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2 QC Hot Knife from Wind-lock
http://www.wind-lock.com/DSN/wwwwindlockcom/Content/PDF/ICF/QCHotKnife.pdf
& compared it with Demand SIP groove tool
http://www.demandproducts.com/sipgroovetool.php
Cant seemed to find any info if users like the sip groove too any better.

Thanks.

Chris.<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]-->

Chris - I have both products. The Wind-lock did not hold up all too well. There is a small metal piece that holds the wire in place as the thumb screw is tightened down on it. That part seemed brittle and snapped in two. Now, I must use small vise grips to hold one side of the wire on. I used this one for 4-1/2" and 6-1/2" SIP panels. Although it is adjustable by changing the wire, I don't prefer it. It takes too long to route out foam because it has to pause, heat up again, move, pause, heat up again etc. etc. Seems a bit Mickey Mouse like. No offense Mickey...

The Demand Products tool works great, but takes up more space in the tool kit and is not adjustable. It's my preference. Wish mine had the handles...

Some enterprising individual should invent a combination of the Demand Products and Wind-Lock cutters. The bulk of the Demand product elements and adjustable sizing like the Wind-Lock. HEY! I just did!

Hope this helps.

John

Our SIPs do not require any "routing out" openings are simply picture framed, in the rare event that we need some foam removed,we use the $10.95 walmart electric charcol lighter

Hi John, i have seen a couple of posts on the Wind-lock not being up to the job. Even though its more versatile tool, i have read to many not so good reports on this one. Glad to hear the other one works for you.

Chris! Do like an Innovative worker that come up with a good alternative at a 10th of the price of other makes. Did you find that you had to work quick with the extra heat? LOL

Yeah. That charcoal lighter looks like it would melt some foam alright. However, it's the difference between whittling a branch into a fine piece of art, say a hummingbird, and the choice of tools are a razor sharp pen knife or a chainsaw. hehehe (Could not resist that one).

Also, the purpose built foam knives are adjustable for depth for a tight fit of the let in lumber. hahaha

I use RTA SIP packages and typically never need the foam knife. HOWEVER! When a site modification is necessary, the foam knife is there and produces an acceptable cut in short time. That forklift o the other side of the house is one expensive thing to sit idle...

It burns thru quick at first , but will quickly slow to a manageable  pace

Chris - That was meant with complete humor. No offense intended.

John;

I took no offense,  I have seen guys take a chainsaw to OSB panels and they thought they did a good job

I have a Linearlink chain saw conversion kit on a 7-1/4" Craftsman worm drive. As long as we let the chain do the cutting it does a pretty decent job.

I have seen guys use an electric chain saw. They normally have a thinner blade with smaller teeth than a gas saw.
End cut out looks great.

Have a great holiday season!