Can any one recommend an electric foam scoop for removing polystyrene? We have been using ni-chrome hot knives but they are expensive & unreliable. I have come across the L&H Foam Scoop but, is it any good & what other options are there? An issue is that our single phase supply voltage is 220/240V. I would prefer not to have to pay for a step-down transformer. Thanks in advance.

Posted By aussie sips on 05 Jun 2016 01:38 AM
Can any one recommend an electric foam scoop for removing polystyrene? We have been using ni-chrome hot knives but they are expensive & unreliable. I have come across the L&H Foam Scoop but, is it any good & what other options are there? An issue is that our single phase supply voltage is 220/240V. I would prefer not to have to pay for a step-down transformer. Thanks in advance.

we use a $9.95 electric charcoal lighter from Lowes, also available at Home Depot or most hardware stores

Thanks Chris...how easy is it to bend the element to cut a different width or shape?

I've read that the toxic flame retardent in the foam is pretty well locked in and doesn't leach or evaporate, unless you heat it. That reduced my enthusiasm for hot wire and related cutting approaches.

Posted By aussie sips on 05 Jun 2016 04:47 PM
Thanks Chris...how easy is it to bend the element to cut a different width or shape?

I don't believe it is bendable, it is a calrod , I think it would break if you tried to alter the shape
However, it gets red hot and carves out the foam in a hurry, you can get tight to the corners by simply turning parallel