing 11 inches long and one other piece 12

inches long and one other piece 12

inches long and one other piece 12 inches and the only fittings you’re

inches and the only fittings you’re

inches and the only fittings you’re going to need are two 90 degree elbows

going to need are two 90 degree elbows

going to need are two 90 degree elbows and to slip gaps now if you’re planning

and to slip gaps now if you’re planning

and to slip gaps now if you’re planning to customize the colors on your

to customize the colors on your

to customize the colors on your styro-slicer’ go ahead and paint the

styro-slicer’ go ahead and paint the

styro-slicer’ go ahead and paint the elbows and slip caps now because it’ll

elbows and slip caps now because it’ll

elbows and slip caps now because it’ll save you a step later on the next things

save you a step later on the next things

save you a step later on the next things we’ll be needing are some number 8 flat

we’ll be needing are some number 8 flat

we’ll be needing are some number 8 flat washers and two number 8i bolts around

washers and two number 8i bolts around

washers and two number 8i bolts around one and five eighths of an inch long

one and five eighths of an inch long

one and five eighths of an inch long place one of the washers on the bolt

place one of the washers on the bolt

place one of the washers on the bolt then screw them both firmly into the

then screw them both firmly into the

then screw them both firmly into the center of the cap I pre-drilled my hole

center of the cap I pre-drilled my hole

center of the cap I pre-drilled my hole using a 5/32 inch drill bit and it

using a 5/32 inch drill bit and it

using a 5/32 inch drill bit and it really couldn’t have worked out better

really couldn’t have worked out better

really couldn’t have worked out better now continue screwing the eye bolts into

now continue screwing the eye bolts into

now continue screwing the eye bolts into the cap until it’s tight against the

the cap until it’s tight against the

the cap until it’s tight against the outside washer then do the exact same

outside washer then do the exact same

outside washer then do the exact same thing with the other one the next step

thing with the other one the next step

thing with the other one the next step is to make a hole in the center of the

is to make a hole in the center of the

is to make a hole in the center of the 12 inch pipe so mark the tubing six

12 inch pipe so mark the tubing six

12 inch pipe so mark the tubing six inches from the end and begin drilling

inches from the end and begin drilling

inches from the end and begin drilling we only want a hole in one side though

we only want a hole in one side though

we only want a hole in one side though so when the drill bit punches through

so when the drill bit punches through

so when the drill bit punches through the top it’s time to stop I drilled my

the top it’s time to stop I drilled my

the top it’s time to stop I drilled my hole 3/8 of an inch wide but you can

hole 3/8 of an inch wide but you can

hole 3/8 of an inch wide but you can really make yours any size you want as

really make yours any size you want as

really make yours any size you want as long as you can get an electric cord to

long as you can get an electric cord to

long as you can get an electric cord to fit through it

fit through it

fit through it and speaking of cords we’re going to

and speaking of cords we’re going to

and speaking of cords we’re going to need one of those next all we’re really

need one of those next all we’re really

need one of those next all we’re really after here is the cord itself so go

after here is the cord itself so go

after here is the cord itself so go ahead and chop off whatever’s on the

ahead and chop off whatever’s on the

ahead and chop off whatever’s on the ends then separate the two wires by

ends then separate the two wires by

ends then separate the two wires by carefully pulling them apart I split my

carefully pulling them apart I split my

carefully pulling them apart I split my cord into strands about two feet long

cord into strands about two feet long

cord into strands about two feet long which is actually a bit more than we

which is actually a bit more than we

which is actually a bit more than we need but it gives us a little wiggle

need but it gives us a little wiggle

need but it gives us a little wiggle room for when we attach it in just a

room for when we attach it in just a

room for when we attach it in just a second

second

second next we’ll need to expose the bare

next we’ll need to expose the bare

next we’ll need to expose the bare copper wire inside so use wire strippers

copper wire inside so use wire strippers

copper wire inside so use wire strippers to remove about

to remove about

to remove about into the plastic coating from the ends

into the plastic coating from the ends

into the plastic coating from the ends then twist the strands tightly together

then twist the strands tightly together

then twist the strands tightly together and bend it over so you can twist it

and bend it over so you can twist it

and bend it over so you can twist it together at the bottom and form a little

together at the bottom and form a little

together at the bottom and form a little metal loop carefully push the split

metal loop carefully push the split

metal loop carefully push the split wires through the hole in the tubing and

wires through the hole in the tubing and

wires through the hole in the tubing and continue working them in until a wire

continue working them in until a wire

continue working them in until a wire snake around the corners and pop out the

snake around the corners and pop out the

snake around the corners and pop out the other ends now if you can figure out how

