Proxxon Thermocut 115/E Auto-CAD Hot Wire Foam Cutter with Large Table – Precision Cutting Tool for Styrofoam, Model Making & Crafts 37080

I recently acquired the Proxxon 37080 Hot Wire Cutter, and I am absolutely thrilled with its performance and versatility. This tool has proven to be an invaluable addition to my workshop, and here's why: First and foremost, the precision of the Proxxon 37080 Hot Wire Cutter is simply outstanding. Whether I'm working on intricate foam cutting projects or crafting detailed architectural models, this tool consistently delivers clean, smooth cuts with razor-sharp accuracy. The adjustable temperature control allows me to customize the cutting temperature based on the material, ensuring optimal results every time. One of the standout features of this hot wire cutter is its build quality. Proxxon is known for its commitment to craftsmanship, and it's evident in this tool. It feels solid and durable, designed to withstand continuous use without any signs of wear or degradation in performance. The ergonomic handle ensures comfortable operation during extended work sessions. The convenience of the Proxxon 37080 Hot Wire Cutter is another major plus. It heats up quickly, saving valuable time in my projects. Plus, the included set of wires and accessories cover a wide range of cutting needs, making it suitable for various materials, from foam and polystyrene to synthetic materials. The Proxxon 37080 Hot Wire Cutter has elevated my crafting and modeling projects to a whole new level. Its precision, durability, and ease of use make it a must-have tool for hobbyists, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals alike. I wholeheartedly recommend the Proxxon 37080 Hot Wire Cutter to anyone looking to achieve precise, professional-grade cuts in their creative endeavors. It's a game-changer that has earned a permanent place in my workshop.

UPDATE: I bought this device 5 years ago. During a recent relocation, it appears to have been damaged (motherboard not working). I had little hope of making it work again for a reasonable price. I wrote to Proxxon realizing there's no way it's still under warranty, but asking if I could please purchase just the circuit board. They were SO helpful. They didn't have the board in stock, but offered me the entire control module (hidden underneath the bed) for the same price as the circuit board. This includes a huge transformer and wiring harnesses, etc. The price was very reasonable as was the shipping charge. As if that's not enough, when I forgot to phone in my payment info for a couple days (work distractions), their staff emailed and called me to remind me that it was packed and ready to ship if I would just phone them with CC info. I was very very pleased. =================================================================== I want to say up front that cutting foam with a hot wire is not as simple a proposition as it might appear. There is a learning curve. You will break the wire occasionally. You will learn when to use higher temps and when not to, etc. Having said that, this device really helps you do as good a job as your skill level will allow. It functions much like a table saw and is solidly built with quality materials. It comes with a spool full of wire. I'm not sure I will ever exhaust the entire spool (I only use this machine for about 10 cuts / years). I would highly recommend this to people who intend to frequently cut complex shapes and bevels from Foamular or other foams materials -- demanding hobbyists, budding professionals. If you are a foam-cutting specialist in a busy shop and all you do is cut foam all day -- maybe look for a heavier-duty machine. But if you are a frequent user and cutting is perhaps 20% or 50% of your time, and you are cutting combinations of straight, curve, and bevel cuts, then this machine is a great place for you to start. Best wishes.

Actually much better than I expected. Fantastic, really! Works just like the YouTube videos show. But beware ... Instruction manual is not so good at explaining setup proceedures. I thought I had assembled mine exactly as the instructions stated, but the wire wouldn't heat up. Hmmm... Looked underneath and there was a red wire with one end not connected to anything! Instructions said only to, "Fasten the cable 2 to the overarm with screw 3," shown in Figure 1. The real machine does not have the hookup as shown in the illustration nor was there a screw included as is shown. After much frustration, I noticed a tooled screw hole on the very end of the underside of the arm. I happened to have a small electrical screw that fit perfectly in the hole. I clamped the red wire with my screw into the tooled hole on the end of the arm... worked perfectly! If yours came without this screw, you may have to contact technical support, which is also great, by the way. The wire heats up instantly. I use mine for cutting styrofoam for shipping. Make fast work out of the biggest or smallest job. Before, it was like a major snow storm in my shop when I had to cut shipping material. Now... how many ways can I say how great this machine is! Intricate cuts? No problem. It's accurate and fast. The guide does an amazing job for straight cuts. Oh, I also had problems attaching the guide. The manual doesn't tell you, but you need to take the center thumb screw completely out, slip it into the guide into the groove along the table, then screw down the thumbscrew. I wish the manual was a little more detailed, but the machine is A-1. I hope this helps anyone who is thinking about returning unit (as I did) because they couldn't get it to work.

