djdavies83's blog View Details
Archive for August, 2010
Posted by djdavies83 | Aug 20, 2010 @ 04:19 AM | 59,938 Views
A few months ago I threw a wire cuttter together to test out the ideas and information I had gathered on the subject.

Here is my first version


It worked better than I expected but I had to dismantled it for a number of reasons, here are the main two, It was not insulated and so it was unsafe and the dimmer switch had to go back on the wall before the girlfriend realised I borrowed it.

When doing a yard run at work I found an electric junction box that was discarded by builders refitting a shop, This box was the perfect size to house the guts of my wire cutter.

Here is a basic how to guide on building a simple hot wire cutter from parts that are easy to get from most D.I.Y. stores.


DISCLAIMER although most people in these threads will know what they are doing I would say that if your not confident with electrics and HIGH voltage this is not a project for you, I will not be held liable for any loss, damage, injury or death how ever so caused.

Step 1. Gather your parts.
  • Coat hanger or similar bow shape
  • Ni-Chrome resistance wire 26SWG
  • Terminal blcoks
  • Low voltage (12V 5amp/60VA) lighting transformer
  • 1G dimmer switch (prefferably push on/off)
  • Switch (optional)
  • 1.5mm or higher main cable and plug
  • Project box to house it all in

Step 2. Prepair parts.

Remove the dimmer unit from its facepalce and make holes in the project box

do this by pulling the knob off the front and unscrewing a nut behind it, the size and location of the holes in the box will vary...Continue Reading