other ends now if you can figure out how

other ends now if you can figure out how to tie a knot on the inside the cable

to tie a knot on the inside the cable

to tie a knot on the inside the cable won’t be able to pull back out

won’t be able to pull back out

won’t be able to pull back out accidentally and it’ll prevent the wires

accidentally and it’ll prevent the wires

accidentally and it’ll prevent the wires from splitting down any further so tie

from splitting down any further so tie

from splitting down any further so tie it off if you can figure out how to do

it off if you can figure out how to do

it off if you can figure out how to do it otherwise don’t worry too much about

it otherwise don’t worry too much about

it otherwise don’t worry too much about it all that’s left to do now is push the

it all that’s left to do now is push the

it all that’s left to do now is push the individual wires through the two

individual wires through the two

individual wires through the two remaining tubes and secure them to the

remaining tubes and secure them to the

remaining tubes and secure them to the end caps add a washer to the bolt inside

end caps add a washer to the bolt inside

end caps add a washer to the bolt inside the cap then slip the wire loop over the

the cap then slip the wire loop over the

the cap then slip the wire loop over the end of the bolt and push it down to the

end of the bolt and push it down to the

end of the bolt and push it down to the bottom add one more washer and a hex nut

bottom add one more washer and a hex nut

bottom add one more washer and a hex nut then use something like a pair of needle

then use something like a pair of needle

then use something like a pair of needle nose pliers help tighten the whole

nose pliers help tighten the whole

nose pliers help tighten the whole assembly together now simply push the

assembly together now simply push the

assembly together now simply push the end caps on the tubes as tightly as you

end caps on the tubes as tightly as you

end caps on the tubes as tightly as you can and just like that the frame for

can and just like that the frame for

can and just like that the frame for your wire saw is finished you could use

your wire saw is finished you could use

your wire saw is finished you could use it just like this but if you want to

it just like this but if you want to

it just like this but if you want to kick it up a notch try using a bit of

kick it up a notch try using a bit of

kick it up a notch try using a bit of duct tape to add a splash of color the

duct tape to add a splash of color the

duct tape to add a splash of color the only thing our hot wire foam cutter

only thing our hot wire foam cutter

only thing our hot wire foam cutter needs now is the hot wire and for that

needs now is the hot wire and for that

needs now is the hot wire and for that I’ll be using a one and a half inch

I’ll be using a one and a half inch

I’ll be using a one and a half inch extension spring and some stainless

extension spring and some stainless

extension spring and some stainless steel hanger wire which you’ll find in

steel hanger wire which you’ll find in

steel hanger wire which you’ll find in the hardware aisle I got a nine foot

the hardware aisle I got a nine foot

the hardware aisle I got a nine foot roll for a little under $4.00 which is

roll for a little under $4.00 which is

roll for a little under $4.00 which is way more than I’ll ever need and should

way more than I’ll ever need and should

way more than I’ll ever need and should last forever measure the wire so it’s a

last forever measure the wire so it’s a

last forever measure the wire so it’s a couple inches longer than the frame then

couple inches longer than the frame then

couple inches longer than the frame then go ahead and snip it to size and now

go ahead and snip it to size and now

go ahead and snip it to size and now here’s the cool part if you look closely

here’s the cool part if you look closely

here’s the cool part if you look closely you’ll notice the hanger wire is made of