Easy to set up and use, this cutter is almost perfect. Thin wire makes a fine cut in styrofoam. Also works well on thin PETG or polypropylene sheets and tubes (have patience and be ready to snap your pieces apart with pliers, though, as the melted plastic tends to seal the cut back up behind the wire). Only complaint is that the wire does not hook on at the top. It comes from a spool, so pulling the wire up from below, through a pilot hole in your foam, isn't an option. That would make it easier to cut interior openings. You can still do it, by feeding the wire down from above through a pilot hole, into the hole on the table (then turning the clamping knob, to lock it in). But that's just not as easy up-from-below. I suppose one could put a hook on the arm and an eye at the end of the wire, or something. Just wish it had been made that way in the first place. Included t-square works well, both as a sliding guide and a fence. Handy chart on the side gives you a good first guess as to how hot to make the wire for a given thickness of foam, but you'll probably just go with your gut most of the time (and your gut will give you pretty good guidance). A good tool.

I recently got involved in a tabletop terrain hobby making structures out of foam to use with role playing games (see an example mostly cut with the Proxxon attached). Working with foam was brand new to me, and after working exclusively with a hobby knife, I decided to upgrade to the Proxxon cutter. Using this wire cutter was truly like night and day compared to cutting by hand. - Here's a quick summary: Pros: - Sturdy overall construction and flat table. - Adjustable wire temperature allows you to cut thin and really thick foam (max about 5.5") quickly. - The depth of the throat and table size is very good - solid professional feel. - Easy to adjust wire for cutting angles - Cons - Not many, but I'd say the fence is too short and it would be really nice if it clamped on both ends as the free end will deflect if you aren't careful. I've found that many people build their own simple higher fence for cutting tall pieces (see photo attached). This is a simple upgrade which makes the tool far easier to use. Additionally, I would have loved the option to order a table with English units instead of Metric, but I can't really hold that against them when basically the whole world uses Metric! If the Proxxon had a better fence, it would definitely be a 5 star item - with that said it's still well worth it and invaluable if you need to quickly, cleanly cut foam.

I’m impressed by the multitude of different ways you can use this to cut foam. From paper thin to larger pieces. Definitely worth the investment. I’m disappointed in the fence provided, very sloppy - not high enough, and it will need something better. I wish the arm clearance was longer and a bit higher, however it will just take a bit of getting used to working around that. All in all, worthwhile investment to make if you’re going to be building villages and diaramas.

After seeing it recommended by numerous crafters I follow, I decided to invest in the Proxxon wire cutter for my crafting and DnD terrain projects, and I must say, it lives up to the hype. This wire cutter provides precise cuts, ensuring everything perfectly lines up in my builds. Whether I'm working on intricate details or larger pieces, the Proxxon wire cutter delivers consistent results with ease. Setting up the wire cutter is a breeze, and the instructions are straightforward, making it accessible for beginners and experienced crafters alike. I appreciate the user-friendly design that allows me to focus on my projects without getting bogged down in complicated setup processes. However, the only downside I've encountered is that the guide rail is a bit small for some of my projects. While it's not a deal-breaker, it requires additional maneuvering to accommodate larger pieces. Overall, the Proxxon wire cutter is a valuable addition to my crafting toolkit. Its precision, ease of use, and straightforward instructions make it a standout choice for anyone looking to elevate their crafting game.

I'm an amateur when it comes to using both hot wire cutters and any kind of table-based tool. But even the simple no-skill things you can get done with the Proxxon are amazing. I primarily use mine to shape and mill xps insulation foam for use in tabletop rpg and wargaming scenery. I can mass produce bricks at a consistent size, cut sheets of foam to the right width, cut fairly convincingly round circles, and more. The biggest downside I'll give it is the included fence/guide. It works, but it is very short and needs some kind of way to secure it on the far side or it'll wobble making for uneven cuts. Some folks produce mdf kits to build better guides but everything I could find involved hefty international shipping so I made my own. It's not pretty, but I've been getting by. All in all, this is an excellent tool. Even an amateur like me is getting a fair bit of mileage out of it. Highly recommend!