When your project requires a clean cut every time, a hot knife is the best way to get the job done. The warm blade of a hot cutter is used to cut webbing, ropes, tape, cord, zippers, film and hose. Hot knives are especially useful when cutting foam because they make a neat cut that can't be duplicated with any other type of knife or saw.
Because hot knife cutters are so versatile, they are used by everyone from hobbyists at home to workers in factories. There are many types of hot knives available from hot knife suppliers, and they typically fall into three basic categories:
1. Handheld hot knives;
2. Manual tabletop hot knives;
3. Or large automatic electric hot knives.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Purchase handheld hot knives
Lightweight handheld hot knives are great for small jobs and popular with craft enthusiasts. They are great for cutting foam, crafts, ropes, fabrics and plastics.
I recommend: Demand Products sells a wide variety of handheld hot knives, hot knife blades and hot knife kits.
TL Marshall Company offers a large selection of some of the most popular handheld hot cutter knives.
Buy a manual tabletop hot wire knife
Whether you are a craft enthusiast or a company looking to add this piece of equipment to your production line, a manual tabletop hot wire foam cutter will help you complete most large jobs. These hot knives don't have all the bells and whistles that automatic hot knives have, but in most cases, they will serve your needs.
I recommend: Nova Tech International specializes in making hot knives and hot knife cutting equipment. The company even offers warranties for its products and stocks spare parts.
Hotwire Direct makes and markets a wide range of foam cutting machines for businesses. The company's website offers hot knife supplies and products, including a hot wire tabletop cutter.
Get an automatic electric hot knife
Automatic electric hot knives can do it all. These industrial hot knives can measure, cut and seal at the same time. They make it fast and easy for you to cut a variety of materials and are best for heavy-duty use.
I recommend: John Howard Company offers a selection of hot and cold automatic cutting machines. The company also sells hot hole punches that can punch and seal a hole in one step. If you are looking for a large, heavy-duty hot wire foam cutter, check out
Tekoa. For more than two decades, the company has been in business as an industrial design, manufacturing and engineering firm.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Before you purchase any hot knife or hot wire foam cutter, be sure to check the company's return policy. You may have to pay to ship the product back or even pay a restocking fee.
The official source of Hot Knives is the Hot Knives page at Business.com