you’ll notice the hanger wire is made of

you’ll notice the hanger wire is made of seven smaller wires twisted together so

seven smaller wires twisted together so

seven smaller wires twisted together so if we unravel them we end up with seven

if we unravel them we end up with seven

if we unravel them we end up with seven super thin stainless steel cutting wires

super thin stainless steel cutting wires

super thin stainless steel cutting wires and plenty more where they came from at

and plenty more where they came from at

and plenty more where they came from at this point go ahead and get the one and

this point go ahead and get the one and

this point go ahead and get the one and a half inch extension spring ready by

a half inch extension spring ready by

a half inch extension spring ready by connecting it to one of the eye bolts

connecting it to one of the eye bolts

connecting it to one of the eye bolts the easiest way to connect it is by

the easiest way to connect it is by

the easiest way to connect it is by pulling the hook open with a pair of

pulling the hook open with a pair of

pulling the hook open with a pair of pliers then looping it inside the bolt

pliers then looping it inside the bolt

pliers then looping it inside the bolt and letting go fasten one end of the

and letting go fasten one end of the

and letting go fasten one end of the steel wire to the bottom eye bolt by

steel wire to the bottom eye bolt by

steel wire to the bottom eye bolt by folding the wire back over itself and

folding the wire back over itself and

folding the wire back over itself and twisting it around a few times now loop

twisting it around a few times now loop

twisting it around a few times now loop the other end through the bottom of the

the other end through the bottom of the

the other end through the bottom of the spring but before you twist it off pull

spring but before you twist it off pull

spring but before you twist it off pull the wire firmly and stretch it out first

the wire firmly and stretch it out first

the wire firmly and stretch it out first this will spring load the wire with

this will spring load the wire with

this will spring load the wire with tension which is really important for

tension which is really important for

tension which is really important for keeping it tight when it expands and

keeping it tight when it expands and

keeping it tight when it expands and contracts rapidly with that final step

contracts rapidly with that final step

contracts rapidly with that final step the wire cutter is done except you might

the wire cutter is done except you might

the wire cutter is done except you might have noticed the wires still a bit wavy

have noticed the wires still a bit wavy

have noticed the wires still a bit wavy simply take a screw or the handle of a

simply take a screw or the handle of a

simply take a screw or the handle of a spoon and slide it back and forth a few

spoon and slide it back and forth a few

spoon and slide it back and forth a few times to make the ripples disappear now

times to make the ripples disappear now

times to make the ripples disappear now let’s do a quick and simple test to make

let’s do a quick and simple test to make

let’s do a quick and simple test to make sure everything got connected properly

sure everything got connected properly

sure everything got connected properly by touching the ends of

by touching the ends of

by touching the ends of wires to the terminals of the lantern

wires to the terminals of the lantern

wires to the terminals of the lantern battery if you did it right and your

battery if you did it right and your

battery if you did it right and your connections are solid the wire will heat

connections are solid the wire will heat

connections are solid the wire will heat up and sliced through styrofoam without

up and sliced through styrofoam without

up and sliced through styrofoam without any trouble at all okay now that we’ve

any trouble at all okay now that we’ve

any trouble at all okay now that we’ve got a wire cutting blade let’s go ahead

got a wire cutting blade let’s go ahead

got a wire cutting blade let’s go ahead and build the foam cutting factory I

and build the foam cutting factory I

and build the foam cutting factory I designed to go with it the first thing

designed to go with it the first thing

designed to go with it the first thing you’re going to need is half-inch

you’re going to need is half-inch

you’re going to need is half-inch medium-density fiberboard cut 18 inches

medium-density fiberboard cut 18 inches

medium-density fiberboard cut 18 inches square we’ll also need an 8-foot 2×4

square we’ll also need an 8-foot 2×4

square we’ll also need an 8-foot 2×4 which you can get for about $2 I’m using

which you can get for about $2 I’m using

which you can get for about $2 I’m using a chop saw to make quick and clean cuts

a chop saw to make quick and clean cuts

a chop saw to make quick and clean cuts but you can use whatever tools work best

but you can use whatever tools work best

but you can use whatever tools work best for you but in any case you’ll need to

for you but in any case you’ll need to

for you but in any case you’ll need to cut the first piece eighteen inches long

cut the first piece eighteen inches long

cut the first piece eighteen inches long then a 15 inch piece for the side

then a 15 inch piece for the side

then a 15 inch piece for the side another 15 inch piece for the bottom

another 15 inch piece for the bottom

another 15 inch piece for the bottom followed by an 11 and a half inch piece

followed by an 11 and a half inch piece

followed by an 11 and a half inch piece for the other side a 5 inch block fills

for the other side a 5 inch block fills

for the other side a 5 inch block fills the gap above that followed by a three

the gap above that followed by a three

the gap above that followed by a three and a half inch block on the bottom left

and a half inch block on the bottom left

and a half inch block on the bottom left then another three and a half inch block

then another three and a half inch block

then another three and a half inch block that’ll go inside on the bottom ride a

that’ll go inside on the bottom ride a

that’ll go inside on the bottom ride a little later on

little later on

little later on now that our 2×4 is cut mark a 10 inch

now that our 2×4 is cut mark a 10 inch

now that our 2×4 is cut mark a 10 inch line down the center of the MDF square

line down the center of the MDF square

line down the center of the MDF square use something like a chop saw to follow

use something like a chop saw to follow

use something like a chop saw to follow the line from the center of the marking

the line from the center of the marking

the line from the center of the marking right out the side you’ll see what this

right out the side you’ll see what this

right out the side you’ll see what this groove is for a little later on alright

groove is for a little later on alright

groove is for a little later on alright it’s time to secure the blocks together

it’s time to secure the blocks together

it’s time to secure the blocks together and for that I’m using 8 three-inch wood

and for that I’m using 8 three-inch wood

and for that I’m using 8 three-inch wood screws in an eighth inch drill bit start

