How to Build a $200 USB Hot Wire CNC Foam Cutter - Part 1

#usbfoamcutter #grbl #freesoftware
Would you like to build your own hot wire CNC foam cutter using 3d printer electronics parts for $200? Here is the first video in a 4 part series with a new eBook, Plans, Parts and Cutting List.

It's a full step-by-step build series from start to finish. Cutting your first foam wing at the end.

The free eBook also includes details on how to build the parallel port version, if you want to use Mach3 or Linux CNC

It uses inexpensive 3d printer electronics and parts easily found in your local DIY store.

I use it to make RC wings and fuselages but it can be used to make many other foam projects.

Part 1 is the introduction gives a brief overview of this step-by-step series to build your own CNC foam cutter

Part 2 is the electronics build and configuration

Part 3 is the mechanical build

Part 4 is the video showing wiring, axis checks, calibration checks and making our first test cut. The last section shows software you can use to generate G-code for your wing

Full details including eBook and Plans

[JustinTyme]

Outstanding!!! Thank you for taking the time to put this package together. Cheers

[vasili]

That's cool Keith, I think a shed is in order ... I doubt the mrs would but up with it on the kitchen table

[KenzoAkihiro]

what I can appreciate, each axis is independent right? being able to make many types of cuts, good work!

[thomasnewton]

Thanks. I wanted a good project. I used to cut foam wings with a lever drop weight machine. I've been wanting to get back to building model airplanes. It was a lot of fun twenty years ago.

[AlejandroAlcantara]

Thanks for this video man, I have always wanted to build my own to start cutting planes out of foam!

[parkflyer]

Fantastic!
Starting mine this week. July 2020. I will certainly let you know how I get on!

[Penelope]

Hi Keith,
I’m new at this and just starting to gather info from your videos to build a CNC foam printer. Are these the most updated videos you have to complete my build?

[Steven-wizd]

Hi Keith,
I have watched your introductory video and straight up I would have to thank you for all the work you have put in and of cause made it available to all . I am new to all of this cnc, i have made foam wings (badly) with a hot wire bow and will continue to. but this project looks too good to pass up. i don't have much experience with computer software, arduino and the like but it seems you give step by step instructions to go on with. So here is the first thing I must find out before I go too far down the rabbit hole, I use a mac computer, the software you use is for windows. A quick google search tells me that a "slicer"progam is used in 3d printing and of cause they can be obtained free for mac. Are my observations right so far and if i use a different brand of software will I still be able to follow your instructions to complete a working foam cutter
Steven

[spitfire]

I have had a foam board needle cutter CNC (TimSav) for a few years and it works great but I am now looking for something similar to cut foam and really like your design as it uses a lot of the same electronics as the TimSav. I would prefer though to have the frame use extruded aluminum and 3dprinted parts rather than MDF. I will look through your builders galley but if I find one how do I contact the builder for details of their design?

[carlarogerio]

Parabéns!!!! Pelo trabalho e por compartilhar...

[davitkhachatryan]

Thanks for interesting Video.
But Do You know other free software ?
And what version is DevFoam do You use ?

[antonl]

Great build! Does it have to be moisture resistant MDF?

[charlieahr]

Hi great tutorial, how is the G-code generated ? Cheers!

[danieldsch]

Hi Keith, I was watching your videos and I will try to build your wing cutter. I will use Mach 3 since I have a CNC also self made, but with 3 axes, the idea is to open a new profile with 4 axes. If you have time you can see my machine wich I build to cut the ribs of the airplanes, in my site of you tube, saludos from Argentina.

[johnrichardson]

what would you say the total cost of this would be?

[kekocan]

Is the cnc also able to cut insulation foam?

[kevinbeck]

Hi, this might be abit of an idiot question.... can this machine cut out simple letters for cheap interior signage