Hi there, We are close to cut electric boxes and utility lines in our ICF wall. Some of the hot knifes I've looked up are extremely expensive. Any recommendations where to look for and what exactly would make sense to buy? We are Owner Builders and need it for our project only, but at the same time it should be a quality tool to make the job easy. Thanks.

Use a cheap electric chainsaw to cut the foam for the lines and if you are really good, you can cut the box out with it too.
We usually just put a template guide on a router and make a plywood pattern for the boxes. It's a little messy with the beads flying around but quicker and cheaper then a hot knife.

Just buy a cheap electric chainsaw for making the electrical chases, and just use a drywall saw to cut out the boxes. The foam bits create a bit of a mess, but fast and cheap.

I have pictures on my blog of the elect. install.....http://kasshabog.blogspot.ca/   look at the pics from Feb 20

I got my hot knife from Wind-Lock.com. They have lots of tools and goodies for ICF construction.

Thanks guys. We've done the chain saw in the past when we did openings before the concrete pour. Now we really would like to try the cleaner solution without flying foam bits. I've called Wind-Lock directly, we know some of their products already. How much did you pay ICF Hybrid? I've called their local distributor to find out the price but wasn't called back yet. Wind-Lock isn't cheap as I've experienced in the past. I've checked out Amazon and found that: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wire-Foam-Factory-Industrial/dp/B00AB3ZEC0/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1421879253&sr=1-4#productDetails . Looks like a good kit to me and less expensive than the others I've found. Any comments?

If not in a rush using a hot knife is the way to go. Clean and precise. Plus they can be used to bevel EPS to make all type of shapes in case you need to trim windows with EPS.

Chainsaws are fast but create quite a mess.

Does anyone rent a hot knife? Maybe Home Depot or Lowes?

Posted By Rafi on 21 Jan 2015 08:21 PM
Thanks guys. We've done the chain saw in the past when we did openings before the concrete pour. Now we really would like to try the cleaner solution without flying foam bits. I've called Wind-Lock directly, we know some of their products already. How much did you pay ICF Hybrid? I've called their local distributor to find out the price but wasn't called back yet. Wind-Lock isn't cheap as I've experienced in the past. I've checked out Amazon and found that: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Wire-Foam-Factory-Industrial/dp/B00AB3ZEC0/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1421879253&sr=1-4#productDetails . Looks like a good kit to me and less expensive than the others I've found. Any comments?

I sent you a PM.

Thank you all. I've just ordered the kit on Amazon - we kind of need it really quick. Will let you know how it worked. Btw... renting most of the smaller tools for 2 days is often as expensive as buying it yourself. I prefer buying then.

Dmaceld, thanks for your PM. I received it and read it. My computer settings for some reasons don't allow me to send PM's in this forum. But thanks again.

You can also use a soldering iron for the electrical boxes. Put a tip on with a loop shape and you can carve out the openings for boxes. Maybe not as neat of a job as a hot knife, but a lot less expensive and the openings can always be filled with some low-e foam.

If you don't have a chainsaw, you can also use a skill saw for the wiring channels. Put an old blade in and bend a few teeth in opposing directions to create a wider cut. Works great and you can set your depth easily.

How much did you pay ICF Hybrid?

I got a Super Groover. It's on a wearable nylon belt with velcro closures. Extra knives, bag, yadda yadda yadda, can't exactly remember, but it seems that with freight and all it came to nearly $500.

I know I'm a little late but I looked at buying one but the pricing was ridiculous so i settled on using a $10 electric charcoal starter. Worked awesome.