screws in an eighth inch drill bit start

screws in an eighth inch drill bit start by lining all the blocks in position on

by lining all the blocks in position on

by lining all the blocks in position on the bottom of the board then use the 8

the bottom of the board then use the 8

the bottom of the board then use the 8 inch bit to drill pilot holes in the

inch bit to drill pilot holes in the

inch bit to drill pilot holes in the wood this way the wood won’t crack when

wood this way the wood won’t crack when

wood this way the wood won’t crack when you screw it together the blocks go

you screw it together the blocks go

you screw it together the blocks go together in three different segments and

together in three different segments and

together in three different segments and you should be able to figure out how to

you should be able to figure out how to

you should be able to figure out how to attach them by studying how I did mine

attach them by studying how I did mine

attach them by studying how I did mine before we go any further it’s a good

before we go any further it’s a good

before we go any further it’s a good idea to stop and hack a square hole out

idea to stop and hack a square hole out

idea to stop and hack a square hole out of the 15 inch sidewall to accommodate

of the 15 inch sidewall to accommodate

of the 15 inch sidewall to accommodate the dimmer switch we’ll be adding in

the dimmer switch we’ll be adding in

the dimmer switch we’ll be adding in just a minute

just a minute

just a minute I used a 3/8 inch bit to drill holes in

I used a 3/8 inch bit to drill holes in

I used a 3/8 inch bit to drill holes in the corners then connect the dots with a

the corners then connect the dots with a

the corners then connect the dots with a jig saw to cut the sides and pop the

jig saw to cut the sides and pop the

jig saw to cut the sides and pop the block out if you did it right your hole

block out if you did it right your hole

block out if you did it right your hole will be on the left side of the base

will be on the left side of the base

will be on the left side of the base when the 18 inch board is facing forward

when the 18 inch board is facing forward

when the 18 inch board is facing forward okay let’s move on to securing the work

okay let’s move on to securing the work

okay let’s move on to securing the work surface next we’ll need to drill pilot

surface next we’ll need to drill pilot

surface next we’ll need to drill pilot holes through the MDF like we did for

holes through the MDF like we did for

holes through the MDF like we did for the base frame and it’s a good idea to

the base frame and it’s a good idea to

the base frame and it’s a good idea to invest in a countersink bit so you can

invest in a countersink bit so you can

invest in a countersink bit so you can get the heads of the screws to drop

get the heads of the screws to drop

get the heads of the screws to drop below the surface I use 10 1 and 1/2

below the surface I use 10 1 and 1/2

below the surface I use 10 1 and 1/2 inch wood screws to hold the board to

inch wood screws to hold the board to

inch wood screws to hold the board to the two-by-fours and 2/3 inch wood

the two-by-fours and 2/3 inch wood

the two-by-fours and 2/3 inch wood screws in the upper right area to secure

screws in the upper right area to secure

screws in the upper right area to secure the three and a half inch reinforcing

the three and a half inch reinforcing

the three and a half inch reinforcing block to the underside of the table

block to the underside of the table

block to the underside of the table these are the measurements I used and

these are the measurements I used and

these are the measurements I used and it’s important you take time to measure

it’s important you take time to measure

it’s important you take time to measure in fasteners the same way because it’s

in fasteners the same way because it’s

in fasteners the same way because it’s all part of a master plan that’ll come

all part of a master plan that’ll come

all part of a master plan that’ll come too

too

too later on now just for fun I thought it

later on now just for fun I thought it

later on now just for fun I thought it would be a good idea to use my

would be a good idea to use my

would be a good idea to use my flush-mount router station to quickly

flush-mount router station to quickly

flush-mount router station to quickly clean up the edges a bit by rounding

clean up the edges a bit by rounding

