Computer PSU to make a hot wire cutter ?

[Frank]

I want to make a hot wire cutter to cut forms out of polystyrene or
styrafoam. Can I cut off the molex plug from the end of one of the power
leads of a PSU & use a black wire/ground and either the orange/3.3v or
red/5V wire ? I have an old 250Watt unit lying about that I thought I could
use. If anyone has done this please give me a few tips

thanks

 

[mike]

I want to make a hot wire cutter to cut forms out of polystyrene or
styrafoam. Can I cut off the molex plug from the end of one of the power
leads of a PSU & use a black wire/ground and either the orange/3.3v or
red/5V wire ? I have an old 250Watt unit lying about that I thought I could
use. If anyone has done this please give me a few tips

thanks

I'd use the 5V winding cause everything else is probably regulated
from that.

I would put a LOT of thought into the vent hood you will use to catch
all the fumes so you don't get dead. Make SURE you know EXACTLY what
you're cutting and the toxicity of the fumes produced.
mike

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[Frank]

I want to make a hot wire cutter to cut forms out of polystyrene or
styrafoam. Can I cut off the molex plug from the end of one of the power
leads of a PSU & use a black wire/ground and either the orange/3.3v or
red/5V wire ? I have an old 250Watt unit lying about that I thought I could
use. If anyone has done this please give me a few tips

I have a old (no longer used) cell phone charger & power supply that
converts AC (120V) to DC(8.4V). Cuting the connector off the end exposes a
red & a black wire. Maybe I can rig this up - any idea how to figure what
guage & length of wire to use ?

 

[James Sweet]

I have a old (no longer used) cell phone charger & power supply that
converts AC (120V) to DC(8.4V). Cuting the connector off the end exposes a
red & a black wire. Maybe I can rig this up - any idea how to figure what
guage & length of wire to use ?

What's the current rating? THe charger is probably not enough. Try using the
5v output of a PC power supply as someone else suggested.