Hi, I am new here. I just got finished doing a search for the title of my post and read through the dozen posts that were presented. I want to build a 4 axis hot wire foam cnc machine, but I am not entirely sure where to start. I am sure I could purchase and assemble a framework for the machine and I could even design and 3D print any specialized pieces I think I might need. The problem is I do not have a very good understanding of the following: 1. I assume for this machine everything drawn would be in 2D, correct? 2. I am familiar with slicers for 3D printing but have zero idea of how a piece of software is used to prep something I will cut out. I am not even sure what software that would be. 3. I do not know anything about the controller software for the machine itself nor do I understand how it interfaces with whatever software I am supposed to use to draw an item to be cut. 4. I see people using machines like these to cut out a variety of complex shapes, but I cannot wrap my head around how it works probably because I am so used to how 3D printers or regular cnc carving machines work. I could use some help here. I suppose if I got enough information about the four items above, I'd probably feel a lot more educated and comfortable with this so if any of you would like to help educate me, I would be grateful. JSM
I'd be open to learning about this as well. Once you get beyond the DIY handheld units or maybe the "bandsaw" style 2-axis manual or [maybe] CNC ones, hot wires kinda confuse me. I know they're capable of some absurd stuff, though. Only thing I know is: ...Isn't necessarily the case, since many hot wires are multi-axis and can therefore cut bevels/drafts/etc and would likely need to be from a 3D model. I suppose the CAM software would figure out where the ends of the wire (which I think are usually independently controlled) would need to be based on the position of the workpiece and dimensions of the machine. Which I suppose addresses this: CAM - Computer Aided Manufacturing - is the module, or separate software package in some cases, that takes your 3D model and allows you to build a sequence of machining operations from a library of operation types and tool specifications. It's a fair bit more manual than print slicing, though the side window with the printing parameters is kinda similar to the tool library window (in Fusion 360, at least) where all your stock-to-leave and radial offsets and everything else options are in there for each operation. How that translates to hot wire though, I'm not sure.
What you both want to do is look at RCKeith on Youtube who does in depth videos on making and using hotwire cutters. I have helped him with his post processor and it works well, but the dedicated (airplane focused) foam software is much better than messing with Fusion for that job. https://www.youtube.com/c/khowlette/videos
Once upon a time, in between religiously reading RCM&E, I borrowed David Boddington's Building and Flying Radio Controlled Model Aircraft from the library for *months* and read it cover-to-cover many times- probably one of the most significant experiences of my "pre-maker" journey. Which is to say... @rcKeith seems super cool! I skimmed through the update v5.01 video, which definitely explained some things, and illuminated some interesting possibilities. Should be perfect for OP.