clean up the edges a bit by rounding them out for just a little extra effort

them out for just a little extra effort

them out for just a little extra effort you can see what an amazing difference

you can see what an amazing difference

you can see what an amazing difference it makes and all I used was a half inch

it makes and all I used was a half inch

it makes and all I used was a half inch rounding bit if you want to see how I

rounding bit if you want to see how I

rounding bit if you want to see how I made this router station look for how to

made this router station look for how to

made this router station look for how to build it in another project video

build it in another project video

build it in another project video alright let’s make sure all the wood

alright let’s make sure all the wood

alright let’s make sure all the wood pieces fit together snugly on the

pieces fit together snugly on the

pieces fit together snugly on the underside then double check the base

underside then double check the base

underside then double check the base support assembly didn’t get screwed on

support assembly didn’t get screwed on

support assembly didn’t get screwed on that’s important we still have one thing

that’s important we still have one thing

that’s important we still have one thing left to do with the base of board and

left to do with the base of board and

left to do with the base of board and that’s to drill a 3/8 inch hole directly

that’s to drill a 3/8 inch hole directly

that’s to drill a 3/8 inch hole directly in the center and 5 inches from the

in the center and 5 inches from the

in the center and 5 inches from the bottom now just for looks I decided to

bottom now just for looks I decided to

bottom now just for looks I decided to spray-paint mine black so it would match

spray-paint mine black so it would match

spray-paint mine black so it would match my wire saw better but however you color

my wire saw better but however you color

my wire saw better but however you color yours is completely up to you the next

yours is completely up to you the next

yours is completely up to you the next step in assembling our foam cutting

step in assembling our foam cutting

step in assembling our foam cutting Factory is attaching the arm assembly to

Factory is attaching the arm assembly to

Factory is attaching the arm assembly to the support base stand the saw upright

the support base stand the saw upright

the support base stand the saw upright so it looks like the letter C and Center

so it looks like the letter C and Center

so it looks like the letter C and Center it in the middle of the board now if you

it in the middle of the board now if you

it in the middle of the board now if you push a pen through the hole in the back

push a pen through the hole in the back

push a pen through the hole in the back and Mark the tubing you can use your 3/8

and Mark the tubing you can use your 3/8

and Mark the tubing you can use your 3/8 inch drill bit to carefully cut a

inch drill bit to carefully cut a

inch drill bit to carefully cut a matching hole right through the tube

matching hole right through the tube

matching hole right through the tube make sure you don’t cut the wires inside

make sure you don’t cut the wires inside

make sure you don’t cut the wires inside and put something like a scrap piece of

and put something like a scrap piece of

and put something like a scrap piece of wood underneath so you don’t scratch up

wood underneath so you don’t scratch up

wood underneath so you don’t scratch up your table when the drill finally

your table when the drill finally

your table when the drill finally punches through let’s fasten the two

punches through let’s fasten the two

punches through let’s fasten the two parts together next using a 3/8 inch by

parts together next using a 3/8 inch by

parts together next using a 3/8 inch by three and a half inch hex bolt two 5/16

three and a half inch hex bolt two 5/16

three and a half inch hex bolt two 5/16 inch cut washers a 3/8 inch wing nut and

inch cut washers a 3/8 inch wing nut and

inch cut washers a 3/8 inch wing nut and two 5/16 inch tank bolt washers which

two 5/16 inch tank bolt washers which

two 5/16 inch tank bolt washers which you’ll find in the plumbing section the

you’ll find in the plumbing section the

you’ll find in the plumbing section the Bolton one washer go on the forward side

Bolton one washer go on the forward side

Bolton one washer go on the forward side of the tubing while the two tank washers

of the tubing while the two tank washers

of the tubing while the two tank washers go on the back and after inserting the

go on the back and after inserting the

go on the back and after inserting the bolt all the way through the hole in the

bolt all the way through the hole in the

bolt all the way through the hole in the support stand add one more washer and a

support stand add one more washer and a

support stand add one more washer and a wingnut to clamp the system together

wingnut to clamp the system together

wingnut to clamp the system together doing that simply needs to be screwed on

doing that simply needs to be screwed on

doing that simply needs to be screwed on hand tight with that final addition

hand tight with that final addition

hand tight with that final addition you’ve just completed a standalone

you’ve just completed a standalone

you’ve just completed a standalone cutting assembly that looks awesome and

cutting assembly that looks awesome and

cutting assembly that looks awesome and has a lot of really cool features the

has a lot of really cool features the

has a lot of really cool features the cutting arm is designed to pivot on the

cutting arm is designed to pivot on the

cutting arm is designed to pivot on the bolts you can adjust the angle of the

bolts you can adjust the angle of the

bolts you can adjust the angle of the blade any way you need it if that’s not

blade any way you need it if that’s not

blade any way you need it if that’s not enough you can release the wing nut and

enough you can release the wing nut and

enough you can release the wing nut and slide the whole assembly out to cut

slide the whole assembly out to cut

slide the whole assembly out to cut larger blocks free handed now to bring

larger blocks free handed now to bring

larger blocks free handed now to bring our styro-slicer’ to life we just need a

our styro-slicer’ to life we just need a

our styro-slicer’ to life we just need a way to safely electrify it and control

way to safely electrify it and control

way to safely electrify it and control the power so let’s finish up with the

the power so let’s finish up with the

the power so let’s finish up with the electrical system next I went to the

electrical system next I went to the

electrical system next I went to the hardware store and got a 600 watt dimmer

hardware store and got a 600 watt dimmer

hardware store and got a 600 watt dimmer switch that you can turn on or off just

switch that you can turn on or off just

switch that you can turn on or off just by pushing in we’re also going to need a

by pushing in we’re also going to need a

by pushing in we’re also going to need a 12 volt power transformer a 10

12 volt power transformer a 10

12 volt power transformer a 10 fuse and another six foot length of cord

fuse and another six foot length of cord

fuse and another six foot length of cord now if you have trouble finding a

now if you have trouble finding a

now if you have trouble finding a transformer or simply don’t want to

transformer or simply don’t want to

transformer or simply don’t want to shell out for one you’ll probably be

shell out for one you’ll probably be

shell out for one you’ll probably be able to salvage one for free by hacking

able to salvage one for free by hacking

able to salvage one for free by hacking open an old stereo and pulling one off

open an old stereo and pulling one off

open an old stereo and pulling one off the power supply that’s what I did for

the power supply that’s what I did for

the power supply that’s what I did for my first prototype and it works just as

my first prototype and it works just as

my first prototype and it works just as well the dimmer switch goes in position

well the dimmer switch goes in position

well the dimmer switch goes in position from the outside and gets secured into

from the outside and gets secured into

from the outside and gets secured into place with two one inch wood screws

place with two one inch wood screws

place with two one inch wood screws you’ll need a cover plate as well to

you’ll need a cover plate as well to

you’ll need a cover plate as well to make it look nice and what that screwed

make it look nice and what that screwed

make it look nice and what that screwed on replace the knob then flip the whole

on replace the knob then flip the whole

on replace the knob then flip the whole workstation over I decided to install my

workstation over I decided to install my

workstation over I decided to install my transformer about halfway down the side

transformer about halfway down the side

transformer about halfway down the side and use two more one inch screws to

and use two more one inch screws to

and use two more one inch screws to secure it as tightly against the top as

secure it as tightly against the top as

secure it as tightly against the top as I could get it and it helps if you

I could get it and it helps if you

I could get it and it helps if you position the side with the three wires

position the side with the three wires

position the side with the three wires facing down the 10 out fuse isn’t really

facing down the 10 out fuse isn’t really

facing down the 10 out fuse isn’t really necessary but it’s good practice to have

necessary but it’s good practice to have

necessary but it’s good practice to have in place just in case of a short so make

in place just in case of a short so make

in place just in case of a short so make sure it’s actually got a fuse inside

sure it’s actually got a fuse inside

sure it’s actually got a fuse inside then go ahead and connect everything

then go ahead and connect everything

then go ahead and connect everything together using the small wire nuts that

together using the small wire nuts that

together using the small wire nuts that came with the dimmer switch now to save

came with the dimmer switch now to save

came with the dimmer switch now to save time I went ahead and just wired

time I went ahead and just wired

time I went ahead and just wired everything together and after you do the

everything together and after you do the

everything together and after you do the same it should look something like this

same it should look something like this

same it should look something like this you can see the main power cord comes in

you can see the main power cord comes in

you can see the main power cord comes in from the outlet and connects to the 10

from the outlet and connects to the 10

from the outlet and connects to the 10 amp fuse first which then connects to

amp fuse first which then connects to

amp fuse first which then connects to the black wire on the dimmer switch next

the black wire on the dimmer switch next

the black wire on the dimmer switch next the red wire coming out of the dimmer

the red wire coming out of the dimmer

the red wire coming out of the dimmer switch connects to the black cord on the

switch connects to the black cord on the

switch connects to the black cord on the primary side of the transformer and the

primary side of the transformer and the

primary side of the transformer and the other black cord connects to the wire

other black cord connects to the wire

other black cord connects to the wire running back to the outlet now on the

running back to the outlet now on the

running back to the outlet now on the secondary side of the transformer you

secondary side of the transformer you

secondary side of the transformer you might have noticed two yellow wires and

might have noticed two yellow wires and

might have noticed two yellow wires and one black one the two yellow wires

one black one the two yellow wires

one black one the two yellow wires supply 12 volts and the black wires

supply 12 volts and the black wires

supply 12 volts and the black wires Center tap for half power

Center tap for half power

Center tap for half power this means that connecting them to a

this means that connecting them to a

this means that connecting them to a three-position switch will give us the

three-position switch will give us the

three-position switch will give us the option to cycle the system between zero

option to cycle the system between zero

option to cycle the system between zero volts six volts and 12 volts on demand

volts six volts and 12 volts on demand

volts six volts and 12 volts on demand now it doesn’t really matter which

now it doesn’t really matter which

now it doesn’t really matter which yellow wire you connect to the switch as

yellow wire you connect to the switch as

yellow wire you connect to the switch as long as it’s soldered to one side with

long as it’s soldered to one side with

long as it’s soldered to one side with the black wire soldered to the other the

the black wire soldered to the other the

the black wire soldered to the other the remaining yellow wire needs to be

remaining yellow wire needs to be

remaining yellow wire needs to be connected to the cord running to the hot

connected to the cord running to the hot

connected to the cord running to the hot wire assembly and the return wire

wire assembly and the return wire

wire assembly and the return wire connects back to the middle of the three

connects back to the middle of the three

connects back to the middle of the three position switch it sounds complicated

position switch it sounds complicated

position switch it sounds complicated but it’s really not that bad once you

but it’s really not that bad once you

but it’s really not that bad once you get into it now the two power cords are

get into it now the two power cords are

get into it now the two power cords are designed to feed out the back so they

designed to feed out the back so they

designed to feed out the back so they don’t get in the way one cord is for the

don’t get in the way one cord is for the

don’t get in the way one cord is for the supply power that gets plugged into any

supply power that gets plugged into any

supply power that gets plugged into any regular outlet and the other cord runs

regular outlet and the other cord runs

regular outlet and the other cord runs the regulated power to the cutter

the regulated power to the cutter

the regulated power to the cutter assembly at this point the styro-slicer’

assembly at this point the styro-slicer’

assembly at this point the styro-slicer’ is done and ready to use as soon as you

is done and ready to use as soon as you

is done and ready to use as soon as you are simply push the cutting arm into

are simply push the cutting arm into

are simply push the cutting arm into place with the wire in the center of the

place with the wire in the center of the

place with the wire in the center of the work surface then flip the red switch to

work surface then flip the red switch to

work surface then flip the red switch to the six bolt setting which I call normal

the six bolt setting which I call normal

the six bolt setting which I call normal power push the dimmer switch on then

power push the dimmer switch on then

power push the dimmer switch on then gently crank up the

gently crank up the

gently crank up the power and you’re in business if

power and you’re in business if

power and you’re in business if everything is working the way it should

everything is working the way it should

everything is working the way it should your wire will instantly heat up and you

your wire will instantly heat up and you

your wire will instantly heat up and you can start slicing through styrofoam

can start slicing through styrofoam

can start slicing through styrofoam right away making some of the smoothest

right away making some of the smoothest

right away making some of the smoothest and cleanest cuts you can imagine for

and cleanest cuts you can imagine for

and cleanest cuts you can imagine for one final touch I added a couple 1 inch

one final touch I added a couple 1 inch

one final touch I added a couple 1 inch screws to the inside of the base so we

screws to the inside of the base so we

screws to the inside of the base so we can store the rest of the hanger wire

can store the rest of the hanger wire

can store the rest of the hanger wire and secure to latch on the upper side of

and secure to latch on the upper side of

and secure to latch on the upper side of the support stand so the whole system

the support stand so the whole system

the support stand so the whole system locks together for quick and easy

locks together for quick and easy

locks together for quick and easy storage by the way there’s also a backup

storage by the way there’s also a backup

storage by the way there’s also a backup battery cable in there that’ll connect

battery cable in there that’ll connect

battery cable in there that’ll connect the system to solar or battery power

the system to solar or battery power

the system to solar or battery power which makes the whole system portable

which makes the whole system portable

which makes the whole system portable and off the grid well now you know how

and off the grid well now you know how

and off the grid well now you know how to rise up and become a master styrofoam

to rise up and become a master styrofoam

to rise up and become a master styrofoam maker by building yourself a homemade

maker by building yourself a homemade

maker by building yourself a homemade styro-slicer’ it gives you precision

styro-slicer’ it gives you precision

styro-slicer’ it gives you precision control for cutting custom props like a

control for cutting custom props like a

control for cutting custom props like a mini master sword or slicing out

mini master sword or slicing out

mini master sword or slicing out something more intricate like a squadron

something more intricate like a squadron

something more intricate like a squadron of 3d fighter jets look for how to make

of 3d fighter jets look for how to make

of 3d fighter jets look for how to make these in another video well that’s it

these in another video well that’s it

these in another video well that’s it for now if you like this project perhaps

for now if you like this project perhaps

for now if you like this project perhaps you’ll like some of my others check them

you’ll like some of my others check them

you’ll like some of my others check them out at the king of random calm hey guys

out at the king of random calm hey guys

out at the king of random calm hey guys thanks for watching to the end

thanks for watching to the end

thanks for watching to the end I love the styro-slicer’ and if you

I love the styro-slicer’ and if you

I love the styro-slicer’ and if you build one yourself I’m confident you’re

build one yourself I’m confident you’re

build one yourself I’m confident you’re gonna love yours as well this project

gonna love yours as well this project

gonna love yours as well this project was sponsored by audible.com which is an

was sponsored by audible.com which is an

was sponsored by audible.com which is an Amazon company sporting the world’s

Amazon company sporting the world’s

Amazon company sporting the world’s largest selection of premium audio books

largest selection of premium audio books

largest selection of premium audio books audible promotes learning and

audible promotes learning and

audible promotes learning and progression through the spoken word and

progression through the spoken word and

progression through the spoken word and they have over 180,000 different titles

they have over 180,000 different titles

they have over 180,000 different titles so you’re gonna come across a lot of

so you’re gonna come across a lot of

so you’re gonna come across a lot of different books you really like try

different books you really like try

different books you really like try downloading an audio book to your iPhone

downloading an audio book to your iPhone

downloading an audio book to your iPhone iPad Kindle mp3 player computer or

iPad Kindle mp3 player computer or

iPad Kindle mp3 player computer or whatever else you used to play mp3s and

whatever else you used to play mp3s and

whatever else you used to play mp3s and you’ll instantly have a professional

you’ll instantly have a professional

you’ll instantly have a professional voice talent reading your favorite

voice talent reading your favorite

voice talent reading your favorite stories to you that means that rather

stories to you that means that rather

stories to you that means that rather than being bored on your daily commutes

than being bored on your daily commutes

than being bored on your daily commutes to work you can study the seven Habits

to work you can study the seven Habits

to work you can study the seven Habits of Highly Effective People instead or

of Highly Effective People instead or

of Highly Effective People instead or follow a fictional astronaut stranded on

follow a fictional astronaut stranded on

follow a fictional astronaut stranded on Mars and discover how he uses science to

Mars and discover how he uses science to

Mars and discover how he uses science to hack his way safely back to earth with

hack his way safely back to earth with

hack his way safely back to earth with audibles great listing guarantee you can

audibles great listing guarantee you can

audibles great listing guarantee you can easily exchange a book you’re not happy

easily exchange a book you’re not happy

easily exchange a book you’re not happy with for a different title any time you

with for a different title any time you

with for a different title any time you want with no questions asked there’s no

want with no questions asked there’s no

want with no questions asked there’s no shipping and no waiting so you’ll be

shipping and no waiting so you’ll be

shipping and no waiting so you’ll be listening to books like Star Wars The

listening to books like Star Wars The

listening to books like Star Wars The Force awakens in as little as five

Force awakens in as little as five

Force awakens in as little as five minutes try audible with a 30 day free

minutes try audible with a 30 day free

minutes try audible with a 30 day free trial and download your first audiobook

trial and download your first audiobook

trial and download your first audiobook for free right now at audible.com slash

for free right now at audible.com slash

for free right now at audible.com slash the king of random and please make sure

the king of random and please make sure

the king of random and please make sure you use audible.com/anna me cuz it lets

you use audible.com/anna me cuz it lets

you use audible.com/anna me cuz it lets them know you came from my video and

them know you came from my video and

them know you came from my video and that helps a lot thanks again for

that helps a lot thanks again for

that helps a lot thanks again for supporting and sharing my projects and

supporting and sharing my projects and

supporting and sharing my projects and I’ll see you in the next project video

I’ll see you in the next project video

I’ll see you in the next project video talk to you then

talk to you then

talk to you then [Music]